Ranger can hold Fair hopes in Warrior final

One of the most prestigious events on the sprinting calendar, the Agri Stores Fair Warrior 400 found its six finalists for 2018 in hugely competitive semi-final clashes on Saturday where Christopher Delaney & Paul Pardy’s Rosbirr Ranger (Paradise Madison-Wrathchild) completed his passage to the final a perfect set of figures, posting a hat-trick of heat victories.

Earning a Trap 5 draw for the final, the Roscrea speedster again confirmed that he possesses the best early pace in the stake despite only moderately to stride from Trap 6 in his semi-final.

Headed at trap rise by the Pat Buckley trained Jock, Rosbirr Ranger enjoyed a clear path on the long run to the first bend and his powerful gallop would carry him to a one length lead upon turning. Again negotiating the tight bends with much aplomb, he would extend his advantage to two lengths at the top of the back-straight but with a brace of strong running rivals in chase, he would be required to pull out all the stops to remain unbeaten. A protracted tussle to the line would see both Jock and fellow quarter-final winner Jimmy Blues Eyes close right up on the Christopher Delaney trained star to ensure a photo-finish between the heat qualifiers. Clinging on for success, Rosbirr Ranger retained a tight half length margin of victory on the line when posting 21.50 (-20) in a thrilling clash.

The opposing semi-final was claimed by Lugs Branno in 21.40 (-20) so clearly the final is certain to be another very tight contest but Rosbirr Ranger does possess the best early pace on the run to the first bend.