Soldier Spy displays good form to win unraced stake semi

THINGS ARE really hotting up as the Future Champions Unraced Stake is at the business end of things at Enniscorthy dog track, and the Monday night card was a real cracker last week, with the semi-finals of four stakes featuring.

The Champion Unraced semi-finals were races five and six, and the Declan Byrne-trained Soldier Spy ran very well as he was led up by Ballymac Empress and had to change to the outside off the second bend before taking control at the third bend.

With trap one runner Le Melon starting to stay on as they turned for the judge, Soldier looked home snugly, but Le Melon was closing down fast as they approached the line.

In the end only three-quarters of a length separated them at the line in a good 29.05 -30 slow.

The second semi saw the Liam Dowling-owned Ballymac Inspeed run out a clear five-length winner in a fast 28.96 -30 slow.

The final will be a very hot affair as would be expected, and the run to the first bend can prove decisive as the cream has come to the top.

The Boylesports Enniscorthy Leger over 550 yards saw both semi-finals won in identical times of 30.19 -30 slow.

Clare Tavern made a fast start from her trap four draw and was pressed by the six-timer seeking Blue Cheese down to the third bend.

However, Clare is a strong-running lady and she came away again on the run to the line to impressively beat her rival by a snug two lengths.

The second semi saw Jaytee Spirit break fast out of trap six and make the bend before going clear down the back.

However, Rental Dispute was eating away into the lead from the third bend home, and only a length separated them on the line.

This final will also be a cracking race for sure.

October 21 results - race one, The Future Champion 2019 Plate Stake semi-final: 1, Uncle Bertie (owners, James Robertson and Robert Byrne, Co. Kildare), 28.66; 2, Lisacaha Vic, 28.97.

Race two, The Future Champion 2019 Plate Stake semi-final: 1, Zacs Bigman (owners, Matthew P. Bergin and Mark Sullivan, Co. Laois; trainer, Patrick Norris), 28.79; 2, Deadly Manhattan, 29.10.

Race three, The Kingsmill Kennels Tri-Distance Stake semi-final: 1, Nametab Ostara (owner, Eileen Bateman, Co. Carlow; trainer, Geoff Bateman), 31.50; 2, Sober Escape, 31.64.

Race four, The Kingsmill Kennels Tri-Distance Stake semi-final: 1, Rathduff Legend (owner, Patrick Meaney, Co. Carlow), 31.86; 2, On The Tools, 31.96.

Race five, The 2019 Future Champion

Unraced Stake semi-final: 1, Soldier Spy (onwers, Bernie Diskin-Holian and Basil Holian, Co. Galway; trainer, Declan Byrne), 28.75; 2, Le Melon, 28.80.

Race six, The 2019 Future Champion Unraced Stake semi-final: 1, Ballymac Inspeed (owner, Liam Dowling, Co. Kerry), 28.66; 2, Réalt Rabach, 29.01.

Race seven, The 2019 Boyle Sports Enniscorthy Leger semi-final: 1, Clares Tavern (owner, Clare Owens, Co. Wicklow), 29.89; 2, Blue Cheese, 30.03.

Race eight, The 2019 Boyle Sports Enniscorthy Leger semi-final: 1, Jaytee Spirit (owner, John Turner; trainer, Paul Hennessy, Co. Kilkenny), 29.89; 2, Rental Dispute, 29.96.

October 24 results - race one, Fáilte go dtí na Gortana Taispeáineach 525 Stakes: 1, Ketch UP Blonde (owner, George Roche, Barntown), 29.27; 2, Ballinclare Enda, 29.32.

Race two, The Track Side Diner 525 Stakes: 1, Jump For Joy (owner, Chloe O’Hanlon, Enniscorthy), 29.62; 2, Pouldarrig

King, 29.76.

Race three, The Book Your Christmas Party at The Show Grounds 525: 1, Ferndale Tuckey (owners, Oliver Lott and Patrick Dickenson, Co. Wicklow), 29.32; 2, Metric Zoey, 29.53.

Race four, The Book Your Work Nights Out at The Track 525: 1, Ballinaboola Gin (owner, Niamh Murphy, Ballinaboola), 29.24; 2, Market Star, 29.48.

Race five, The Show Grounds 575 Stakes: 1, Monalee Sara (owner, Roy Hatton, Enniscorthy), 32.30; 2, Nocturnal Taylor, 32.32.

Race six, The Book Now For A Great Night Out 525: 1, Metric Bailey (owner, Larry Byrne, Enniscorthy), 29.20; 2, Right So Belle, 29.25.

Race seven, The Loch Garman Supports Greyhound Racing Stakes: 1, Crokes Gale (owners, the KC syndicate; trainer, Patrick Roban, Enniscorthy), 29.17; 2, Eyebrow, 29.31.

Race eight, The Slán Abhaile 525 Stakes: 1, Cotswold Inn (owner, Eddie Doyle; trainer, Thomas Codd, Enniscorthy), 29.25; 2, Ballinaboola Rum, 29.32.