Punters back on track

PUNTERS got back on track when the favourites took both semi-finals of the Irish Examiner 750 at Curraheen Park on Saturday night. This was in complete contrast to a week previously when all four jollies were beaten in the heats, three at 4/7 or shorter.

The Paul Hennessy trained Heart Rumble (4/6), beaten at 2/5 last week, was the first to make amends in the opening heat. He edged ahead of Creamery Cert at the opening bend and was always comfortably holding the running on Rushmoor Honcho in the closing stages for a two and a half length success in 42.15.

Haliska Blueboy (evens), an unsuccessful 1/3 chance a week previously, led at the fourth bend and then held on by a neck and the same from Nobodywantsme and Lyons Rumble in a bobbing finish to the second semi-final. The winner, handled by Brian McCann, clocked a time of 42.55

* Entries are currently being taken at the track for the e17,000 Tinys Bud Open 550 Stakes. Heats Saturday.

* The trap draws for next Saturday's sweepstake finals are:

The Irish Examiner 750: 1 Haliska Blueboy, 2 Honcho Come Home, 3 Heart Rumble, 4 Nobodywantsme, 5 Rushmoor Honcho, 6 Lions Rumble.

Andy Kelleher Irish Life Stakes: 1. Clear As Magic, 2. Dinky Lee, 3. Ballyglen Boy, 4. Galdare Yank, 5. Travara Rex, 6. Best Manners.

* The trap draws for the semi-finals of the Blarney Back Graders sweepstake are:

1st semi final: 1. Tyrur Teejay, 2. Hoppers Fortune, 3. Toms Fox, 4. So Perfect, 5. Rock Road Mitch, 6. Obvious Claim.

2nd semi final: 1. Mellow Out, 2. Big Time Night, 3. Vieri Black, 4. Safe Driver, 5. Black Abbey Lord, 6. Doggy’s Tide.

Both semi finals will be run next Saturday night.