ROBBIE SETS THE STANDARD IN FLANAGAN & KEANE MEMORIAL

Peter Farrell

A six-race card at Galway on Friday night featured the opening-round heats of the Tom Flanagan & John Keane Memorial 525, and it was Lissatouk Robbie who set the standard with a fourth career victory for Seamus McMahon.

In total, there were three opening-round heats on offer and the concluding contest saw Lissatouk Robbie inflict defeat on 4/5 favourite Glengar Sofia. Seamus McMahon’s runner was installed at odds of 5/2 and the strapping fawn broke well from trap five to seize the early initiative, with Hollywell Eagle giving chase in second. A two-length advantage quickly doubled to four down the back as the son of Deerjet Sydney - Lissatouk Peggy powered into the penultimate turn with clear daylight. Hollywell Eagle certainly made late gains for Alison Coxon in second and looks one to keep an eye on going forward, however, Lissatouk Robbie was a worthy winner as he crossed the line two lengths clear in a smart 29.18 .20s.

Next best in the opening round was Salsa Fire for Lexi and Owen McDonagh. A winner last time out, the heavyweight performer was a 2/1 chance at the off, but he was left with plenty of work on his plate as he rounded the opening bend in fourth, some four lengths adrift of Norfolkandchance at the head of proceedings. However, showing a blistering turn of pace down the back straight, the son of Grangeview Ten - Sporting Clarify quickly improved into second before wearing down the longtime leader to cross the line a half-length clear of his rival. The time was 29.40 .20s.

The remaining heat was landed by Heathlawn Ruby (Grangeview Ten - Blackstone Time), who recorded a brilliant tenth career win for joint owners Rose and Martin Kelly. An even-money favourite, ‘Ruby’ was back to her best at traprise, pinging from trap two to immediately assert on the run-up. Hanover Grace was in close pursuit in second and a nip-and-tuck battle ensued, however, the superior stamina of Heathlawn Ruby came to the fore as she powered up the Galway hill to record a four-length victory. The time was 29.58 .20s.