Hinomite got it right at Galway

TRAPRISE

Within a remarkable purple patch of winning form over recent weeks, the kennels of Vincent McKenna contested further sweepstake honours last weekend and completing a personal hat-trick at Galway, the I Lost My Dog Syndicate’s Hinomite (Ballymac Best-Airfield Biddy) claimed the final of the Upcoming Events A5 525 Yard Stake in dominant style.

Entering the event on the back of victory in the same grade, the June 2022 whelp posted 29.92 (-20) in semi-final victory and although that performance left him with time to find ahead of Saturday’s showdown, the Borrisokane charge entered trap 4 as favourite before justifying the confidence with a sharp break.

Immediately taking command, Hinomite dominated the early exchanges when scampering to a three-length lead at the opening bend and smoothly galloping the turns, had the verdict all but settled before reaching his winning margin of six lengths at the top of the backstraight. Reducing the final to a race against the clock within a virtual solo passage, Hinomite improved to a new career best of 29.28 (-10).

That winning time will ensure an upgrade to a new high of A3 grade next time but in search of a four-timer, his early pace will remain a potent weapon at that level.

In preparation for final contention, that Saturday fixture at Galway had already begun in winning fashion for McKenna when he guided Patrick Hogan’s Aulton Joxer (Ballymac Cashout-Jumeirah Genie) to a second win from his latest three outings in the Racing Thursday Night A4 525.

Getting to grips with his recent rise for A6 victory out west, the June 2023 pup was back to his best break from trap 1 this time in just his sixth career start and immediately showed in front on the run to the corner. Turning with a length in hand, Aulton Joxer eased further clear to halfway and never seriously threatened thereafter, struck the line with four lengths to spare in 29.38 (-10).

A new personal best, he will join Hinomite while also obliged to tackle A3 company next time out.

Bono on song at Thurles

With a very pleasing strike-rate at the outset of his career, Pat Kennedy’s Ballinalick Bono (Broadstrand Bono-Ballinalick Rua) resumed his winning ways at Thurles on Thursday with a fourth race win in most game manner.

Denied a hat-trick following a brace of wins in the same grade last time out, the lightly raced December 2021 whelp was having just his eighth start this time and ideally drawn in trap 6 as a wide seed, displayed all of his sharp early pace to secure a lead on the run to the opening bend while negating his initial half-length deficit.

Bounding clear to a commanding backstraight advantage, the Kennedy stalwart would see that lead reduced by a strong staying rival beyond halfway but defending a one length winning margin, Ballinalick Bono displayed just enough resolve on the run to the line.

Posting 29.69 (-20), he will remain in A4 grade while highly likely to extend his smart figures yet further over the coming weeks.

A busy weekend for trainer Pat Guilfoyle saw the Moneygall kennels double handed for the 12-runner Bet On The Tote ON2 525 Yard Stake at Limerick on Saturday and safely guiding both entrants to this week’s final, it was Donal & Pat Guilfoyle’s Magical Todd (Dorotas Wildcat-Magical Poppy) who led the way with an impressive debut victory.

Slowly to stride from trap 4 in the second semi-final, the May 2023 whelp contested in tight quarters while negotiating his way to the top of the backstraight in a three-length fourth. Impressing when straightening on the run to halfway however, Magical Todd struck the front in highly eye-catching style on the outside at the third turn. Seeing out the trip well thereafter, the smart prospect posted 28.91 (+10) in a two and a half-length verdict while leaving ample scope for imminent improvement.

That latter assertion also applies to Alice Guilfoyle’s litter brother Magical Alex (Dorotas Wildcat-Magical Poppy) who although made to settle for second in the opening qualifier, also left a very pleasing impression.

Tardy at trap rise, he gave all rivals a head start when last in the early exchanges and was out with the washing following a bumpy passage to the second bend.

With just one rival behind upon reaching the top of the backstraight, impressive 28.43 (+10) winner Adamantconqueror had well and truly flown by that point but passing all others in impressive style, Magical Alex hinted at extensive latent abilities when filling runner-up spot at a nine and a half length deficit.

Clearly the winner of this heat will take plenty of beating come Saturday’s final, but it would come as little shock should the Guilfoyle duo present much sharper for this first public appearance!