SIR RODGER MAINTAINS UNBEATEN STATUS IN TIME DERBY ACTION

SIR RODGER MAINTAINS UNBEATEN STATUS IN TIME DERBY ACTION

Peter Farrell

The third round heats of the TIME Greyhound Nutrition Confined A4 Derby featured on Saturday night’s card at Limerick Greyhound Stadium and with the 28.90 rule now not in effect, there were several top-class displays on offer.

Sir Rodger won his opening two rounds in trap-to-line fashion as he posted 28.91 and 28.92 respectively, however, he produced a performance right from the top drawer in sealing a hat-trick of victories for owner, Michael Keating. A brindle son of Pestana and Rinnwood Pearl, ‘Rodger’ once again on the ball at traprise with a smart exit from the stripes to show a lovely turn of early speed on the outside. His main rival at this point was Glamourous Woohoo and the 7/2 gave chase to the 7/4 second favourite entering the back straight. Setting a blistering gallop down the back, there was no catching Keating’s charge as he maintained a brilliant gallop throughout to emerge a facile two and a half length winner of Glamourous Woohoo in second. The time was a swift, fastest of the round 28.66, as Sunnybank Mia claimed the final qualifying position in third.

ELECTRIC FROM ELMO

Next best on the clock was the Kieran Lynch-trained Gaytime Elmo as he made it back-to-back victories on route to doubling his career tally.

Installed as the 5/4 favourite, ‘Elmo’ made every post a winner on his last outing, however, he broke even quicker this time around to clock a slick 1.27 early doors. Building on that flying exit, the son of Gaytime Hawk and Gaytime Luna was pressed hard throughout as both Goingthewrongway and Yotota Lad made the leader work extremely hard in front, however, Gaytime Elmo kept just enough in reserve to score. Owned by the Length-And-A-Half-Syndicate, this was another fine display from Gaytime Elmo as he claimed a three parts of a length success over Goingthewrongway in second, with Yotota Lad taking third. The time was 28.68.

HEAT WATCH

Heat 1 - In the opening heat, Brackile Roxy (6/1) put a smile on the bookmakers faces as she came out the right side of a three-way photo finish. Owned by Denis Fraher, the October puppy was searching for a first career win, however, she looked out with the washing early on as Trumpers Del broke best of all to dictate from trap four. While, Trumpers Del was setting the pace in front, ‘Roxy’ was making fine progress in behind and she improved nicely into third approaching the penultimate turn. Meanwhile, Carry On Syd was also in the vicinity and certainly in the mix rounding the bottom two bends.

A thrilling finish in store, Brackile Roxy was flying up the inside and the daughter of Roxholme Olaf and Banter Breeze got the nod by a short-head after a judge’s call. Trumpers Del held on for second as he finished another short-head in front of Carry On Syd and the time was 28.93.

Heat 2 - Cregane Maid could only manage fourth in the second round but after getting through as a result of the 28.90 rule, she grabbed her chance with both paws in heat two. Jointly owned by Richie Quinn and David Byrnes, ‘Maid’ was on the receiving end of a moderate start in six as Cabra Castro set the early pace. However, some bumping at the opener saw Cregane Maid sweep around the outside to take charge and from there, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Tarsna Rose never looked back. Crossing the line a comfortable five and a half lengths clear of Priceless Hero in second, the time was a fast 28.82. The final qualifier was Carrigmore Dante.

Heat 4 - There was a superb off-the-pace performance from Gulleen Des in heat four as the 5/1 chance wore down Bosra Bono late on. Owned by Timothy Gilbourne, ‘Des’ was still searching for a maiden victory and he looked to have plenty on his plate early on after a poor start from four saw him occupy a midfield position. Bosra Boss was dictating proceedings at this point, however, ‘Des’ was making fine progress in behind and there was a certain inevitability about the result as he stormed into second. Showing fine determination thereafter, the son of Droopys Sydney and Gulleen Queen reeled in Bosra Boss to win by a neck, with Crokers Hugo claiming third. The time was 29.22.

Heat 6 - The concluding heat on the night went the way of another rank outsider in the shape of Gortglass Dream (6/1). Owned by Martin Kennedy, the daughter of Magical Bale and Our Marys Dream clearly didn’t read the script however, as she bolted from trap four to get first run on her rivals early doors. Building up ahead of steam down the back, this proved all one-way traffic for ‘Dream’ as she drew clear to record a four and a half length success over Rocket Duke in second. The time was 28.71 as Oakvale Buck landed third.