Review KILLARNEY 18-JUL-2000

Perugino Diamond came out on top in an exciting finish to the featured Murphy's Irish Stout Handicap Hurdle as the kingdom again basked in sunshine on day two of the Festival meeting.

The first three were in the air together at the last, with David Casey's mount just touching off Gift Token while Vivo (5/2-2/1f) was a further 2 1/2L behind.

'He is in the Galway Hurdle, and I suppose that is the obvious race to go for next,' said successful permit holder Seamus O'Farrell.

Galway is very much part of future plans for most winners at this time of year, and the successful pair in the opening two chase races are both entered in the Plate.

Francis Bay (3/1-4/1jf) was given a typically confident ride by Paul Carberry in the 2m1f handicap chase, cruising to the front before the last to beat Rhum Dancer by 1 1/2L.

Dermot Weld's charge has been allotted 9st1lb in the Plate, while the 2 1/2m novice winner Twilight Buck is on the 10st mark.

There was plenty of drama here five out, with favourite Beacon Lane falling while in front and almost bringing down Twilight Buck.

Barry Geraghty did well to keep the partnership intact, and the 7yo gelding was driven past Donickmore and Duky River on the run-in for a hard-earned success.

'He may go for the Plate Trial at Tipperary on Sunday, and we will see about Galway after that,' said trainer Pat Fahy.

The spoils were shared in the 1m handicap (0-75) after At His Best was joined on the line by Barr Na Sraide, and the former will turn out again here on Thursday.

There was no need for the photo-finish camera after the 0-50 1m handicap where Peru Girl stretched clear inside the final 1/4m for a 6L triumph from Kilbride King.

The inform combination of Pat Smullen and Frances Crowley teamed up to take the 1m6f race with Soviet Blues, providing one lucky jackpot punter with a dividend of #3,893.

'He will probably go next for a staying handicap, and will go hurdling later this year,' said Ms Crowley.

Paddy Prendergast doubled his tally at the meeting when Moll Hackabout (2/1-6/4f) was brought over to the stands side in the straight by Liz Doyle to score by 2 1/2L.