SHORT AGAIN MARCHES INTO SIMONS BAR DECIDER

Peter Farrell

There was some fine action on offer at Thurles Greyhound Stadium on Thursday night as the semi finals of the Simons Bar, Clonoulty A2 525 took centre stage and it was Short Again that went quickest ahead on next week’s valuable decider.

Proving to be a very competitive stake, the semi finals looked wide-open on paper and Short Again, who chased home Splendid Fellow last Saturday, went one better this time around in the second semi. Owned by Thomas Spillane, the son of Laughil Blake and Leamaneigh Breda was on-song from the outset as he raced into a commanding lead from trap one. In doing so, it was always going to take something special to reel in the experienced black and he duly maintained a brilliant gallop to score by three lengths from Highview Ben in second. The time was 29.15 as Canya Mags secured the final qualifying position in third.

In the opening semi final, Cabra Keiser took charge rounding the opener and never looked back thereafter. Owned by Paddy Scally, the classy brindle knows exactly how to win and he showed fine early dash from trap one to lead early doors. Chased by Splendid Fellow, who was improving into second, the bird had already flown as Cabra Keiser, a son of Cabra Firmino and Cabra Blitz, crossed the line with two lengths to spare in 29.22. Crescent Emily claimed the final qualifying position.

MAURICE RYAN UNRACED

Elsewhere on the card, the opening round heats of the Maurice Ryan ON2 525 got underway and it was Bogger Una who comfortably went quickest.

Owned by Liam Peacock, Bogger Una went to traps a 2/1 chance and the November puppy followed the favourite, Sunshine Susie, for the majority of the contest. However, the daughter of Black Parachute and Bogger Megan showed the superior stamina in the closing yards to cross the line with a neck in hand, in 29.44.

In heat two, Oakvale Eruption made every yard to justify his starting price of 4/5. Leading early from trap three, John O’Connell’s daughter of Malachi and Wise Eruption made every inch of the running as she saw off the strong finish of Bogger Cash in second. Just half a length to separate the pair, the time was 29.81.

The third heat was landed by Borna Bono who also led from trap to line for the Borna Syndicate. Sent off at odds of 7/2, the son of Broadstrand Bono and Borna Blossom was swiftly into stride from three and this was to prove crucial in coming home just one length clear of the staying on Breaghmore Dice in second. The time was 29.89.

The ‘Borna’ double was complete in the fourth and final heat as Borna Thyme justified even money favouritism to win comfortably for Ruairi Dwan. Leading early from two, the son of Skywalker Canny and Candanchu saw off his litter brother, Quality Jack, by three lengths in 29.90.