TRAPRISE - Mooza continues to make a mark at Limerick
Having announced herself as a smart prospect with debut victory at Limerick, Stephanie Ryan’s Knockalton Mooza (Premier Fantasy-Meduza) further impressed in her career commencement when back in the winner’s enclosure at the Dock Road venue on Saturday, doubling her win tally with an early paced passage through the Videnda Distribution A3 525.
Posting 29.07 when leading throughout her first outing last month, the John Byrne trained April 2022 whelp was made to settle for third place on her subsequent graded debut when somewhat missing her break in a warm contest. However, clearly a sharp and forward pup in the infancy of her career, Mooza was back with a sharper start this time.
Exiting trap 4 on a galloping stride, she immediately began to draw clear of rivals and reached the opening bend with near two lengths in hand of more experienced rivals. Tackling the turns with aplomb, the Byrne winner continued to impress along the backstraight and seeing out the trip admirably well for one with such smart early pace, Knockalton Mooza repelled the late attentions of a strong running rival with three parts of a length to spare in 28.79.
That winning time will bring a rise to A1 for her next outing and while that upgrade will certainly demand more from the fledgling prospect, her early career qualities, especially at trap rise will aid future progress. A kennel darling as a daughter of the stalwart Byrne star Meduza, Knockalton Mooza may have a future mapped within the Open ranks and is an exciting young racer to follow very closely for the remainder of the season and far beyond.
Boy and Brian beat path to Thurles finals
Thurles Greyhound Stadium marks the 75th anniversary of racing at the Premier venue in 2023 and this Saturday will celebrate with a gala night of entertainment both on and off the track. With a host of sweepstake action and finals down for decision, a brace of local challengers will bid for glory on the big night having landed semi-final victory last weekend.
First into action when making his debut in the OMC Technologies ON2 525 was Noel Nagle’s Rathmartin Boy (Explosive Boy-Footfield Vicky) and presenting in sharp form for his first racing experience, he returned a dominant winner of his semi-final in the 18-runner event.
A February 2022 whelp, the Nagle pup began on level terms from trap 6 but much the quickest to reach full stride on the outside, displayed smart early dash before reaching the opening bend with a near two length advantage. Stretching clear of packing rivals, Rathmartin Boy had the race all but settled when readily extending on the run to halfway while continuing to impress with a smooth gallop along the backstraight.
Seeing out the trip ably well on debut, Rathmartin Boy was full value for his eight-length winning margin when stopping the clock in a pleasing 29.73 (-20). That winning time leaves the Nagle charge with a task on his paws come this week’s final as the fastest of the heats was claimed in 29.26 (-20) but having left a very pleasing impression, immediate improvement can be expected both this week and beyond!
Vastly more experienced, James Treacy’s Montore Brian (Ardnasool Jet-Montore Sally) also secured semi-final victory on that same fixture at Thurles and will take realistic claims to the final of the Moira Creane Memorial A4 570 Stake this Saturday.
Last successful in the same grade in mid-August, the May 2020 kennel stalwart took advantage of an ease this time when breaking on terms from trap 2 and securing command of the rails on the approach to the opening bend, seized second position when two lengths adrift of the pacesetter while tackling the turns. Greatly impressing along the backstraight, the Treacy winner struck the front on the inside entering the third bend and easing clear on the run to the home stretch, saw out the trip well when posting 32.09 (-20) in a one length verdict.
The sixth win of his hugely completive career, final victory will be hard fought for Montore Brian as the opposing semi-final was claimed in 31.88 (-20) but always prolific in his current grade with form at higher, he must be considered a leading fancy with big claims if granted clear passage.
Thurles Saturday details: Thurles Greyhound Stadium invite you to celebrate their 75th Anniversary Gala Night with them on Saturday 28th October.
The night will feature graded greyhound racing, with a competitive card and increased prizemoney.
Following racing, Sweet Freedom will continue the entertainment with top class live music. Free face painting for children on the night. Tickets are available on the night at €15 and included admission and race card. Children Go Free!