Hero cancement his Laurels claims

SUPERHODS HERO can cement his claims in the Cashmans Irish Laurels at Curraheen by landing a red-hot second semi-final tonight.

The top five in the Laurels betting go head-to-head in this contest, making it a race to savour and one that would do justice to the final itself.

Given the ultra-competitive nature of the race and the fact that the line-up is made up entirely of inside seeds, the draw will obviously have a vital bearing on the outcome.

Superhods Hero, who leapt to the head of the betting when producing a career best and fastest in the stake 28.14 effort last week, has the rails berth and this progressive sort reads the percentage bet.

Paul Hennessy’s Tyrur Ted has yet to ignite, but is still unbeaten after three rounds.

His 100% record in the classic is due largely to some clever tracking skills, however, and one senses he will need to show more of the same to overcome a four draw.

Goblet of Fire, also trained by Hennessy, proved no match for Superhods Hero last week, going under by five lengths.

He previously impressed when posting a 28.38 effort, however, and, in such a tight contest, this trail-blazer cannot be dismissed.

Ian Reilly, trainer of Superhods Hero, also has a second string to his bow in Hee Haws Cantona.

This fellow won his first two starts in the classic but mistimed his exit when second last week. He is a pacy sort but a three draw means there’s little room for error.

Owen McKenna’s Student Pass is also a winner of two of his three starts in the classic but his trapping ability has to be taken on trust and a five draw doesn’t make life any easier.

The outside of the paty, Knockna Kirka, is without a win in the stake and it’s difficult to see him breaking his duck here.

The first semi-final, while not containing any of the principals in the betting, is no less competitive.

Cases can be made for a numbr of runners but it may pay to take a chance on Ballymac Floss.

Liam Dowling’s bitch was unlucky (shut out at the opening bend) when a close second behind Student Pass last week.

She has a four draw with which to contend but, granted normal luck in running, can prove equal to the task.

Selections

1st race: Cranky Trio (Sunvalley Dandy)

2nd race: Mothers Luck (Saving Louise)

3rd race: Slieve Gulion (Hoppers Fortune)

4th race: Chinook Wind (Jamies Joy)

5th race: Lughill Emily (Any Customer)

6th race: Ashville Katie (Lisselton Bill)

7th race: Civil Rights (Deejay Ninetysix)

8th race: Ballymac Floss (Vancouver Sparky)

9th race: Superhods Hero (Tyrur Ted)

10th race: Rattletherecord (Stunning Display)

11th race: Cherokee Lady (Fir Tree Jack).