Epic Ace bounces back to winning form at Tralee last week
Last week was a quieter week in Ireland now that the Irish Derby is over but that did not stop the level of performances from impressing across the country.
Ireland's top runs from last week
The Irish Laurels kicks off at Curraheen Park this week with Magical On Fire laying down her marker for the competition with a slick win on Saturday. She has won five of her 11 starts to this point, including both races at Cork. She exited the Irish Derby in the second round in a heat won by Proper Heiress.
Speaking of Shelbourne, it was hard to separate Good Katie and Ballymac Lake this week at headquarters. The pair both stopped the clock in 28.15 in separate competition semi-final contests. The former is an April 24 puppy having just her second start, which suggests she is going to be a very smart type to follow in 2026. The latter is out of the exceptional Droopys Sydney - Ballymac Pete litter which seem to be in this column every single week!
Youngest of the bunch was Ballydoyle Tina. Just a June 24 whelp, she produced a spectacular career debut at Clonmel. Only three dogs this year have gone quicker than her 28.30 finishing time. Her dam was an Irish Oaks finalist in 2021, a field that saw Susie Sapphire beat Scooby Princess and Billys Diva!
Epic Ace burst onto the scene about this time last year, winning his first six starts, including four at Tralee. A return to that track for the first time since last December saw him add another success to his tally. He got the better of Bockos Diamond in the opening round of the Irish Derby in August but tumbled out the competition at the next stage behind Cheap Sandwiches.
