Trap draw the only danger to unbeaten Panther

EIGHTEEN of Ireland’s best will tonight bid to join Laurels winner Razldazl Rioga, Derby runner-up Dream Walker and local qualifier Piercestown Con in the semi finals of the Red Mills Waterford Masters at Kilcohan Park.

The opening round of the valuable competition dominates tonight’s action at Waterford with the final heat the highlight. Featuring Puppy Derby winner Sparta Maestro, Laurels runner-up Beaming Dilemma and the talented trio of Airforce Roger, Hey Gringo and Mines A Pint, this is a contest that could provide a thrilling finish.

Sparta Maestro is seen as one of the most exciting young trackers in training and, as a result, is likely to start favourite, but he will need to be at his sharpest. He is no stranger to Waterford and his previous experience around the track could be the difference. Airforce Roger may emerge the main threat, while the battle for third could be very tight indeed.

The opening heat is similarly competitive, although on current form Piercestown Sand is the one that makes most appeal. Laurels third Varra Captain will be seen as a threat, but Pepsi Billy may emerge as the biggest danger.

Colorful Champ will bid to put a couple of disappointing efforts behind him in the second heat where he gets the nod to make all at the expense of Lemon Hammer and the strong-running railer Croom Star.

At Shelbourne the presence of Ireland’s newest superstar Milldean Panther will add extra spice to already intriguing night’s racing. The brilliant son of College Causeway is amongst a host of young greyhounds that are having a prep race ahead of a crack at the National Puppy Stake.

Milldean Panther won’t be making anyone rich this evening however, as he is likely to start a long odds-on favourite for the second semi final of the Razldazl George Open 525. The powerful black will be bidding to bring his unbeaten sequence to nine and looks likely to do so in some style.

The biggest threat to Milldean Panther this evening is probably the trap draw. Flanked by two decent starters that could possibly move into his path, the John O’Flynn-trained tracker will need to have his trapping boots on. If he does find traffic problems the hugely exciting Noirs Buachaill could emerge as the main threat.

In the opening semi-final there is plenty of Puppy Derby form on show. Swift Marathon and Ruthless Man were both finalists in the Harold’s Cross feature, while Hillcroft Joe and Razldazl Houdini performed well in the early rounds.

Despite a tough draw Swift Marathon is probably the one to beat, although Hillcroft Joe and Piercestown Buzz are both well drawn and cannot be ignored.