Shelbourne can take Leger

JUDICIAL Academy and What A Tornado will battle it out for favouritism for this evening’s Kerry AgriBusiness St Leger at Limerick, but on the track there could be one or two more getting involved in what promises to be a thrilling decider.

The bookmakers seem convinced the winner will emerge from the big two, but the likes of Shelbourne Geoff and Varra Captain could also have a big say in the outcome. Judicial Academy was beaten favourite in last year’s final and, while his connections will be hoping to atone for that defeat, he faces a tough draw.

Flanked by two early-paced greyhounds in the form of Varra Captain and Shelbourne Geoff, Judicial Academy could find himself short of room at the turn.

If that happens, What A Tornado and the aforementioned pair of Varra Captain and Shelbourne Geoff could be the main benefactors.

The likelihood is that either Varra Captain or Shelbourne Geoff will need to dictate to emerge triumphant, but the same can’t be said for What A Tornado.

The Paul Hennessy-trained powerhouse has come into his own during this competition and, while he isn’t blessed with early dash, he possesses a potent finishing kick. There’s little doubt he will be finishing faster than any of his rivals.

Hey Gringo and Inislosky Magoo complete the line up and while both are very much at home around the Limerick circuit they have a bit to find on form to threaten.

On the strength of his form through the prelims, Judicial Academy is worthy of his position in the market, but we will nominate Shelbourne Geoff to come out on top. What A Tornado could arrive late and fast to push him hard.

On the undercard, Killians Express is out of the consolation final and is replaced by Bamba The Face.

The final will be featured in an hour long programme on RTE 2 this evening, beginning at 9pm.

At Shelbourne Park the feature are the semis of the ECC Timber Open 550.

Uncle Eoin is certainly the in-form greyhound in the competition, but he could find himself in early traffic problems from a nightmare draw in the opening heat.

With Rockview Head certain to cut inwards from trap six, Uncle Eoin will need to explode from trap five to avoid his rival.

That seems unlikely to happen, which opens up the contest to those drawn on the inside. Amongst these is the hugely exciting Shaneboy Fantasy.

Although not renowned for his early speed, his potent finishing kick could see him arrive late and fast to maintain his unbeaten record in the competition.

The second heat also looks competitive, but a favourable draw in three could see Mines A Pint return to winning ways.

Only three weeks ago the powerful tracker posted a stunning 29.51 and a repeat of that form would be good enough. Royal Patrol looks the main threat.