Athlacca’s good Luck prevails in qualifying race at Shelbourne Park
The Shelbourne Park Greyhound track played host to a pair of exciting 350y OR semi-final qualifying races last night as part of their 10-race card. Each race featured six dogs competing for spots in the Adios Alonso at Stud Coursing 350 Final. The top three finishers in both semi-final races will advance to the final on September 4.
In the first semi-final held at 19:55, Athlacca Luck placed first to win the race in 18.90. He moved fast away from the rest of the pack, which resulted in a strong finish for him, but he was not originally selected as the favourite to win this race. That honour had been given to Ballymac Tory, who was staked at even odds. He came in fifth place, which did not qualify him for the final.
Finishing in second place was Cushie Loot (4-1), who posted a time of 19.10, 2 ½ lengths behind first place. Cushie Hugo (3-1) finished the race 1 length behind his sibling in 19.81 to take third place.
The number four spot was taken by Coolree Keeper (4-1), whose 19.34 finish was 2 lengths behind the third-place finisher. Ballymac Tory, the pre-race favourite, completed the race in 19.36 for a fifth-place finish that was just a neck’s length behind fourth. Fealesuir Dara (4-1) was a neck behind the favourite, and finished the race with a time of 19.39.
The second heat of the semi-finals was held at 20:10. This race featured joint favourites in Catunda Ashmore and The Other Gold, who were both staked at 7-4 odds before the race. Catunda Ashmore lived up to his billing as a favourite, and took first place with an 18.98 finish. While on the track, he moved fast away, and led first to lock up the win and secure a spot in the final.
Hes The Theory (5-2) managed to place second in 19.30. He guaranteed himself a spot in the final, despite being 4 lengths behind Catunda Ashmore. The Other Gold, the other joint favourite, placed third in 19.38 to finish a single length behind second place.
Catheirs Theory (6-1) finished the race 3 ½ lengths behind third in 19.66 to claim fourth place. Behind Catheirs Theory by 2 lengths was Cunnigar Queen (6-1), who posted a time of 19.82. Last position belonged to Crafty Kanuto (5-1), who was a substitute in trap six for Cushie Piper. His 19.90 finish put him 1 length out of fifth place.
The Adios Alonso at Stud Coursing Stake 350m Final will be held at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Track on September 4 at 20:04, with the top three dogs from the two semi-final races comprising the final line-up. Following the final will be four heats of the Ladbrokes.com Greyhound Derby Plate 550y semi-final.
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