HARPUR ENJOYS DOUBLE

Barry Drake

Dean Harpur enjoyed a fine double at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

Ballycowen Robyn was the first to oblige when getting off the mark on the fourth time of asking in the opening semi-final of the Laurels Restaurant A3 Stake. A member of a very exciting litter, the 5-4 favourite turned handy around the opening corners, and the January puppy flew down the back straight to lead. Keeping on well, she beat Brogan Hillbilly, by two and a half lengths, in 29.01.

Litter sister Ballycowen Daisy was another winning for the first time as the 3-1 shot displayed eye-catching speed when landing race number six, the opening heat in the first round of the New Barking Buzz App Mini Open 525. Rosstemple Pace took them along early, but the eye was always drawn to the winner. After a couple of big runs in defeat in recent weeks, the bright prospect finished well to shed her maiden tag, clocking 28.70 and three and a half lengths clear of the early leader.

In the second heat, Danish Dez, trained by Denis Fitzgerald for owners the Slaterry Family Syndicate, posted a career best of 28.44. Improving all the time, the 5-2 winner took control early, and in truth, the outcome was never in any doubt. A stunning display, three lengths clear of Tinnahue Pappone.

In heat three, trainer Paul Hennessy struck as Barefoot On Fire made the most of the drop-in class to win. In front soon over the opening corner, the 2-1 winner powered down the back straight and she went on to beat Hand Crafted, by two and a half lengths, in 28.66.

In the closing race, Steeple Rd Amber, 6-1, put on a strong all round display to win for Michael Wren. The January puppy showed huge pace to come from behind and beat Droopys Apollo, by three lengths, in 28.84.

In the second semi-final, the well-drawn Zoomey Champ made no mistakes, winning for the B-Four-C-Syndicate. The 6-4 second favourite produced a flying start to lead, always in control, he beat Dubious Deluxe, by a length and a half, in 29.03.

In the opener, an A2, Keplar Khufu displayed nice early speed when winning for trainer Pat Kiely. Owned by the Whos-Dogs-That-Syndicate, the 5-4 shot was recording back-to-back wins, clocking 29.06, half a length clear of Rosebank Max.

The fifth, an S0/S1, went the way of Unknown Major for Tony Hegarty, Carrignavar. A flying start took the 4-1 shot to the front early, and he pulled right away to win in style. Five lengths back to First Light in second, in 17.81.