Home in on Honcho in Backgraders semi-final
The selection set the standard last week, turning in a top class performance to record a clear-cut 31.20 success.
Newline Honcho was soon at the head of affairs last time and, despite a switch to the outside, should take plenty of pegging back.
Gift Of Glory, always prominent when a four and a half lengths runner-up behind Gift Of Glory last week, can again prove the main danger.
The well drawn and in-form Lyons Rumble, always in control when posting a 31.71 effort last week, will have his supporters in the first semi-final but preference is for Hoppers Fortune.
Trained by John Linehan, Hoppers Fortune impressed when recording a sub 29.00 victory over the standard distance last month and can gain compensation for an unlucky run behind Newline Honcho last week.
The fast-improving Ballyvatta Jet can cheat the draw in the final of the Milstreet A3 550 Stakes.
Pat Kiely’s ace made it four wins from nine starts when carding 30.49 last week and a four draw is unlikely to halt her progress.
Mattys Surprise, never headed when recording a 30.24 heat win, rates the obvious danger.
The third race can go to the in-form Lowland Pilot.
This three-times winner was quickly at the head of affairs when carding 29.37 earlier this month and can continue on an upward curve, probably at the expense of Lagganmore Brett, a promising two lengths second in 29.25 last time.
Meanwhile Group Rooster and Yeah Man bid to justify their lofted position in the betting for the John J Casey 575 at Shelbourne Park.
Group Rooster went fastest of the big two in last week's opening round when holding the spirited challenge of the always prominent Trey United. Tonight the pair clash again in the final heat and Group Rooster, who seems likely to come on for his latest outing, can deny his classy rival for the second week running.
Kieren Fallon's Group Rooster faces an ideal draw in the red jacket and with two slow starters on his immediate outside the son of Top Honcho should have plenty of room in the early yards. With that in mind, it is impossible to oppose the Derby Consolation winner. Expect Group Rooster to lead before the turn and he can then race to a comfortable victory.
Yeah Man faces a less straightforward task in Heat 3 where he renews rivalry with Tain Lawn, while they are also joined by Different State. Yeah man will no doubt start a warm favourite, but he certainly can't afford any mistakes.
After building a clear advantage last week, he only held Tain Lawn by a half length and with the latter facing a more favourable draw this time, anything could happen. Different State also has strong claims. Ian Reilly's charge was thought to have needed the run last week and he will certainly improve. If doing so, he too could play a big part in proceedings.
When it comes down to picking a winner however, it is difficult to see past Yeah Man. Such is his superior pace and class that he must get the vote. Expect the Owen McKenna trained star to build a clear lead before the third turn.
Once doing so he should have enough in hand to hold Tain Lawn and Different State.
