SETANTA AND VELVET IMPRESS IN JOE MANGAN MEMORIAL

Peter Farrell

The opening round heats of the Joe Mangan Memorial 525 served as the supporting act at Limerick on Saturday night and two future stars in the shape of Ballymac Sentanta and Velvet Ring produced standout performances to land their respective heats.

With just three heats down for decision, the performances of both Ballymac Sentanta and Velvet Ring ensured that this stake will be hotly contested, and it was Liam Dowling’s brilliant puppy that was first to impress. Running in the opening heat, the January 24’ whelp came into the contest fresh from an 18.41 victory over the sprint trip and it wasn’t surprising to see him installed as the 1/2 favourite to make it back-to-back wins. Drawn in five, ‘Setanta’ missed his break but displayed sizzling early speed to recover and although the subject of a hefty bump at the opener, quickly asserted from Weekend Drinking in one. Now in control, the son of Ballymac Kingdom - Ballymac Art shot clear in spectacular fashion thereafter and he appreciated every yard of the 525-yard trip to cross the line eight lengths clear of Workin From Home in second. The time was 28.37 and one suspects that he will go considerably faster once polishing up at traps.

RING CONTINUES TO IMPRESS

In heat three, Velvet Ring made it back-to-back wins with another hugely encouraging performance for Mike Buckley.

Another young progressive tracker, the February pup won a sprint stake at Galway on his last outing and he carried that form to Limerick where his stock rose considerably as a result. Sent off as the 1/3 favourite, Velvet Ring also fluffed his lines at traprise, however, showcased lovely early gears to slice between runners and lead. Taking a three length advantage into the back, the son of Glengar Bale - Velvet Spring doubled his lead within the blink of an eye and stayed on stoutly around the final bends to cross with seven lengths in hand over Tipsy Ailbhe in second. The time was a slick 28.41 and he is another that should improve when he rediscovers his trapping boots.

BAIRN BACK TO WINNING WAYS

The remaining heat was landed by Invincible Bairn for Ken Duce as he returned to winning ways after his recent bumpy ride.

Jointly owned by James and Lewis White, Invincible Bairn (5/2) set his stall out early as he flashed from trap three to assert on the run-up. In doing so, the son of Good News - Brockville Aiya held a two length advantage down the back and he only got stronger as the race progressed. Bright Morgan came through well in the closing stages to seal second place, however, Invincible Bairn proved just that on this occasion as he crossed the line four lengths better off, in a time of 28.74.