Spirit can cement Macroom claims

THE exciting St Louis Spirit can cement his claims in the Macroom Motor Services Stakes at Curraheen Park by taking the third of tonight’s semi-finals.

The selection, who established new track figures at Clonmel before making an unlucky exit in the third round of the Produce Stakes, rebounded in style last weekend.

In front at the opening corner, Jerry Griffin’s six-times winner surrendered the advantage at the second turn but displayed impressive boot to regain the lead at the third bend and win going away in 28.52.

Likely to come on again and well drawn on the outside, St Louis Spirit makes plenty of appeal.

The lightly-raced Broadacres Theo reads the main danger.

Unbeaten in his first two starts, Broadacres Theo lost no caste in defeat when a length runner-up in 28.59 last time.

He has considerable scope for improvement and an inside draw is another plus.

Early pacer Burgess Og, who made it four from four when carding 28.51 last week, merits respect from a rails draw in the opening semi-final.

However, he may have to settle for second best behind the classy Mumhan Aris.

The Produce Stakes third made it 12 wins from 17 starts when recording a trap-to-line 28.53 success in the heats and a trap four draw is unlikely to halt his progress.

The second semi-final can go to Express Rock. Owen McKenna’s runner was having his first race in over four months and his first spin at this circuit when third behind Burgess Og last time.