1XBET TOUR SERIES ARRIVES TO LIFFORD

Peter Farrell

There are three semi-finals of the 1XBet Series A2/A3 525 at Lifford Stadium tonight and there is little margin for error, with just two qualifying from each heat for the €1,250-to-the-winner decider in seven days’ time.

In the opening semi-final, Hallies Cashout can make a bold bid from a plum draw in trap one. The daughter of Ballymac Cashout takes a notable drop in class for this assignment and, should she reproduce the pick of her Dundalk form, she could prove too strong for her rivals. This is a competitive affair, however, with Pharis Syd also dropping in grade, while Kirsty Romeo will be expected to take a couple of steps forward from his 29.07 estimated effort last time out. On that occasion, the blue faded late on but should strengthen up considerably from that run.

The second semi-final can see Highview Mike double his career tally following a brilliant victory last time out for Eddie Hurson. The son of McInerney recovered from a woeful start on that occasion to win comfortably and, while this represents a tougher assignment, he looks to have all the tools required to follow up. He is unlikely to break as poorly this time around and, granted a level start, should play a leading role. His rivals include Rastafari Rory, who remains something of an unknown quantity around Lifford, and the in-form Smurfing Legacy, who commands plenty of respect.

The concluding semi-final features a couple of notable individuals stepping down in grade, with Drveen Lass particularly interesting from a plum draw in trap two. A real Lifford specialist, she has already landed a couple of sweepstakes around the Northwest venue and has regularly mixed it with much sharper company in the past. As a result, she is likely to attract plenty of support tonight. The same can be said of Divil The Hayte, a very versatile tracker with plenty of useful form to his name, while Hey Connie arrives with some eye-catching Kilkenny form, albeit achieved in A6 company.