Only twelve remain in the Champion Open Unraced at Kilkenny and yet there are numerous potential future classic contenders on show such is the quality of the event.
One suspects the hunt for the €15,000 winner’s purse will go right down to the wire but tonight is all about progression and making the final six.
SHADOW TO LIGHT UP PROCEEDINGS
Both heats are of the highest quality but three of the second-round heat winners meet in a mouthwatering opening semi-final.
Both Montana Shadow and Unanimous Leo posted 28.80 last week, while Ballymac Kamala was just 11 spots slower when clocking 28.91.
All three have obvious claims, while Burgess Mystery has the early speed to race prominently. Bruce Bay and Herecomestiernan complete a talented field.
In terms of picking a winner, Montana Shadow gets the nod. The only unbeaten greyhound left in the competition, he overcame a slow start to take charge down the back straight last week. He has exceptional back straight pace but can also go up far faster than he did in his latest success.
If trapping on terms, the Johnny Linehan trained star can turn close to the pace before asserting into the third turn. Unanimous Leo and Ballymac Kamala are greatly respected but one suspects Montana Shadow is better than good. He has the potential to be a real star.
SCHOLSEY TO STRIKE
Carrick Scholsey suffered defeat in the second round but he can atone for that defeat in the second heat.
The hugely talented son of Droopys Scolari flew around in 28.68 in the opening round, showing exceptional early speed. He encountered traffic around the opening two bends last time but is probably better drawn in two this evening.
If coming away on terms, he will be very difficult to contain into the bend. Sunshine Sioux is a serious threat, however. Bred in the purple, the son of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire took charge into the turn last week before stretching on to win in 28.81. He looks set to have a big future but is drawn on the wrong side of Carrick Scholsey. If he is to lead that rival, he must make a flying exit.
Singalong Mick I another to note in this contest. A half brother to dual classic winner Singalong Dolly, he has shown plenty of ability in his two defeats to date. He will get off the mark soon but needs to be at his very sharpest tonight.
Instead, Callaway Five is nominated as a bigger threat to the likes of Carrick Scholsey and Sunshine Sioux. He flew to the turn on debut to win in 28.91 and actually enhanced his reputation last week when coming between dogs to grab second. If finding a start, h is more than capable of racing prominently.
Lookandlep has a good draw on the fence and has shown plenty of pace in both outings. He could find himself short of room in the opening yards, however, with Carrick Scholsey expected to edge inwards from two. Droopys Melon completes the line-up and has a bit to find on the clock, although its clear he is going to improve in the coming weeks.
It is another stacked contest but Carrick Scholsey is selected to return to winning ways at the expense of Sunshine Sioux and Callaway Five.