TRAPRISE - Scooby hopes to leave rivals Grouchy in Tralee
Remaining a maiden following his fifth race start last weekend, the John Byrne trained Grouchos Scooby (Malachi-Kearneys Lane) has nonetheless impressed within his gallop to the final of the 2024 Lee Strand A3 550 Yard Stake and will seek a timely first career win in a hot €10,000 final showdown in Tralee this Friday.
A highly promising debut second for owners Shane & Luke O’Connell back in March, the September 2022 whelp commenced the event with a pleasing third in the opening round despite failing to secure clear passage and remained largely unexposed ahead of his runner-up performance in the second round when impressively improving on the clock in the face of further bumping.
A graded competition in title only, Grouchos Scooby had already advanced to A0 level before contesting Friday’s semi-final and with the pressure on as just two would advance from three heats, the Knockalton pup produced another remarkable qualifying effort.
Breaking on terms from trap 4, he would contest for second place on the run to the corner while in pursuit of the sharp early paced Summerfield Air. Absorbing a hefty bump from a rival to his inside while tackling the opening bend, Grouchos Scooby was forced back through the chasing pack while gathering full stride once again, and elimination appeared beyond likely when a minimum of eight lengths adrift to the top of the backstraight. Extricating himself from a tight battle for third position on the run to halfway however, the Byrne prospect began to stealthily reduce his arrears approaching the closing bends and with a sustained strong staying effort, powered his way beyond Satellite Monroe in the home stretch for an ultimately comfortable qualification.
Settling for a fast finishing five-length second behind Summerfield Air in a fast 29.67, Grouchos Scooby further confirmed his strong running abilities and will be a live outsider with a workable trap 3 draw for the final. With semi-final winners Summerfield Air and the Eoin Troy bred Unanimous Panther to his inside, the Byrne pup can track that duo for a possible clear passage which would deliver certain improvement while seeking a precious first career win.
Gabby ensures double repeat for Abigail
A kennel which has remained in sparkling form since the turn of the year, the mother and daughter team of Abigail & Tina Morrissey were at it again on the SIS fixture at Limerick last week while securing a brace of winners on the evening fixture for the second week in succession!
Dominating the meeting headlines, the concluding Lucky Last A3 525 saw Abigails Gabby (Grangeview Ten-Superb Beauty) go back-to-back at the Dock Road venue, returning the fastest of the night performance in a new career best.
Back up to the grade following her latest A4 score, the November 2021 whelp was suited by her repeat draw in trap 4 and breaking on terms, established a one length lead before tackling the opening bend. Keenly pursued throughout, the Cloughjordan darling displayed pleasing resolve and setting up her hattrick attempt, gamely retained a one length margin of victory in 28.88. A fifth career win, life will be tougher in A1 grade going forward but in current form, Gabby may well cope!
Sparking the Morrissey brace when shedding his maiden tag in the earlier Knocklong Schooling Track A5 525, Abigails Bogger (Great Blue Shark-Bogger Sunny) gained due reward for a consistent career start, scoring at the seventh time of asking.
Only once outside the trio placings, the August 2022 pup confirmed strong running abilities despite a slow start from trap 2 but having trailed all to the opening bend, he would maintain forward momentum despite a bump and reached the backstraight with four lengths to recover. Much the strongest from that point, Abigails Bogger stealthily reduced arrears before striking the front close home for a thrilling neck verdict in 29.61. Without penalty on the grading table, he is one to keep on the right side of for the foreseeable future!
Cazador a classy recruit
Borrisokane based and headed by John McKenna, the Auld Creator Syndicate unveiled a hugely exciting prospect when Cazador (Malachi-Cielo) left a big impression with debut victory in the Upcoming Kasko Produce Stakes ON2 525 Yard Stake and confirming the promise shown in that 28.70 rout, completed final victory at Clonmel on Friday last with another dominant display.
With a repeat draw in trap 2, the Owen McKenna trained July 2022 whelp was sharp to stride and immediately showing in front on the run to the opening bend, turned with two lengths in hand. Maintaining a powerful gallop throughout a comfortable six length victory thereafter, Cazador posted a brilliant 28.33. Obliged to take on the elite of racing going forward, the upcoming Produce Stakes will likely be in his sights!