JOHN DEERE WAS REALLY MOTORING AT KILKENNY

Ian Fortune

Toms John Deere and Kilgraney Bob captured the semi-finals of the 1XBET Tour Series at Kilkenny on Friday night with the former setting the standard with a 29.58 return.

Trained by David Flanagan for the Three K Syndicate, the son of Grangeview Ten and Crescent Tibet was always close to the pace before taking charge at the third turn. Joining and heading Spudz Are Rotten at this point, he eased on for a two and a half length victory over the same rival in 29.58 on a track rated .50 slow. Edelweiss Melody was best of the remainder in third, just a length and a half further adrift.

FLYING BOB DOMINATES

The second heat saw Kilgraney Bob lead from the opening stride.

Representing Mary and Thomas Buggy, the son of Ballymac Cashout and Flaminhasntabob shot into a clear lead before the turn and was never under any real pressure thereafter.

Memories Lineout did run on strongly but Kilgraney Bob held on by a length and a half in 29.67 (.50 slow). Memories Lineout was second with just a half-length to Walkabout Johhny in third.