Joes Cody can ramp up quest for Drumbo prize
THREE cracking semi-finals of the prestigious Jackie McCann Memorial (525) hold sway at Drumbo Park tomorrow night.
The winner’s prize is worth £1,000, and one that will make a bold bid is Joes Cody, who clocked a brilliant 28.34 seconds last week for Armagh owner Shea Campbell, the former Irish League footballer, and Hillsborough trainer Marina McKeown.
Cody has drawn the inside red box in the third semi and from there has a great chance to once again show his devastating early pace and hold off Meenagh Maverick, who came from a long way off the pace to win his initial heat in 28.80.
The selection can be the first of a double for Campbell, with Tober Ophelia a trap-to-line winner the previous week in 28.80. A brindle dog, with a middle draw (Trap 4) in the first second round heat, he has what it takes to hit the front early and he’s the selection to oblige from the gallant Glencroft Magic, who caught the eye with a determined show in getting up close home to deny Black Sheep a week ago, clocking 28.50.
He’s an improving sort, and Newtownabbey owner-trainer John Lynd has him in fine fettle for another big show, but he may just find Ophelia having enough in hand to deny Magic on this occasion.
Meenagh Maestro, a litter brother of Maverick, ensures that Coalisland owner Michael Corr has a strong interest in the final.
Maestro made a terrible start last week and did well to get within two-and-a-half lengths of Cody first time around. A level break should see Meenagh hitting the line first ahead of Drumcrow Trumph.
Trumph, the black dog owned and trained by Dungannon’s Roy Ruddy, showed he’s no slouch in coming home seven lengths in front of Kenyan Blaze (28.71) after a good early tussle before the latter faded in the final straight.
Sunday racing resumes this weekend with racing starting at 2pm. The restaurant will be open for lunch from 1pm and this will continue for the next five weeks before the programme switches to Friday nights for the run-up to Christmas.
The Jackie McCann Memorial semi-finals in trap order are: First semi-final: 1: Gone Galivanting; 2: Kenyan Blaze; 3: Grillagh Barney; 4: Tober Ophelia; 5: Our Top Button; 6: Glencroft Magic
Second semi-final: 1: Lilys Girl; 2: Black Sheep; 3: Brody; 4: Meenagh Maestro; 5: Beggins Mags; 6: Drumcrow Trump
Third semi-final: 1: Joes Cody; 2: Lady Firmino; 3: Quill Joey, 4: Meenagh Maverick; 5: Barnish Snowman; 6: Mainstreet Bill