MUSIC INTHE AIR AND BALLYMAC CHARPEL CAN PROVE TOO STRONG IN LEE STRAND SEMI-FINALS

Barry Drake

MUSIC INTHE AIR, the star performer over the last two weeks, can complete a hat trick of straight successes in tonight's opening semi-final of the Lee Strand in the Kingdom.

Trained by Patrick Guilfoyle for owners the Pension Plan Syndicate, the selection has won four of his five career outings, and he has delivered two spectacular performances in recent weeks, winning in 29.46 and 29.23. Drawn well, in trap two, he's fancied to be in front early on, and he should have little trouble in maintaining his impressive winning run.

Of the others, Liam Dowling's Ballymac Sheff has finished second the last twice, however, he's still learning his trade and should turn into a very nice greyhound in the coming weeks. When he puts it all together, he will go very fast. A big run is expected from the pacey youngster.

Dowling can take the second semi-final with the hugely exciting Ballymac Charbel. The August puppy caught the eye in the opening round, winning in 29.44. He backed that up with another fine performance last week, running well behind Music Inthe Air. This is easier, and he's expected to bounce back to winning ways. The selection has bundles of speed, and if turning handy around the opening corners, which looks likely, he should prove far too strong.

Happy Me, for Shane and Sophie Murphy, can follow the selection home. The May youngster caught the eye in defeat last week, and the improving puppy has claims of running well in this and progressing into next week's big final.