Light stakes classic claims
The score stood at one apiece between the pair in the event going into the race but emerging star Boherduff Light quickly settled the issue with a fast break en route to a personal best time of 28.23.
The break proved decisive with Boherduff Light showing some electrifying early pace to quickly scoot clear. He had a two length advantage over Barnfield Ranger and Droopys Agassi at the opening bend and, after skipping into a three length lead at halfway, the race was as good as over.
Neither Barnfield Ranger nor Droopys Agassi could make any impression on him in the second half of the race and he only had to go through the motions up the straight for a three and a half length success over local hope Sinabhfuilbertie, who produced his usual big finish to snatch second off Barnfield Ranger close home.
It was the third time in the event that the winner had lowered his personal best time and Saturday's effort was only .09 outside the track record.
His success, particularly the style of it, earmarked him as a likely major player in the classics this year.
It was Tipperary trainer Owen McKenna's second big success in as many months, Chestnut Jet having taken the John J Casey 575 at Shelbourne last month.
Slippery Bill also turned in a career best performance to take the Guinness Consolation Stake.
Arderrow Tulip and Glasha Prince were non runners, reducing the race to a four-dog affair and it quickly developed into a match with the fast starting Slippery Bill showing some very nice early to lead the favourite, Senahel Bert, into the bend.
The jolly got to within a length of the winner early in the back straight but Slippery Bill had edged his way into a two length advantage by the third bend.
Senahel Bert looked dangerous momentarily between the last two bends but Slippery Bill wasn't stopping in front and stayed on strongly up the straight for a two length success in a personal best time of 28.33. The winner was initiating a nice double for trainer Maurice O'Connor whose Trajectory won the Irish Purse at the coursing in Limerick yesterday.
