Holland’s Courage to follow up

Jacobs Courage can supplement last weekend’s opening-round success when he contests the first semi-final of the Macroom Motor Services Stake.

Graham Holland’s dog has something to find with Cashen Mafuma on form but the last-named has a terrible draw and will need a lightning break if he’s to avoid trouble as he tries to make his way across to the rails.

With Fast Fit Henry and Castlelyons Cofi as a buffer, Jacobs Courage should enjoy a clear run. He’s capable of better than he posted last week and can make all here.

North Bound caught the eye behind Jacobs Courage last week, but his rails draw looks difficult and he’s going to have to track cleverly to overcome it in the second semi-final.

Splendid Joy also ran a cracker last week and if he produces his fastest break, he’ll make them all go. Even though he was beaten, that run was an improvement on what he had previously achieved and it also suggested that there might be more to come from Ted McCarthy’s dog.

He should have the measure of Murralli Junior and Shaneboy Nelson early and, like Jacobs Courage, he can lead all the way.

Super Showman won’t get many better opportunities than the one afforded him in the opening race and he rates nap material to make it count. Vincent Browne’s dog possesses smart early pace and can make every yard.

The last time he ran from the inside, he was in contention when forced to check at the first bend. He shouldn’t suffer any interference this time as Coolcroo Queen will step to the right from traps, giving the selection with every chance to make the most of his ideal berth.