Fortune runner just the Trick

There are a number of tempting propositions on tonight’s card but Mickys Trickster stands out as the one with greatest claims and he warrants the nap selection in the second semi-final of the Greyhound & Pet World A1 525.

Martin Fortune’s dog, who won a heat of the Laurels in 2011, was an impressive winner of his first-round heat last Saturday night, when his early pace gained the day.

Ideally drawn outside three modest breakers, he should have the legs of his rivals in the early stages and that can lead to victory. Prima Vera earns marginal preference over the strong-finishing Croom Upper for the minor role.

Alterra should take some beating in the third semi-final. Although he is yet to display electric early pace, Declan Moloney’s unbeaten tracker should enjoy a clear run early and his all-round speed should allow him assert his superiority over these rivals.

Burgess Star has a real winning opportunity in race 10. JJ Fennelly and Sheila Spillane’s dog continues to run to a high level and with an ideal draw along the rails and the early pace to lead in this company, the prolific veteran is taken to land the spoils. Butterbridge Pep didn’t run his race last Friday night at Youghal and the return to Curraheen should be in his favour. He can run into the places.

Denis McCarthy’s Springwood Ali remains a maiden after five starts but that tag should be banished forever after the second race.

For the first time, he has his ideal draw along the rails and while he may not be able to lead Cyclers Dida early, he should race on that one’s tail before his stamina carries him to the front. The ease in grade is significant.