Improved draw can show Gwan Slab in better light at Curraheen Park

Gwan Slab rates nap material on tonight’s programme at Curraheen Park.

The experienced tracker was well beaten last time but that effort is best forgotten, as he was badly hampered at traps.

Better housed, next to the fence, this time, he can use his position to turn close to the pace.

A strong stayer over this 550 yards trip, he boasts the best form in the race by some margin, and his class can tell in the closing stages.

Big Red is a likely leader in a race with a modest amount of early pace, and he looks the best option for forecast links.

Newlawn Simon can get back to winning ways in the second semi-final of the Macroom Motors Services Open 575. Beaten at odds-on in the first round, he showed plenty of pace in defeat and it’s an effort which is easily forgiven.

Better drawn tonight, he has the early pace to lead around, and it’ll take a huge effort to deny him victory.

The danger may come from Leezie Lindsay, who was also beaten favourite last time.

She, too, looks much better drawn this time, and can follow the selection home.

It could be worth taking a chance on Follys View stealing a march in the first semi-final of the Gain Dog Foods Christmas Oaks at Shelbourne Park.

Brendan Matthews’ bitch was impressive last time, despite missing a beat at the break, and looks better drawn, slightly off the rails, this time.

With one of her better breaks, she should be able to use her position to lead around, and that could be the winning of the race.

There’s plenty of early pace in the race, which may make life difficult for likely favourite Ballydoyle Honey, whose immense ability got her out of trouble in each of the last two rounds.

Short-odds players will be hoping for a more straight-forward success this time, but know she will need to be quicker at the break.

She may well prevail, but there must be value in taking her on, and Follys View is the choice.