Mini disaster in Cork Oaks
The Kilkenny handler had got seven through to the semi-finals but two of those were non runners and he had no winner from the other five. He did, however, have three seconds as a result of which he still supplies half of Saturday’s final field - Friedels Save, Farran Lady and Tyrur Jenny
Happy Moments meanwhile is the 13/8 favourite with Cashmans for the decider after making it two from two for the year with a straightforward success in the opening semi-final.
Fast away, the Michael O'Donovan trained bitch, a 4/5 chance, was outpaced to the bend by Castlemary Socks on the outside but hit the front between bends and was always in control afterwards. Foyle Honcho chased her from the second bend but could make no impression and it was left to Tyrur Jenny (6/4), slowly away and eight lengths off the pace in last at the opening bend, to finish best and fill the runner up spot, two lengths in arrears of the winner.
Happy Moments, winning her 13th race from 16 starts, clocked a personal best of 28.31.
Canary Beauty, a kennelmate of new track sensation Premier Fantasy at Seamus Graham's, is clearly progressing along the right lines and completed a three-timer when taking the second semi-final, also in a personal best of 28.20.
The winner (5/1)was fast away from her inside draw and was always comfortably holding Farran Lady who chased her throughout but could make no impression on the impressive winner who had two lengths to spare at the line.
Ballymac Floss, only .02 outside the track record in the heats a week previously, was always prominent but, despite finishing well, could only manage third and made her exit.
The favourite, Tyrur Marita (5/4), was disappointing. She was never in the hunt and trailed home in fifth.
The Philip Gough trained Sparta Cleo produced a 16/1 shock when taking the third semi-final.
There was no fluke about it however.
She was very fast away and cut across the 4/6 favourite, Graysland Pixie, as she made a beeline for the rails. Once in front however there was only going to be one winner and she stayed on strongly from the third bend to see off the running on Friedels Save by a neck in 28.60.
The draw (with Cashmans betting) for Saturday’s final is: 1 Friedels Save 4/1; 2 Happy Moments 13/8; 3 Farran Lady 8/1; 4 Sparta Cleo 33/1; 5 Canary Beauty 5/2; 6 Tyrur Jenny 6/1.
Hennessy didn’t leave empty handed, however, as his Booming Along (4/6) overcame some early baulking to beat Droopys So Young by half a length in 42.78 in the Cashman Bookmakers 750.
