DEADLY ACE TO STRIKE AGAIN IN MARTIN FAHY MEMORIAL

Peter Farrell

Attention turns to the semi-finals of both the Martin Fahy Memorial and the Horan Family Syndicate Stakes tonight at Galway Greyhound Stadium.

It was Deadly Ace that set the standard in the opening round of the Martin Fahy Memorial 525 last weekend as Gary Hannon's charge raced to a three-length victory in a smart 29.37 .20s. The Karol Ramsbottom-trained black produced a very likeable performance on that occasion, coming from off the pace before turning the screw on his rivals between the bottom two bends. The son of Signet Ace has plenty in hand in respect of the clock and, although drawn in trap four, he already showed his versatility in overcoming a trap five berth last time out. His main rival in the opening semi-final looks to be Hanover John, who is chasing a third successive victory for Leeanne Fleming. The September pup is likely to find plenty as last week was his first race over four bends and he is also well drawn in trap two. In what is certainly the tougher of the two semis, both React Jess and Hollywell Flint also landed their opening-round assignments and will carry strong claims for their respective connections. That said, both are poorly drawn in traps five and six respectively and will need sharp exits if they are to prevail.

The second semi-final is very closely matched but the narrow vote goes the way of Ballyea Marshall in trap six. Noel Gavin's runner has yet to finish outside the first two in four career starts and, although failing to justify support last weekend, he was extremely eye-catching in defeat and his next victory looks set to arrive sooner rather than later. The son of Ballymac Best will be flying home and should be racing prominently come the business end. Albert Mullins, who is double-handed in the contest, sends out Kerryroad Fancy. The daughter of Head Bound is a sister to recent TIME Club Derby winner Kerryroad Al and should take several steps forward from her first look at Galway last weekend. Elsewhere, Charming Ciara showed signs of a return to her very best in the opening round and can also play a major part for Donal Duggan and the Tom and Ciara Kelly partnership.

HORAN FAMILY SYNDICATE SEMIS

Prior to that, the semi-finals of the Horan Family Syndicate A6/A7 525 take place and Kiltartan Chosen looks the one to beat in the opening semi-final.

Trained by Albert Mullins, Kiltartan Chosen flashed from traps in the opening round, posting a slick 3.29 sectional before being chinned late on by Rockmount Kismet. Despite being picked up close home, the daughter of Ballymac Cashout can build up a head of steam once again and should have enough in reserve this time around to score for the second time in her career. Of her rivals, Brickhill Dolly caught the eye in defeat last time out and is certainly heading in the right direction for John Collins and Albert Long, while Pierview Pearl may not have posted the fastest figures last weekend but is well drawn once again in red and can cause problems.

In the second semi-final, Rockmount Kismet is difficult to oppose based on her opening-round performance for Shane Flanagan. On that occasion, the daughter of Dromana Bucko shed her maiden tag, reeling in Kiltartan Chosen to score by a short head in 29.41 .20s. Any repeat of that display should see her complete a quick-fire double and she also boasts a favourable draw in trap three. Lady Belfort is a very young February '25 pup and is open to no end of improvement for Michael Keating. She looks the main threat to Rockmount Kismet.