Skywalker Pearl notches win no.15 at Shelbourne Park
Soon after the race was over as a contest, as the Graham Holland-trained bitch readily extended her advantage racing down the backstraight.
Running on relentlessly, she put seven and a half lengths between herself and nearest pursuer True Wisdom, in a best-of-the-night 28.32.
Ken Busteed’s Vivaro Swift made the long journey from Cork a profitable one when getting up late to take the finale in typically strong fashion.
After finishing 2015 with an unbeaten run through a three-round A1/A2 550 stake at Waterford, the son of Droopys Scolari and Coolbeg Gemma began this year with his first victory at the highest level.
As is his wont he was off the pace early, but engaged top gear from hallway. Knight Invader held a clear advantage at this point but the winner, a 4-1 chance, made rapid progress to challenge down the homestraight, and prevailed late to score by a neck, in 31.19.
Another notable performance on the card came from promising stayer Droopys Tee, trained by Robert Gleeson.
A February pup out of the lightly raced but smart Droopys Cyclone, he lacks a touch of early dash but finishes with real purpose.
The 7-2 chance was crowded at the first bend but, with a little trouble up front, soon moved into second place.
A typically sharp change of pace had him in front at the third turn, and he pulled away in the homestraight to win in 28.53.
