Sparta set to star once more

Sparta Maestro can further tighten his grip on the Mulvaney Memorial 600 at Shelbourne Park this evening when he lines out in the opening semi-final of the €5000 competition.

The Phil Gough-trained powerhouse has been installed a 1-3 favourite for outright success and that accurately assesses his chances. After posting new figures for the testing 600yd trip on Derby final night, he impressed in last Saturday’s opening round of this competition, clocking 32.27.

Seven days on Maestro has again been handed a perfect draw in the stripes and he should start an unbackable favourite to emerge on top despite the presence of the very useful Noirs Buachaill.

The favourite should have enough early dash to lead his rivals into the backstraight and if he gets to the third turn in front, there is scarcely a greyhound in training that would be able to live with him from there. On this occasion the aforementioned Noirs Buachaill can take second spot at the expense of Deanridge Viking.

Oneco Cool is likely to start a warm favourite for the second heat, although he can’t afford any mistakes in a contest where many of the field will be finishing fast.

There is much to like about how Mikeys Guest won his first-round heat and he could emerge as a threat, although Rallying Ri is probably the best drawn dog in the contest, in the red jacket.

On recent evidence Ian Reilly’s Oneco Cool will lead at the turn and if doing so it would be a surprise if he were reeled in.

Elsewhere on the card the semi-finals of the Mulvaney Memorial Open 525 should provide a couple of thrilling encounters.

It could pay to follow Hot Pursuit in the opening heat, while Airlie Jet is given the nod to return to winning ways in the second heat.

nKillinan Cash was the toast of Enniscorthy on Thursday night when running out a convincing winner of the Gain Future Champion Unraced Stake.

Joe McIlhone’s charge came away racing from the outside trap and duly raced home six lengths ahead of Jacksallstar in 28.93.

He won’t have much of a break following his victory however as he is due to race from the inside trap in the first heat of the Laurels.