Ace duly takes advantage of winnable opportunity

It was a very quiet weekend around the tracks and even the card at Shelbourne Park lacked what one would call true Saturday quality. But, on a relatively ordinary programme, there were some decent performances, perhaps most notably by the Peter Everard-trained Star Ace.

A touch disappointing in the Puppy Derby, at Harold’s Cross, and also on previous visits to Shelbourne, he had what looked a winnable opportunity this time and duly obliged in style.

Off a fast 2.00 opening split, he was able to get a couple of lengths out of his rivals on the run to the first bend. Thereafter it was a stroll as he pulled further and further clear, eventually crossing the line nine lengths ahead of Maggies Chips, in a fastest-of-the-night 28.44.