BLACKSTONE LEXUS GOES QUICKEST IN THE JUVENILE CLASSIC

Barry Drake

BLACKSTONE LEXUS (Droopys Jet-Magical Poppy) set the standard in the opening round of the T Nolan CVRT Centre Juvenile Classic at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night.

The June puppy, who is trained by Michael O'Donovan for Patrick Sinnott, drove a fantastic opening corner to turn second behind Silent Noelle. Displaying plenty of speed on the back straight, the 5-2 shot took up the running before the second last corner. Powering home, the exciting prospect came home three-quarters of a length clear of the eye-catching Ballymac Deniro. Four lengths back to Silent Noelle in third place.

Liam Dowling enjoyed a 1-2 in the opening heat with Ballymac Ralf (Ballymac Cooper-Ballymac Wisdom) making a most impressive winning debut. In front early, the 6-4 winner was in top gear on the back straight, displaying bundles of speed up front. Keeping on well, the impressive winner got the better of Ballymac Duffle, by a length and a half, in 28.35. Mr Greedy was seven lengths back in third.

Ballyverry Paris (King Sheeran-Unmatched) made just about all to win the third and final heat. The 8-1 outsider took a step to the right at the opening corner, but once straightening up, he kicked clear down the back straight. Always in control, the Patrick O'Connor-trained runner came home two lengths clear of Ballymac Malinas, in 28.83, winning for owner Barry Cashman. Six and a half lengths back to Montana Secret.