FUTURE CHAMPION GETS UNDERWAY AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

The Future Champion Open Unraced Stake got underway at Enniscorthy on Monday night and there were four impressive heat winners with honour of going fastest falling to Monalee Haruto as he came home clear in 29.04.

Owned by the Harutos Crew Syndicate, the son of Glengar Bale and Monalee Ruth was headed early by Droopys Gallant but pounced when the latter lost his balance briefly early in the back straight. It would prove a decisive moment in the contest with Monalee Haruto skipping clear.

Liberty Border was second passing halfway and motored into the third turn only to have the door slammed on her, allowing Monbeg Notorious to move second. Monalee Haruto was not for catching, however, and he stayed on to win by three and a half lengths from Monbeg Notorious in 29.04 with Droopys Gallant a further nine and a half lengths adrift in third.

BONGO BOUNCES OUT TO DOMINATE

Colm O’Neill’s Ballyroe Bongo was next fastest when making every inch to win Heat 2.

 A son of Orchestrate and Ballyroe Elsie, he flew from trap three and never saw another rival. Building a clear advantage into the bend, the October ’24 whelp dominated to emerge a four length winner over Monbeg United in 29.11.

CHASE MAKES ALL

Clona Chase won the opening heat in similar fashion for Pat Buckley and owner Kevin O’Brien.

A well-bred son of Deerjet Syndey and Nice Mystery, Clona Chase led early with Ballinabola Syd in chase. Fercullen Swift moved his way in second before the third turn but Clona Chase had flown and he proceeded to win by six lengths in 29.14. Ballinabola Syd was three lengths away in third.

VOL EMERGES ON TOP

Ballinabola Vol and Cill Dubh Press had a great buckle in the final heat with the pair swapping the lead on a couple of occasions.

Ultimately, Seamus Whelan’s Ballinabola Vol would emerge on top by a head.

After working his way to the front off the final turn, the Liam Butler trained son of Glengar Bale and Ballinabola Rum contained the rallying Cill Dubh Press to win by a head in 29.55. Esmonde Bucks was four lengths away in third.