GOLDEN DISPLAY FROM DERBY BOUND BOCKOS

Ian Fortune

It was no surprise to see Bockos Gold come roaring back to life on Friday night at Shelbourne Park.

A sensational tracker at the back end of 2025 and earlier this year, he had been on a run of six straight defeats that included the final of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick.

After a few sharpeners in recent weeks, however, he was at his very best in his latest outing, the final of the Boylesports Derby Starts Soon AO 550. The son of Coolavanny Hoffa and Newinn Cuckoo was sent to traps the 4-5 favourite and he soon took complete command.

Breaking smartly from three, he quickly mastered those around him including the early paced Harlequin Gee Up who turned second. Posting 3.40 and 16.90 sectionals to the line and third turn, this was a reminder of just how good the Graham Holland trained star is.

Pulling away into the third turn, he eased on up the run in to eventually see off his kennel companion Gaytime Joachim by seven and a half lengths in a sizzling 29.07, although the track would be rated .20 fast. It was a great way to return to his best and his owners, the Jolly Good Company Syndicate, can now start dreaming of going deep in the Derby.

The track was certainly running on the quick side during the night but there was also some superb displays. The other final on the card was that of the www.grireland.ie A2 NB 525 and Blackstone Flash continued his rise up the grades to emerge a good winner for Paul Ryan and Michael Taggart.

The son of Droopys Flytline and Droopys Timing burst his way to the front in the early yards and proceeded to open up by almost three lengths. Highview Cert emerged from the pack and stayed on well but Blackstone Flash was always holding his rival and went on to win by a half-length in 28.39 (.20 fast).

MIDNITE MAKES IT TWO FROM TWO

That time was later matched by the promising Faypoint Midnite as he made all to win the final race for Chris Flanagan and Graham Holland.

A well-bred son of Newinn Taylor and Faypoint Susie, he brought his career tally to two from two by a length from Yacht Dreamer in 28.39 (.20 fast).

RYEE EMERGES ON TOP

Racing opened with a fine display from Ryee as he posted a quick 29.43 for the 550yd for Joe Day and Liam O’Rourke.

In front early, the son of Dromana Bucko and Chasing Ailbhe emerged a good winner by a length from Downtothewire.