ROMEO WOOS RIVALS IN BALLYHIMIKIN JET UNRACED

Ian Fortune

It’s been a wonderful month for the Phelan and Byrne families with a new addition at home but they also had reason to smile at Shelbourne Park on Thursday as Catunda Romeo emerged a good winner of the valuable Ballyhimkin Jet @ Stud ON2 525.

A half brother to the kennel’s star tracker, Threesixfive, the son of Ballymac Cashout and Dunquin Anna was sent off a 4-1 chance but his supporters were left in clover as he popped out of trap three, posting a fast 2.05 sectional, to make every inch.

Two lengths to the good into the turn, he contained the challenge of his namesake Catunda Maura to halfway before hitting the third turn in front of the improving Highview Might. For a few strides the latter looked a threat but Catunda Romeo was only getting started.

Kicking on as they hit the home turn, Catunda Romeo emerged a ready five and a half length scorer over Highview Might to land the €2,250 prize in a quick 28.57. There was a further length to Highview Yeats in third. It was a promising run, highlighting the ability of Catunda Romeo.

GRAIGUES DOWNS RIVALS

Elsewhere on the card, Graigues Downey and Innfield Fifi claimed the two semi-finals of the Time Greyhound Nutrition A2 525.

The former, who is owned by Jim Morrissey, led in the dying yards in the opening heat. A close third down the back straight behind Listen Here Ok and Annual Eile, the David Murray trained son of Ballymac Bolger and Champagne Star got up to win by a head from Annual Eile in 28.66.

FIFI LOOKS STRONG

Innfield Fifi also stayed on strongly to win the second heat for Barry Clancy.

The daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet and Jaytee Sahara may have been outpaced into the turn after a slick exit but she ran on strongly to lead on the run in for an impressive two length victory over Morning Bucks in 28.63. The winner is likely to stay further in the future and is one to keep an eye on.