Vandalism at Derry and a power cut at Drumbo left us two tracks short this week. Despite that, there were still some outstanding runs.
Chief of which has to be the Laurels win of Crafty Shivoo. The rain made for conditions that were not at all conducive to quick times but she clocked 28.52 (-50) which was more than enough to gain herself the award for this week. She is a 33/1 chance for the Irish Derby with the sponsors Boylesports.
Speaking of Shelbourne, Hawkfield Blue wins the award there with a 28.07 run. There were a number of solid runs as the lead up to the biggest competition of the year comes down to the final stages.
A 28.02 for Superfast Gordon at Tralee tied the second-quickest time over 525y in 2024. Only the new track record from In Good Time back in early-May has been a superior time over this trip. Gordon is one of four on the list for Broadstrand Bono.
So Its Herc is another for the sire. His Lifford effort put him in a tie for the fifth quickest of the year over their 325y distance. It was an S4 contest on just his third career start so stiffer tasks await him but he is an interesting recruit going forward for Paul Pardy.
The youngest of the group over the last seven days is Epic Ace who picked up a 17.61 win at Thurles. Only one dog has gone quicker so far in 2024 over 330y, the son of Signet Ace making it 2/2 for his career for Patrick Guilfoyle. An 18.31 win at Shelbourne on debut, it was good to see him back up that spectacular debut with another very smart display.
