The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
All the results from the coursing in Castleisland
HALF The Odds (Thomas The Tank/ Call Posie) extended his unbeaten run for the season when proving best in the Island Cup last Monday afternoon.
Having secured success on his maiden outing in the Desmond Cup, Half The Odds headed the long-odds market along with Kyle Bruce prior to the event. He began the event with a three-length opening round defeat over Willingandable. A one-length victory over Tory Hill Denzil secured passage through to the penultimate round, at which stage the Liam McLaughlin owned runner was the even money favourite. He went to slips with the Brendan Matthews trained Wallace Cruise at the semi-final stage and following his closest buckle of the weekend, the Thurles owned runner did enough to repel the challenge of the Northern raider by a half length.
Half The Odds faced another Matthew’s owned runner in the final as Wizard Matthew led Kyle Bruce by two lengths in the opening semi-final. Both finalists were available at 4/6 in the final buckle.
A terrific dash of early pace by Half The Odds in the white collar proved decisive in the final outcome. The winner extended his lead to two lengths by halfway and maintained his advantage to claim his second piece of silverware.
The win puts Half The Odds in pole position in the fight for Champion Stakes qualification which is being reduced to an eight runner event this term.
Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Vale (Valeview Flyer/Curragh Time) came out on top in a competitive Derby Trial Stake which got underway on the opening card of the three day meeting. Just three remained in the hunt for honours by finals day with Downton Pluto a warm favourite at 2/5. Ballymac Vale and James Treasure contested the opening semi-final with Ballymac progressing courtesy of a single length success. Downton went up in a bye, but he didn’t seem to run as fluent as he had been in previous rounds which resulted in him drifting in the market. It was 4/6 your pick in the final and the writing was on the wall once Ballymac popped out in front and he extended his advantage on the rising ground to secure victory by a two-length margin.
The Reserve Oaks Trial Stake was won by the impressive Big One (Mafi Magic/Big Maggie) from the Lixnaw kennels of Mark and Charlie Ryall. Having clocked quickest through each round of the Stake, it was no surprise to see her sent to slips a warm 1/4 favourite in the final against the local runner Shanavullen Amy. The latter appeared to pop out in front from slips, however Big One showed a terrific turn of early foot and almost instantly hit the front, extending her advantage to 2 ½ lengths by the opening score the winner looks a capable performer and a full TS success looks firmly within her grasp.
Pumpkin Kia (Juddical Affair/ Pumpkin Aviva) extended the terrific start to the season for the Jody Thompson kennels as she claimed the points in the All Age Bitch Stake. She justified favouritism in the final course when accounting for Lineroad Limar by a length having led from slips.
Classical Magic (Mafi Magic/ Specific Event) landed the spoils in the One Course Duffer for Rathmore’s Jer Murphy, defeating Hawthorn Cree by a length in the final course.
The Three-Course Duffer was won by Walikinmyshoes (Adios Alonso/Slieveroe Lady) owned locally by Norman Prendeville. The winner came from off the pace to defeat Sion Wind by two lengths.
Finally, the Local Stake was won in impressive fashion by In China Again (NewInn Wonder/Bower Sign) who had a convincing win over Cash Or Laser in the final buckle. The winner is jointly owned by Neilie Nolan and Sean Angland.