Guy seeking Knock-out blow in Islandbridge showdown

There is plenty of exciting final action for local kennels to look forward to this weekend and making another bid for major honours in the final of the 2019 Islandbridge Open Sprint will be Eamon O’Brien & John Byrne’s Knockalton Guy after a game passage to the final when again chasing home hot favourite Ardnasool Jet in his semi-final of the 350 yard classic.

Second to the Irish Sprint Cup champion in the opening round, Knockalton Guy (Cracking Man/Turbine Tulip) gave himself every chance of overturning the 1/3 favourite when quick to stride from Trap 3 but unable to contain the Sprinter Of The Year on the run to the bend, was forced to cede command of the inside rail before reaching the corner when shuffled back to a battle for qualifying places while suffering significant crowding upon turning.

Gamely gathering himself on the run to the home-straight, he would vie for second position in a tight tussle for places but galloping strongly to the line, gamely secured third place behind Ardnasool Jet when eight and a half lengths adrift in 18.48.

 

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