Derby favourite Coolcastle withdrawn

POWERSTOWN Park punters, already reeling from a host of shock results in the classics, will this morning be greeted with the disappointing news that favourite Coolcastle Point (Trajectory-Wake Up Time), is a shock withdrawal from the Derby.

After a string of outstanding performances, the Castleisland qualifier was an odds-on chance for outright victory, but tragedy struck in his third round triumph.

After striding to a facile win over Judicial Order, he picked up a serious injury towards the end of his course. Ace trainer Pa Fitzgerald took the dog to a vet last night and x-rays revealed the raging classic favourite had broken a metatarsal bone in his back leg.

Fitzgerald and joint owner Patsy Byrne were clearly disappointed, but were hopeful a successful operation would see the dog back in action next season.

Fitzgerald described the dog as an ideal Clonmel type who would get better with every round. That’s hardly an exaggeration after what we witnessed yesterday and a sensational third round “clock” of 11.60 bears testimony to his exceptional ability.

Perhaps the happiest man here yesterday was Listowel bookmaker Berkie Browne, who had offered a bonus of €10,000 if the Corn Na Féile winner, Wallace Green, went on to win the Derby. When Wallace Green clocked the fastest time in winning his second round course against Coombe Hill by three lengths it looked like Browne’s money was in jeopardy. However, Wallace Green was sensationally beaten in the third round by Colina Damask, who led all the way to the escape for a half a length success.

This was the only major upset in the Derby.

In the Hotel Minella Oaks, the surprises came thick and fast. In the opening course of the second round Cois Luna disposed of Dusty Track in a thrilling battle, while Feora Time surprised Shannonvale Inn in another tight buckle. Glenlea Rosie was the next fancied one to bite the dust when she went under by a length to Fingal Floss. Then came two other surprises, when Blades of Glory, who was reported not to be fully fit, had to give best to Jessie Jane while Whimsical Lady provided a minor upset in disposing of Marshals Pearl.

In the third round Fortuna had an easy five lengths success over Cleanaway Smurf. The last two courses of the round also provided major upsets, with Uptown Dilemma, who had a no course on the opening day, led Meala Manuka a length and a half and Ballymore Trick put out the 6-4 favourite Kingsmill Bliss on a just up decision.

We are now down to the quarter-finals in both classics and this morning, in the first course of the round in the Derby, Vanuatu will be expected to get the better of Kingsmill Dynamo. Shaneboy Daz ran well in both his outings yesterday and can oust Squatters Right and then beat Vanuatu for a place in the final.

At the bottom of the draw, King Saunders should have the measure of Colina Damask, while in the final course of the round Feede Fred receives a bye following the withdrawal of Coolcastle Point.

It should be a Shanboy Daz – King Saunders final with the well supported Pat Curtin trained runner tipped for glory.

The Oaks is wide open. Windgap View may edge out Fortuna in the opening quarter-final , while Lycon Betty can adavance at the expense of Fingal Floss.

Angelical Girl will be fancied to put paid to the chances of Whimsical Lady while Ballymore Trick can get the better of Uptown Dilemma.

I go for Angelical Lady to beat Lycon Betty in the final.

Coursing is due to commence this morning at 11.30.