Principals go head-to-head in semi-finals

The draw again played some nasty tricks when placing the two favourites in direct opposition in the opening semi-final next Saturday. Worse, the fast starting inside-seeking Express Ego is drawn wide out in the same contest.

Ardkill Jamie is probably best drawn in the inside box while Farloe Black won’t be bothered by a trap three draw. But the progress of Express Ego in the early yards will be of tantamount importance in this contest. He could well collide with Farloe in the early yards, though it is quite possible that Fraser Black’s star will trap sufficiently quickly to avoid such a happening.

Sponsors Paddy Power made Ardkill Jamie the 2-1 favourite with Farloe Black now as low as 11-4 and Si Senor at 4-1.Power then go 7 Groovy Stan; 8 Express Ego; 14 Youllhavetogo; 20 Tyrur Laurel; 25 Lughill Jo, Tyrur Rhino, Toosey Blue; 33 So Determined; 66 Holborn Lodge.

In the other heat the two English raiders will be in opposition with the Malcolm Daniels owned Groovy Stan occupying the inside box and the John Mullins trained Toosey Blue in six. The Owen McKenna pair Lughill Jo and Si Senor are also in this contest.

Semi-final trap draw

Heat 1: 1 Ardkill Jamie; 2 Youllhavetogo; 3 Farloe Black; 4 Holborn Lodge; 5 Express Ego; 6 Tyrur Laurel (m).

Heat 2: 1 Groovy Stan; 2 Lughill Jo; 3 So Determined (m); 4 Tyrur Rhino (m); 5 Si Senor (w); 6 Toosey Blue (w).