Belle sews it up early in Christmas Oaks semi-final
Owned by Jim O’Kane, Belfast, the experienced bitch is usually a strong finisher and when she scorched from traps this heat was all but over. Off a 1.92 sectional, she was able to hold her inside line against Southern Sprint finalist Lislevane Swift and that, unsurprisingly, led to an impressive victory.
Leeview Lady got the better of Lislevane Swift in the battle for second place, as she stayed on nicely to get to within two and a half lengths of the 28.39 winner.
The other semi-final was won in great style by Springwell Watsy, owned by Denis Hannon, Baylough. In her favoured blue sheet, she was on her toes early and did very well to lead favourite Coolavanny Pandy around the opening bends. The latter challenged hard throughout but the leader stayed on strongly to win by two and a half lengths, in 28.58, with Georgy Girl grabbing the other spot in the final.
Service Station, who was so impressive in the first round of the Southern Sprint but exited at the semi-final stage, posted the fastest time of the night with his brilliant effort in the Open 525.
The 4-7 favourite, trained by Rachel Wheeler, proved far too good for his rivals as he pulled eight and a half clear of Knocktoo Kingo, in a smashing 28.19. Wearing the stripes here, one wonders what he might achieve when he has a more favourable draw.
Coran Sky made a successful step up to the highest level when making all to take the finale for trainer Graham Holland and owner Paddy Crowley, Fermoy. The 3-1 chance, fresh from his 29.77 victory over 550, took a flyer from traps and led around from odds-on favourite Kisses For Cloda. The latter stayed on nicely but the leader always looked to have enough in hand, and duly held on by half a length, in a very smart 31.16.
Clares Wonder produced a power-packed performance to take Friday night’s final of the Eleco Services Kingdom Derby at Tralee for trainer Graham Holland and the Full House Syndicate, Castlemahon.
In a share of last place early, he made rapid progress down the back but was most impressive in the manner he raced the final turns to lead into the homestraight.
Despite swinging very wide off the last bend, he was in full stride and galloped home a couple clear of Beaming Boost, in 28.52, to claim the winner’s prize of €5,000,
Trap draw for Christmas Oaks final: 1. Leeview Lady, 2. Springwell Watsy, 3. Coolavanny Pandy, 4. Lislevane Swift, 5. Georgy Girl, 6. Cromac Belle.
* Management at Kingdom Greyhound Stadium, Tralee, announced this week that, due to unforeseen circumstances, racing, which was due to recommence on January 2, will not now begin until Friday January 16.
The management apologised for the late notification and regrets any inconvenience caused, but also noted that unrecorded trials would begin on the week beginning January 5.
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