UNANIMOUSPANTHER THE STAR IN THE OPENING ROUND OF THE LEEE STRAND

Barry Drake

Unanimouspanther, trained by Pat Buckley for owner Ciaran O'Sullivan, set the standard in the opening round of the Lee Strand in the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium last night. 

The 4-6 favourite was in front early and in truth the outcome was never in any doubt. It was a magnificent front-running winning performance, clocking 29.47 and coming home with seven lengths to spare over Killeacle Magic.

In heat five, Deadly Choice is a greyhound with a big future after the Michael O'Donovan trained runner clocked 29.59 in winning. The even-money favourite produced a fantastic finish to land the spoils. In the ownership of Garry Hannon, the classy winner beat Ballymac Briar, by four lengths. 

In the closing heat, Cheap Sandwiches was another to impress when winning for trainer Dan Brassil and owners the Bark-Wahlberg-Syndicate. The September puppy hit the front at the opening corners and the 6-4 shot pulled away to beat Ballymac Joshy, by four lengths, in 29.68.

Heat six went the way of Tree Top Steve, for trainer David Flanagan and owner Imelda Sinclair. Always towards the head of affairs, the June youngster stuck to his task well in the closing stages as he beat Satelite Monroe, by three lengths, in 29.78.

Mulcair Harry landed the third heat for Alan and Gary McNamara. The 5-2 shot delivered a fine front running winning performance to beat Coolavanny Percy, by half a length, in 29.76.

In the opening heat, Cabra Ranger scored for Jason Burke as the July youngster displayed plenty of pace to beat Ballyroyal Nate, by a length and a half, 30.06.

Ballymac Kinga got the job done in heat four, winning for the Liam Dowling kennels. A lovely 29.80 winning display, three and a half lengths clear of Mrbluewood.

Cahirard Kango clocked 30.39 in winning heat number seven. Trained by Michael Baker for Anthony O'Sullivan, the 12-1 outsider beat Quivers Indo, by two lengths.

Shimmering Water, for James and William Purtill, delivered a smart 29.86 winning performance in heat number seven. A strong display to beat Summerfield Air, by two and a half lengths, in 29.86.

A fantastic opening round and we can expect plenty of top class action over the next couple of weeks.