Deerfields deliver for O’Connor and Dalton
National Puppy Stake winner Deerfield Music was up first and he produced a devastating display to take the opening heat. After a smart break, he held a narrow lead racing into the first bend but he had to be at his bravest to forge ahead of the challenging Bombolini between the turns.
Once in the clear, his class became apparent and the 550 yards track record holder at Tralee stretched away in terrific style to score by seven and a half lengths from Leger runner-up Varra Captain in 28.26.
The O’Connor-Dalton double was complete just a quarter of an hour later when Deerfield Sings came from off the pace to earn a dramatic last-gasp success. Barefoot Admiral set the early fractions but he swung wide between the opening bends, allowing Beaming Dilemma move to the front.
The last-named dictated the pace from that point and looked booked for success until the relentless gallop of Deerfield Sings - the 525 yards track record holder at Tralee - earned an unlikely neck victory in 28.60.
Razldazl Rioga was friendless in the market for heat three, which was the hottest heat of the competition to date, but Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh’s dog overcame a very difficult looking draw to run out an impressive winner.
Trained by Derby-winning trainer Dolores Ruth, a quick break allowed him the opportunity to get to the rails unscathed and, once there, he utterly dominated proceedings. Moving clear of Leeview Jet down the backstretch, he railed superbly around the bottom bends to see off the national record holder by two and a half lengths in 28.34, with ante-post favourite Rockchase Bullet getting up late to secure the third qualifying spot.
Not for the first time, it was left to local favourite Dream Walker to send Laurels punters home with their pockets lined and, for the third successive week, John Egan’s dog delivered in style. There were some early scares as he was buffeted about on the run-up but he held his ground tenaciously to turn in second place.
Happy Hermit set the speed from the off but Derby runner-up Dream Walker accelerated to lead into the third bend. Moving comfortably clear from that point, the Tom O'Neill-trained tracker recorded a smooth three and a half lengths victory over the early leader, in 28.60.
Draw for semi-finals on Saturday night next:
First semi-final: Leeview Jet, Rockchase Bullet, Deerfield Sings, Beaming Dilemma, Varra Captain, Rival Reward (m).
Second semi-final. Dream Walker , Happy Hermit, St. Louis Charlie, Deerfield Music, Razldalz Rioga, Vito Dawn (w).
Trainer Dolores Ruth’s magnificent season got even better at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night, with Razldazl Dmagio capturing the €6,500 to the winner Razldazl Open Unraced 525 in fine style.
Owned jointly by the all-conquering Dolores Ruth/Liam Marks combination, who also sponsored the competition, Dmagio turned second to the predicted pace-setter and favourite Jumeirah Dubai. From as early as the sprint boxes it was clear Razldazl Dmagio would peg back Jumeirah Dubai who was fighting an uphill battle as they straightened for home.
Razldazl Dmagio flew up the home straight to record a superb length and a half victory over the early leader in 28.50 with Farloe Noah a neck back in third.
Pauline Ryan’s Beaming Olive raced to a superb victory in the €5,000 Droopys Stud Munster Oaks final in Waterford on Saturday night.
Sent to traps the 7-4 favourite, the Pat Buckley trained starlet was always prominent behind the fast starting Ross Flyer before pouncing at the third turn.
She ran on strongly to grab the verdict by three lengths from the fast finishing Shes Only Saying in 28.36 with Ross Flyer a further four and a half lengths adrift in third.
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