Paulo Coelho flies home in sprint final
The fast starting winner made just about all. Sleek Bill was his closest pursuer in the early stages but Senahel Hawk took up the chase between bends. He had just about ranged up alongside the favourite, looking a major threat, when he bumped off the favourite, lost vital momentum and allowed the winner gain a decisive advantage.
At the line Paulo Coelho, trained by Michael Cronin for the Slip Syndicate a group of neighbours in Ferrybank, Waterford, had a length and a half to spare over Senahel Hawk with last year’s winner, Mustang Buster, running on to snatch third close home from Kilboy Oak. The latter, who had set new figures for the trip the previous Saturday, never posed a serious threat from his wide draw.
Although confident the dog will stay 525 yards, winning connections will concentrate on sprinting for the time being, a 410 yards stake in Dundalk being the immediate target. However, all going well the trainer says he will be back in Cork for his prime aim - the Laurels in October.
Make All took a big chunk off the 550 track record when winning the second semi-final of the Kieran Dineen Memorial 550.
The Graham Calvert trained dog, who has now won nine of his 11 career starts, lived up to his name when making all to beat Tyrur Jenny by a length in 29.46, .20 inside the old record.
Trap draw for Kieran Dineen Memorial 550 next Saturday, with Cashmans betting: 1 Satellite Flight 25-1, 2 Dark Invader 14-1, 3 Tyrur Jenny 11-8, 4 Ballymac Tom 11-2, 5 Make All 5-4, 6 Knockane Blackie 50-1.
