Shark primed to attack new season at Thurles

TRAPRISE

 

Dog of the Year award winner at Thurles Greyhound Stadium for 2019, Tina & Tommy Morrissey’s Great Blue Shark (Confident Rankin/Lady Midnight) gave notice to all rivals at his favourite venue that he will remain a major player in high grade events this season when back on the winning trail with a most game victory in Saturday’s A1 525 yard contest.

Blighted with recurring niggling injuries since filling runner-up position in last year’s Tipperary Cup final, Shark left an indifferent run of form behind despite only a moderate start from his suitable Trap 3 berth. With three rivals ahead on the approach to the opening bend, he would crucially secure the rails position, affording him the opportunity to pass rivals on his outer while ably galloping the bends at pace.

Reaching the back-straight with over three lengths to recover, that deficit would be within reasonable range for the strong runner and with clear sight of the leader from second position, it was race on! His now trademark turn of foot passing the halfway mark would see Great Blue Shark range up on the leader’s inside as they reached the closing bends in unison and the pair would remain in tight quarters while exchanging bumps on the run to the home-straight. Gathering himself for one final surge close home, the Morrissey favourite duly claimed a narrow lead to score his thirteenth career success in thrilling fashion.

Posting 29.39 (-40) in a short-head verdict, he will remain in the same A1 grade for his next outing and reported to be in need of this run, expect the premier venue’s favourite racer to produce another bold showing next time.

 

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