Magic eight winners for Holland

THE first-round action in the Ladbrokes Easter Cup lived up to its advance billing at Shelbourne on Saturday while for trainer Graham Holland it was an amazing session as he turned out eight winners, including five heat winners in the Cup.

It was very nearly half a dozen heat successes for the Golden-based handler as his Clonbrien Prince only failed by a short head to catch Pat Guilfoyle’s Irish Derby runner-up Magical Bale in the fastest time of the night, 29.45.

Litter brothers Slippy Cian and Lenson Blinder completed an impressive double as they won their heats in 29.47 and 29.50.

The other Holland heat winners were Nice Charmer in 29.53, Clona Blaze in 29.49 and Wolfe in 29.77.

James Robinson’s Uncle Wexford led all in 29.56 while John Codd’s Cushie Jet won many friends with his similar 29.56 spin in the second heat.

Over at Crayford on Saturday morning the Brendan Matthews-owned Towcester Story dead-heated with Savana Winner in the Golden Jacket and he will be a fancied contender for the final which will be shown live on SIS next Saturday morning.