The opening round of the Boylesports Irish Derby saw the team secured 12 qualifiers from two evenings of top class racing at Shelbourne Park.

We all know the early stages are all about qualifying, any wins thrown in are a huge bonus. Friday evening was pretty much a case of just that where we saw all bar one qualify safely, but we also grabbed a victory courtesy of Kameko. He broke smartly up the inside and had the early toe to nip round the bend in front of Tip Top Taylor. Despite the latter piling on the pressure, Kameko kept on well to cross the line a length and half in front in 29.77.

Onto Saturday and it was a very good evening as we saw all qualify plus we landed four fantastic heat winners. Gaytime Milo was the first as he tracked the long time leader, Droopys Good, before passing on the run in, stopping the clock in 29.90. Swords Maestro showed his class as he slipped clear at the first bend before pulling away to a strong galloping victory in 29.51.

The run of the night came when Jackslittlething, fresh from Champion Plate success last week, flew from traps in Heat 21. He led on the run up before pulling away along the back, he was in total control of the contest and the time reflected that as he stopped the clock in 29.10. The fastest of the opening round. We ended the night, and the weekend, in style where Romeo Magico claimed the honours in Heat 25. Showing his trademark early pace, despite a tardy start, he flew to the corner to take up the running before showing great pace to the third turns. Coming home he held off the fast finishing Craft Bonanza to score in 29.62.

So, we’ve 11 names that went into the draw for the Second Round for this coming weekend. It’s another important week of just ensuring qualification for the Third Round, the full draw can be found below. Best of luck to connections of all runners!