CHARLIE WITH A CHARMING DISPLAY

Ian Fortune

The pups took the headlines at Shelbourne Park on Tuesday with a number of promising displays, including that of the exciting Charming Charlie in the feature, the final of the Blink & You’ll Miss It ON1 350.

A supremely well bred son of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire, he posted a brilliant 18.63 on debut a week earlier before going just two spots slower in Tuesday’s final. There were reasons for him going slower, however.

He didn’t quite start as he did seven days earlier but displayed huge pace and ability to come through to score. Ohtheretom broke fastest from the outside box but Charming Charlie was simply too good.

Showing superb early speed, he joined and headed the early leader on the turn before setting sail for home. Robbies Flyer emerged as the main danger and ran right to the line but the Owen McKenna trained Charming Charlie was never going to be stopped. Peter Comerford’s exciting prospect hit the line two lengths to the good in 18.65 (rated .10 fast).

QUICK BY NAME, QUICK BY NATURE

Jacktavern Quick and Magical James emerged on top in the semi-finals of the April Monthly Novice ON2 525.

The former made every inch for David Byrne and the Pillar Syndicate, with the son of Jacktavern Gem and Beaming Smasher going on to beat his kennel companion Jacktavern Susie by two and a half lengths in 28.68.

JAMES SHOWS HUGE PACE

Magical James found opening bend traffic in the second heat but really moved through the gears down the back straight to go to the front at the third turn.

Pat Guilfoyle’s son of Ballymac Cashout and Right Nicki displayed massive pace on his way to a three and a half length success over Daingeanubeauty in 28.81 (Rated .20 fast). 

SALLY FASTEST ON CARD

Fastest run on the card came in the opening round of the Upcoming Events A4 NB 525 with Chicks Sally flashing from boxes to dominate in a rapid 28.53 (.20 fast).

Trained by David Murray for Mary Killeen and Michael Malone, the daughter of Dromana Bucko and Miss Chicky emerged a dozen lengths clear of Drumcrow Lemon.