Murray also on the mark with Marble

TRAINER Francie Murray, whose Gilbeyhall Josh took his rivals apart in his semi-final of the Comerford Cakes National Puppy Stake at Shelbourne Park, was also on the mark when Ballyhoe Marble took his semi-final of the Tinys Bud 550 at Curraheen Park on Saturday night - albeit in contrasting style to his kennel mate.

Tote Gold Collar winner Ballyhoe Marble was led into the opening bend by Lughill Jo.

Things didn't look good for him when the pacemaker went a couple of lengths clear down the back.

Ballyhoe Marble looked back in it as he closed on the leader at the third bend only for Lughill Jo to kick on again.

The game looked up for Ballyhoe Marble when he ran wide off the last bend but he conjured up a terrific run up the home straight to not only win but put a length and a half between himself and his rival in 29.80.

Yeats Kingdom sprung a 10/1 shock in the second semi-final.

The Pat O'Connor trained winner made the bend in front of Blackstone Gold and the well backed evens favourite Farloe Rio.

The latter closed on the pacemaker at the third bend but no sooner was he looking dangerous than Yeats Kingdom kicked on again to eventually score by three and a half lengths in 29.90.

The draw for Saturday's final of the Tinys Bud Stake is

1. Tyrur Rocky; 2. Lughill Jo; 3. Farloe Rio; 4. Ballyho Marble; 5. Blackstone Gold; 6. Yates Kingdom.

Cashmans bet: 11/10 Ballyhoe Marble, 4 Farloe Rio, 6 Blackstone Gold, 13/2 Lughill Jo, 7 Yeats Kingdom, 8 Tyrur Rocky

Valley View Motors Stake

1st semi final: 1. Move Over Father; 2. Move Along Jack; 3. Belindas Jewel; 4. Madam Hero; 5. Bawn Brack Rascal; 6. Puck Fair.

2nd semi final: 1. Carbon Zola; 2. Senahel Millie; 3. Broadacres Blaze; 4. Green Pea; 5. Blakefield Rapid; 6. Kilshannig Comet.