DIAMOND AMONGST THOSE TO TRIAL WELL IN DUBLIN

Ian Fortune

There were a number of notable trials at Shelbourne Park over the weekend as many of Ireland’s fastest prepare for the likes of the Champion Stakes, Juvenile Derby and Irish Greyhound Derby.

The presence of Bockos Diamond certainly got people talking ahead of racing on Saturday night and the sensational 2024 Derby champion moved with typical fluency to post a rapid 28.01.

It wasn’t the fastest trial on the night, however. Instead, that honour went to Juvenile Derby champion Getup The Boy. The Mark Robinson trained star flew around in 27.98. Others to impress included Produce Stakes finalists Scooby Marquess, who posted 28.18, and Swords Diamond who stopped the clock in 28.29.

Lee Strand finalist Ballymac Charbel had his first look at Shelbourne, moving well in a 28.19 trial, while Moanteen Hatton also moved well. The youngster won his latest start over 550yds at Clonmel in a decent 29.79 and is clearly improving at a rapid rate. He clocked 28.24 in his trial.

Glengar Kane had his first public spin since returning from the English Derby and blew away the cobwebs with a 28.31 return.

There was also a notable sprint trial rom The Other Aari. He hasn’t been seen since running up the Bart Leahy Memorial at Cork last November but an 18.31 spin over the 350yd trip suggests he is feeling well in himself.

ACE FASTEST ON FRIDAY

Twenty-four hours earlier, on Friday, Epic Ace flew around to post a fastest of the weekend 27.90 for John Kennedy.

Of course, he was one of the undoubted stars of the English Derby and seems likely to be a big player in the Irish equivalent later in the summer.

His kennel companion Epic Jack also trialled very well, posting a quick 18.39 for the sprint trip at the same trial session. The son of Signet Ace has yet to win after just two career starts but is obviously very talented.