STAGE SET FOR TIME CLUB DERBY SEMI FINALS AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

Just twelve greyhounds remain in the €20,000-to-the-winner TIME Club Graders Derby 525 and there is precious little to separate those left standing, with no margin for error ahead of next weekend’s showpiece final.

The remaining contenders have successfully negotiated four gruelling rounds of this mammoth competition and, as attention turns to tonight’s semi-finals, connections of all twelve runners can still harbour realistic hopes of glory. Private Luna, Imagine If and Bundle Of Fivers claimed the three fourth-round heats last weekend, with the latter pair set to clash in what appears the stronger of the two semi-finals.

Such is the open nature of this year’s renewal, it is difficult to identify a clear favourite. However, Imagine If enters the semi-finals as arguably the form greyhound in the field after back-to-back victories in impressive fashion. Jointly owned by Liam Cahill and Tony Lacey, the blue brindle September pup has just six career starts to his name but is progressing rapidly, breaking the 29-second barrier in each of his last two outings.

The son of Koblenz is favourably housed in trap three, though he will need to be alert at trap rise with several rivals on his inside capable of producing similarly fast starts. Among them is Kells Ruby, arguably the most naturally talented runner in the contest, as evidenced by his stunning 28.46 display in the third round. Seamus Martin’s charge endured little luck in running last weekend and only just secured qualification in fourth position. Nevertheless, the son of Ballymac Cashout remains a major player and is expected to improve significantly on his modest 1.41 sectional from the previous round. Despite arriving on the back of successive defeats, Gortkelly Bart is another certain to attract support. Andrew Murray’s black flashed from the boxes last weekend but ultimately had no answer to Imagine If, who powered through on the inside to take command. A move to trap two could prove significant, however, and may offer him the opportunity to reverse that form. For those looking towards the stronger stayers in the field, Bundle Of Fivers and Musical Queen stand out as two powerful finishers. Both appear capable of making their mark over six bends in the future, but they remain serious contenders in this competition and will be finishing strongly if within striking distance turning for home. Drawn in traps five and six respectively, they could benefit should any congestion develop on the inside.Of the pair, Musical Queen in particular looks like a greyhound on an upward curve for Larry Enright. The daughter of Whitewood Lad has continued to improve throughout the competition and commands considerable respect. Rossa Shelby completes the line-up in the second semi-final and is another to have landed a favourable draw in trap one. Thomas O’Donovan’s runner has work to do on the clock compared to some of her rivals, but it would be unwise to dismiss the well-bred daughter of Azzabi. Even so, a career-best performance may be required if she is to force her way into contention.

JUST AL

In the opening semi-final, Kerryroad Al gets the vote to return to winning ways for Kevin McLean.

A winner of his second-round assignment in a brisk 28.60, Kerryroad Al suffered defeat last weekend but showed plenty of determination to recover and secure the final qualifying position in fourth. The son of Head Bound demonstrated his strength in the previous round and, while he will need to sharpen up in the early exchanges, a move slightly closer to the rails in trap three could prove decisive for the McLean-trained runner. Of his chief rivals, both inside runners Bounceback Poppy and Eimears Lady have strong claims. The latter, owned by Gerard Quinn and trained by Brian Robinson, has thrived around the Limerick circuit in recent weeks and continues to improve with every outing. Posting 28.79 in defeat last weekend, the daughter of Dorotas Wildcat is ideally housed in trap two and could prove difficult to reel in if producing one of her trademark starts. Bounceback Poppy, meanwhile, possesses a versatile profile. Jointly owned by Anthony Kehoe and William Byrne, she has a rapid 1.24 sectional to her name but is perhaps better known for her powerful finishing effort. Drawn in red, she should be able to secure a prominent early position and, on balance, looks well placed to claim one of the coveted qualification spots for next week's decider. Private Luna was a brilliant winner in the previous round and is likely to challenge for favouritism. John Ryan’s youngster stopped the clock in 28.70 when making virtually every yard and a repeat of her impressive 1.31 sectional would once again leave her in a commanding position. That success was the August puppy’s first career victory and it may well prove the springboard to even greater achievements. The remaining contenders are Carrigmore Hazel and Millmount Jacko. Carrigmore Hazel was the recipient of a superb 1.28 sectional in the second round before recording 28.75 and a repeat of that effort would put her firmly in the mix. However, trap four is far from ideal and another flying start looks essential if she is to feature prominently. Millmount Jacko, meanwhile, is likely to start at a big price and may require things to fall his way in the opening exchanges. Any crowding on the run to the bend would enhance his prospects, but he faces a stiff task against several rivals with stronger recent form.