Slippery Bob the star of eventful Leger second round

SLIPPERY Bob was the star in an eventful second round of the Kerry Agri Business Irish St Leger at Limerick on Saturday evening.

The drama started to prior to racing with Dolores Ruth withdrawing Makeshift due to fears about the going on a bitterly cold night.

His absence certainly aided Slippery Bob in Heat 7 as he ran out a thoroughly convincing winner in a superb 29.60.

The Larry Dunne trained star is clearly bright prospect for 2011, but he could yet have a big say in the outcome of the Leger if his display on Saturday is any guide. Assuming control in the opening yards he drew right away to see off Jeddies Star by six lengths, with future ahead of him and even a less than favourable draw in trap four could halt his Knockbawn Sirius almost a length third.

Next fastest was Michael O’Donovan’s Judicial Academy as he led from the early exchanges to contain Thurlesbeg Joker. At the line Judicial Academy had two lengths to spare in 29.68.

Fraser Black posted a double with litter brothers Westmead Bond and Westmead Bolt. Bond was first into action in the opening heat and he just got the better of Ballyhannon.

The pair had a real buckle throughout with Westmead Bond just taking the verdict by a short head in 30.00. Westmead Bolt was always going to triumph in Heat 3 when moving to the front early in the back straight. Bredas Girl gave chase throughout, but Westmead went on to score by two lengths in 29.80.

The Pa Fitzgerald trained Mustang Johnny made his superior strength count in Heat 2 when finishing strongly to grab a late length verdict over Ocean Crash in 30.11.

Heat 5 was perhaps the most incident packed race of the evening. Litter brothers Farley Blitz and Farley Turbo dominated the betting, although the latter looked in trouble after a very slow start from trap three.

In contrast Farley Blitz contested the lead as they hit the turn, but at this point the complexion of the contest changed completely. There was a huge pile up, seeing Farley Blitz hit the deck, while Solid Louis, Huckabees Kid and Nicken Shaw were all badly hampered.

Skywalker Queen also rode a hefty bump, but she emerged in front, although Farley Turbo had been left a close second. Following his luck on the turn, Farley Turbo hit the front at halfway and went on to beat Skywalker by two lengths in 30.18.

Frisky Fantasy took charge from Tranquil Time at the second bend in Heat 6 before running out a three and a half length winner in 29.82, while the last remaining heat saw the Pat Buckley trained Beaming Dilemma overhaul the fast starting favourite Colorful Champ approaching the third bend. From there he powered away for a three and a half length margin in 29.85.

The draw for next Saturday’s third round is:

Heat 1: 1 Farley Turbo; 2 Slippery Bob; 3 Bredas Girl; 4 Confident Nestor (m); 5 Westmead Bond (m); 6 Skywalker Queen (w).

Heat 2: 1 Nicken Shaw; 2 Judicial Academy; 3 Knockbawn Sirius; 4 Neon Tiger; 5 Frisky Fantasy; 6 Hare Mack (w).

Heat 3: 1 Tranquil Time; 2 Whatsupjack; 3 Westmead Bolt; 4 Ocean Crash; 5 Air Force Hawk; 6 Slippery Dave.

Heat 4: 1 Ballyhannon; 2 Jeddies Star; 3 Beaming Dilemma; 4 Colorful Champ; 5 Thurlesbeg Joker (m); 6 Mustang Johnny (w).