ZAFIRO STARS IN RCETS UNRACED AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

The impeccably well-bred Syds Zafiro set a strong standard in the opening round of the RCETS Open Unraced at Shelbourne Park on Friday night.

A son of Droopys Sydney and the sensational tracker Susie Sapphire, the Owen McKenna trained star was simply brilliant.

Prominent to the bend behind Highview Mighty, Syds Zafiro moved to the head of affairs before the second bend with the leader checking off at the pick-up. It was all very straight forward for Peter Comerford’s youngster thereafter.

Easing clear to the third turn, Syds Zafiro looked an exceptional prospect as he stormed home five and a half lengths to the good in a rapid 28.49. Southfield King was second with Highview Mighty recovering after his second bend mishap to finish the same distance away third. He may have a long way to go to replicate his sensational dam who won an Oaks, Easter Cup and Derby but this was a hugely first step for Syds Zafiro.

ROSSA RUNS RIOT

Next fastest was Henry Scimia’s Westway Rossa in the last of the four heats.

A well bred son of Good News and Ballydoyle Rossa, he was to dominate after a fast start from the inside box. The Damian Maginn trained youngster shot right away to win by seven lengths from Southfield Duke in 28.76. Highview Emer was another length back in third.

RAMPANT RUPERT

It just so happened that all four heats went to the runner in the red jacket and it was the turn of Dapper Rupert in Heat 2.

One of three dogs in a line to the corner, the son of Droopys Sydney and Designer moved on at this point before pulling right away from the third bend.

Samuel McQuade’s powerful puppy eventually cross the line with nine lengths to spare over Bonnie Big Jaws in 28.79. There was another half length to Glenduff Meena in third.

TURTLE GOES LIKE A TORPEDO

An early advantage was again the key to success in Heat 3 where Torpedo Turtle was too good for those in opposition.

Much like the other three heat winners, the Jack Kennelly trained son of Ballymac Vic and Ballymac Minton assumed control into the bend and was always in charge before running out a five length winner for owners, the Big Boohaw Syndicate. Torpedo Turtle stopped the clock in 28.89 as he led home Easy Cara. Highview Fab was the third qualifier, another three and a half lengths adrift.