GUILFOYLE TAKEOVER IN ROMA CASINO CAMBRIDGESHIRE SEMIS

Peter Farrell

The semi finals of the Roma Casino Irish Cambridgeshire Open 750 served as the highlight on a red-hot card at Limerick on Saturday night and Patrick Guilfoyle landed both semis with his duo of Daleroad Poppy and Magical Poppet.

The opening semi was indeed stacked as it featured all of the opening round heat winners, however, it proved all one-way traffic as Daleroad Poppy raced to a commanding victory. Jointly owned by Thomas and John O’Keeffe, ‘Poppy’ went to traps as the 6/4 favourite despite her opposition and she broke well from her trap five to dispute with Vigorous Cooper early on. The latter held the inside line and was in charge by around three parts of a length passing the stand at the first time of asking. Edging closer around the third bend, it was here were ‘Poppy’ showcased her superiority as the daughter of Good News - Good Poppy stormed clear passing the sprint boxes to firmly put herself into the driving seat. Posting a smart 28.66 sectional, it was all one-way traffic from that point on as Daleroad Poppy put on the afterburners to cross the line a convincing five length winner. Both Newport Pier and Delicate Lass produced  strong finishes to seal a spot in the decider as they finished second and third respectively. The time was 41.77.

POPPET SEES OFF MODEL

In the second semi, Patrick Guilfoyle ensured he will be represented by fifty-percent of the field next weekend as Magical Poppet just saw off kennel companion Fashion Model.

A five dog affair, it was Fashion Model that was installed as the even money favourite, however, despite breaking well it was Magical Poppet (2/1) that showed the superior early dash to comfortably lead from two. In doing so, she took a two length lead into the home straight for the first time and proceeded to shut the door on her kennel companion rounding the third bend. Still all to play for down the back, Fashion Model joined the leader rounding the penultimate bend, however, Magical Poppet was nothing if not game in holding her rival by a neck passing the post. Dashing Toro was prevalent for much of the contest and also sealed his final position just two and a half lengths further back. The time was 41.97.

The draw for the final of the Roma Casino Irish Cambridgeshire Open 750 was made shortly after and is as follows :

T1 - NEWPORT PIER

T2 - DELICATE LASS

T3 - MAGICAL POPPET

T4 - FASHION MODEL

T5 - DALEROAD POPPY

T6 - DASHING TORO