THIS year’s Sporting Press Irish Oaks has been right out of the top drawer and this evening there are two ultra-competitive semi-finals down for decision.

THERE are no major competitions currently in progress at Shelbourne Park but tonight’s card is packed with real quality as many of Ireland’s fastest trackers prepare for their respective targets.

THERE was a pulsating climax to the McCarthy Insurance Group Oaks at Curraheen Park on Saturday night where Tyrur Tinkerbell continued the fine run of trainer Paul Hennessy with a hard fought victory.

ON a relatively quiet weekend for greyhound racing, the focus falls on at Shelbourne Park this evening as many leading trackers flex their muscles in preparation for a crack at the upcoming Tote Gold Cup.

MELODYS Royal looks likely to be aimed at the biggest competitions in the calendar in the coming months after a stunning display in the final of the Joe Dunne Memorial Puppy 525 at Shelbourne Park on Saturday.

THE well-fancied Tyrur Bucko will not run in Saturday’s second semi-final of the Pat Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park due to a serious injury.

It is getting down to the serious end of affairs in the Pat Hennerty Sales Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park and the talk of the greyhound world this week is that intriguing fourth quarter final to be run on Saturday night.

With still two days to go before the deadline, the entry list for the Paddypower.com Irish Derby had reached 100 and the signs are that the final number will be very close to the ideal number of 144.

PAT CURTIN is enjoying an amazing year, thanks to the achievements of Shelbourne Aston. He is now back in another classic final, with Droopys Arsene safely qualified for next Tuesday’s William Hill St Leger at Wimbledon.

COMPASS SMASH can land the featured Open 550 at tonight’s gala-sponsored benefit meeting at Curraheen Park, in aid of Marymount Hospice.