MORE MAGIC EXPECTED FROM ELOUISE IN KENNEDY CUP SEMIS

Peter Farrell

There were a series of top-class performances in the opening round of the Gammell Car Sales Kennedy Cup 525 at Limerick and the semi-final action takes centre stage on tonight’s nine-race card.

The star of the show on night one was undoubtedly the Pat Guilfoyle-owned and trained Magical Elouise, and she is very difficult to oppose when lining out in the second semi-final tonight. Posting a slick 28.45 from off the pace on that occasion, she proved a class above her rivals and has plenty of time in hand on tonight’s opposition, none of whom managed to break the 29-second barrier in round one. On that evidence, another dominant display could be on the cards from the daughter of Signet Ace when she dons the orange jacket tonight. Of her rivals, all will need to step up considerably, but Duty First looks the most likely to improve for Owen McKenna. He too landed his opening-round assignment, clocking a workmanlike 29.29, but that was his first competitive outing at Limerick and the October whelp can be expected to come forward from the experience.

In the opening semi-final, Maybe will look to build on a terrific opening-round performance for Corona Ryan and John Edwards. The choicely bred daughter of Dromana Bucko - Swanley Chick posted an impressive 28.64 on that occasion and, should she reproduce her lightning 1.26 sectional, she is likely to dictate matters from the bingo box in three. Chief among her rivals is once again Glamorous Jet for the Horan-Family-Syndicate. The pacey son of Priceless Jet chased Maybe to within a length in the opening round and will look to reverse that form from a favourable draw in two. Much could depend on who gains first run on the approach to the opening bend. Elsewhere, Kazankina caught the eye in defeat in round one and is another capable of playing a part from her wide berth in six.