A TAGGART 1-2 IN DUBLIN’S FEATURE

Ian Fortune

Michael Taggart has his string purring at present and that was evident at Shelbourne Park on Friday with the northern handler sending out the first two home in the feature, the final of the Shelbourne Park Museum A1/A2 525 with the honours going to Blackstone Flash.

The son of Droopys Flytline and Droopys Timing has been a true pro through his relatively short career so it was no surprise to see him doing things perfectly from the inside draw. Breaking smartly, Paul Ryan’s charge quickly hit the front. Droopy Gallant gave chase but he couldn’t contain the leader’s kennel companion Onward Upward down the back straight.

Despite the best efforts of Onward Upward, Blackstone Flash never looked under threat. He maintained a fine gallop throughout to eventually claim the €1,750 prize by two and a half lengths in 28.61. Onward Upward was second with another two and a half length gap to Droopys Gallant in third.

SHAKA A PROSPECT

Shaka Laka looked very talented as he set the standard in the semi-finals of the TOTE Betting A2 525. Indeed, Tamara Butler’s son of King Sheeran and Maries Wedding will be saying goodbye to graded company after next week’s final after posting a sizzling 28.19.

Sharpest in the early yards, he ran a fine bend to increase his lead and proceeded to contain the promising Repeat Alarm by four lengths. Both the winner and second have a bright future.

WONDER STORMS CLEAR LATE

The other semi was also won in good style by See The Wonder.

She Has Risen got to the front early and held up See The Wonder at a couple of points but failed to contain her rival at the third turn. Once See The Wonder went to the front at this point, she quickly put daylight between herself and her rivals.

The Paul Hennessy trained daughter of Mcinerney and Nofliesonme powered clear to win by four lengths in 28.45. She Has Risen was second with Droopys Chef two lengths further adrift in third. The manner in which See The Wonder shot clear suggests she is really coming o hand for her owners the Bridge House Syndicate.

DARA FOLLOWS UP IN SPRINT SEMIS

Me Bosco and Avongate Dara both impressed in the semi-finals of the Go Greyhound Racing SO/S1 350. Just two spots separated the pair on the clock with Avongate Dara going fractionally faster for Rory Hickey.

A good winner over four bends a week earlier, the early paced son of King Sheeran and Lilywhite Queen came away racing but was kept honest in the early yards by Miss Louisiana. It was only in the final strides into the turn that Avongate Dara began to make the most of his inside draw and he eased on.

Costalotmore emerged from the pack to chase home the leader but Avongate Dara was not for catching. Staying on well, he emerged a length and a half scorer in 18.76.

BOSCO POPS OUT OF HIS BOX

Me Bosco was an even more straightforward winner for Georgy Roche in the opening heat.

The son of Jaytee Taylor and Me Vicky has looked a really natural sprinter since stepping back in trip and this was him at his professional best. Flashing from outside box, he made every inch.

Portrush Ben did charge into the turn to threaten but got tangled up with Ten For Effort. That left Me Bosco to run out a ready three and a half length scorer over Arrow Lambo in 18.78.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ADMISSION FOR RACING IN SHELBOURNE PARK