Clares Rocket completed his unbeaten run through the National Produce Stakes at Clonmel – though he had to show another side of his ability to take the €30,000 first prize.
Drawn in six, Graham Holland’s 1-2f did not produce his best break and was forced into a buckle with the impressive Crohane Ronnie (T5) on the run to the turn. There were only two spots between the pair at the sectional and Rocket barely had daylight to spare by the first bend.
But off the second turn he pushed clear as Ronnie checked slightly and from midway along the backstraight there was only one winner. It was left to Puppy Derby winner Anopheles to run on for second but he was still six and a half in arrears as Rocket stopped the clock in 28.00. It was Rocket’s 11th win from his last 12 races.
Racing manager Eddie Anderson said: “The winner was poetry in motion, sheer power and pace. His times from half to the winning line have been exceptional. I gather from speaking to Graham that the dog will have a break now before the Champion Stakes and Irish Derby.
“The night was a throwback to the old days with around 900 through the gate. They wanted to be there to see a great greyhound in action.”
CLARES ROCKET 1/2F (6) 28.00
(Confident Rankin-Lemon Madrid) wbk D Jun 14. Full-House-Syndicate
Anopheles (3) 6.5L
Crohane Ronnie (5) 0.5L
Jo Jo Fantasy (2) sh
Escapism (4) 4.5L
Mountaylor Queen (1) 4L
