LIMERICK will host the semi-finals of the €160,000 Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake on Saturday next, 7.40pm onwards.
The quarter-finals were staged at the weekend and such is the pattern of this year’s Classic, there were more shock results in terms of the heat winners.
Prior to the four quarters, the outright betting market had Droopys Metaphor, Da Bold Falcon and Epic Chick share 6/1 favouritism. However, only one progressed as Epic Chick was forced to play second fiddle behind the fastest quarter final winner, Merits Inclusion.
An owner who knows what it takes to win a Kirby, having won on two separate occasions, is Brendan Matthews of Newry. The Northern handler was represented by Merits Inclusion in the third quarter final, and got things right as he handed a comfortable defeat to 4/6 favourite Epic Chick.
The opening quarter was a five-dog affair, and this saw Scooby Pacemaker come from off-the-pace to deny Romeo Kingpin back-to-back wins.
It may have taken a little longer than originally anticipated, but Ballymac Patriot got off the mark in the second quarter as he too finished at speed for owner Liam Dowling.
While Graham Holland was busy recording a one-two in the final of BresBet Easter Cup at Shelbourne Park, Faypoint Sean (Droopys Sydney – Roaming Shari) represented his kennel brilliantly in the final quarter.
After showing huge pace to come from behind last time out, Faypoint Sean was installed as the 5/2 second favourite behind Droopys Metaphor and he produced a similar performance to seven days prior as he again came to seal victory.
