Droopys Latina was the biggest casualty in the first round of the Comerford Cakes 525 Stake at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.
Robert Gleeson’s runner, who had scored in 28.05sec over the course and distance in the summer, was always struggling after a slow break and could only finish fifth to Gerard Morris’s Geelong, who beat Farloe Joey in 28.65sec.
Wide runners seemed favoured as six of the eight winners came from trap six.
One bucking the trend was Roy Ruddy’s Drumcrow Kaiser, who was a surprise standard setter when coming late to nail Creamery Bale on the line and score by a short head in 28.33sec. Jaytee Dutch qualified in third.
Tom Farrell’s Scary Days was a trap to line winner of the opening qualifier when holding Imperial Express by two lengths in 28.49sec.
John Fox’s Philiblue came late in the third heat to deny Liam Dowling’s Juvenile Derby winner Anopheles by half a length in 28.79sec.
Peter Cronin’s Milldean Puma overcame early trouble in heat four to deny Airport Turbo by a short head in 28.72sec.
Graham Holland’s Jo Jo Fantasy caught long-time leader Borna Sounds close home in heat five to score by three quarters of a length in 28.37sec.
Richard Brown’s Global Chief made just about all the running in heat six when holding Scooby The Phant by a neck in 28.84sec.
Munster Juvenile Cup finalist Razldazl Rince was soon clear in the penultimate qualifier and went on to slam Motorbar Welcome by four and a half lengths in 28.46sec.
Graham Holland’s Sidarian Nell impressed on the undercard when staying on strongly to hold Puppy Oaks finalist Urban Gossip by half a length in 28.36sec.
