CLOGHEEN LASS CHASING MORE BIG SUCCESS IN WATERFORD

Barry Drake

Only 19 spots separated the four first-round heat winners in the John Fitzgerald Memorial Mini Open Bitch stake at Kilcohan Park on Saturday night.

It was Clogheen Lass who went quickest on the clock, posting 28.38 for trainer Graham Holland and owners the Farran-And-Away-Syndicate. A previous winner of the Munster Oaks around course and distance, the 2-5 market leader delivered a strong late finish to get the better of the front-running Carrigoon Mia. A length the margin, with three and a half lengths back to Fantasy Moll in third place.

PLENTY OF SPEED
A recent finalist in the Irish Oaks, Quivers Magic also impressed when clocking 28.42.

Trained by Adam Dunford for owners PJ Sugrue and Charles Sugrue, the 4-7 favourite showed plenty of speed to beat Glengar Jasmine, by three lengths, with a length back to Feelsawumble in third place.

8-1 OUTSIDER
Trained by Patrick Whelan for owner Colm O'Neill, September puppy Ballyroe Elsie made it four wins from just five career outings with an outstanding front running display.

The 8-1 outsider posted an impressive 28.46, coming home three and a half lengths clear of Mysterious Luna. Three lengths behind the runner up in third was Burgess Annie.

TYPICAL STRONG FINISH
Footfield Siren produced one of her typical strong finishes to score for trainer Johnny Linehan and owner Martin Hagan.

The 4-1 shot was flying from halfway and she was well on top in the closing stages. A 28.57 winning performance, two lengths clear of Ballysloe Lola, with a further two lengths back to Priceless Opera in third.