UNRACED PUPS LIGHT UP SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

There were some fine displays from unraced youngsters at Shelbourne Park on Thursday night, while there were also a few notable runs on the undercard.

The semi-finals of the Barking Buzz ON1 saw the introduction of some very exciting prospects, many of which will improve considerably for this first run. Swords Hudson set the standard with a 28.79 return in the second heat, leading early to come home in front of Westway Zoro and the eye-catching Scooby Pacemaker.

Swords Hudson, who represents Graham Holland and Barbara Lowndes, came home with two lengths to spare.

ALL GO LEADS LATE

Druids All Go won the opening heat for Keeley McGee and Larry Clancy.

Never far off the pace, he stayed on to claim a half length victory over Kilgraney Cat in 28.90. Unlock Ten also displayed plenty of promise, despite finding traffic, in third. 

DONNY COMS OUT ON TOP

The final heat saw The Other Donny emerge with two lengths to spare.

Illustrious Lad displayed fine early speed to dictate but he ran out of steam and The Other Donny capitalized for Jennifer O’Donnell. The supremely well bred son of Droopy Sydney and Scooby Princess emerged a two length winner over the fast-finishing Droopys Sophia in 28.89. Th first two home gave the impression there was far better to come.

CHARLIE FASTER IN ON2

Incidentally, there was also an ON2/ON3 525 on the card and in typical fashion it was won in a faster time than the heats of the ON1 525.

Tuono Charlie looked a really nice type for Sharon Hunt and Paul Dyer. The son of Good News and Farronrory Bonny led early before dictating throughout or a six and a half length victory over Rebel Lagoon in 28.71.

GROUCHO GOES FAST

The performance of the night came from Grouchos Vic in the A3 final, however.

Highly tried in his first couple of career starts in the Champion Unraced at Kilkenny, he finally got loose into the turn and quickly put daylight between himself and his rivals.

Owned by David Carroll and Luke O’Connell, he really did put a pace to the race, leaving those in chase standing. The favourite Arent We All emerged from the pack and did close in the latter stages but it was all too late as Grouchos Vic went on to score by three and a half lengths in a most impressive 28.44.