The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Slippy Maska slips the field to win Steve Kennedy final
THE time might have been a long way behind the 28.77 which she produced behind Headleys Vic at the semi-final stage, but all that mattered for John Geoghegan, of Athea, was that his bitch, Slippy Maska, was the one in front at the finishing line in the final of the Steve Kennedy A5 525 Memorial Sweepstake (winner, €1,350) at Tralee Track on Friday night.
Serious buffeting at the first bend was always going to seriously impact on the winning time and the one cutting out the pace on the back straight was another Limerick runner, Ashford Princess (trap 1), one of two litter sisters in the final.
Headleys Vic (trap 4) looked very threatening behind Ashford Princess rounding the third bend, at which point Slippy Maska (trap 5) was back in fourth place. From this onwards, however, Slippy Maska was able to pick up far better than anything else and, railing smartly turning for home, she drove to the front and won by two and a half lengths from Bearhaven Esme in 29.57, with a length and a half back to Headleys Vic.
The night’s programme also featured two semi-finals of the Castleisland Tyre Centre A7 525 Sweepstake (winner, €900) and the second semi-final saw Cu Ui Neill produce a splendid run of 28.88. Just four went to traps and Ballyard Cuckoo, a firstround winner in 28.80, was sent off the 4/6 favourite. However, she missed the break from trap 6 and could never get into serious contention.
The fastest start was achieved from trap 2 by a reserve, Bayside Rolo, but Cu Ui Neill (trap 4), a first-round winner in 29.17, was second to her rounding the first bend and this even-money second favourite established clear control on the back straight. Such was the strength of the gallop he maintained to the line that he finished nine lengths ahead of Ballyard Cuckoo, with seven lengths back to Tailteann Gift.
The first semi-final was won in 29.44 by Butdarewastwo, which ran from trap 2. He led the charge into the first bend and was most definitely not for catching after that, finishing three and a half lengths ahead of Papadontpreach, which was always running second to him. The third qualifier was Kildroum Curadh, which finished a length behind Papadontpreach.
The final takes place this Saturday night and it is difficult to look beyond Cu Ui Neill from a trap 3 draw. However, Ballyard Cuckoo is likely to start much better this time from trap 1 and, if she does, she will make a real race of it with Cu Ui Neill.
The draw for the final is (trap order): Ballyard Cuckoo, Kildroum Curadh, Cu Ui Neill, Tailteann Gift, Butdarewastwo, Papadontpreach.
In all, there were eleven races and Limerick trainer, Neilus O’Connell, won the last two of them with Mohane Snowie and Courancove Locky. Mohane Snowie shaded the verdict by a short head from Millridge Puzzle in 29. 15 (A2 525), while Courancove Locky won by two lengths from Payyaway Clio in 29.23 (A4 525).
Other winners: Droumeragh Shep, 18.04; Feales Bridge, 29.55; Farran Moit, 17.75; Maries Song, 29.49; Bellamac Tori, 29.64; Gracies Prince, 17.82.
TUESDAY NIGHT
RUNS of 28.96 and 17.76 were the fastest for 525yds and 325yds, respectively, at last week’s Tuesday meeting at Tralee Track. The run of 28.96 was produced by Loher Tom, owned locally by Noel O’Leary, and the run of 17.76 was produced by Steeple Rd Jet, jointly owned by Michael and Dan Wren, of Tarbert.
Other winners: Lisahane Kinlock, 18.20; Adamswood Melody, 29.11; Lithuanian Adam, 17.84; County Colours, 29.21; Sign On Garfiney, 29.06; Mossend Buzz, 29.19; Baltovin Olly, 29.14; Leaha Maestro, 29.23. There was no racing on Saturday night.