LUKA REAPPEARS AT DUNDALK AND O’NEILLS DOGFOOD A2 CONTINUES

Ian Fortune

Those venturing to Dundalk this evening will be treated to some decent racing but for many the highlight will be the reappearance of Magical Luka, one of the most exciting young greyhounds in training in the second half of 2025.

The feature action is the semi-finals of the O’Neills Dogfood A2 525, while there is also a very interesting ON1 400 to look forward to.

LUKA TO SHINE ON RETURN

Those looking forward to seeing Magical Luka in action won’t have to wait long as he lines out in the opener over the sprint trip.

Of course, the brilliant son of King Sheeran and Magical Mary began his career with three brilliant wins over the 400yd trip, before adding another eight wins to go unbeaten through his first eleven starts. 

His sole defeat came in the final of the Romford Puppy Cup last September but, after a long layoff, partly through injury, he returns this evening. His task is anything but straightforward with his rivals including the talented sprinter Stefans Galaxy, Valderrama and the in-form Clona Comet but, if Magical Luke is anything close to his best, he can emerge on top.

GOLD TO SHINE IN ONEILL’S STAKE

In the O’Neills Dogfood A2 stake, Wiffens Gold will look to follow up his opening round, standard setting 29.10 success.

The Martin Lanney trained tracker boasts a better than one in three strike rate and won’t be shy of support.

One of the most interesting rivals is Country Blues. He ran on well to finish runner-up to Monleek Sudan in the opening round but turned out again on Tuesday to win a 750yd contest at Shelbourne Park in a quick 41.98. He is clearly in good form and is respected.

So too is Hillview Prince, who chased home Wiffens Gold last week but the vote remains with the latter. Country Blues can finish best to take second.

A TOUGH SECOND HEAT

Opening round winners Monleek Sudan, Woodcliff Pear and Abbeyville Bee meet in the second semi-final.

It’s also worth looking beyond the trio with Drveen Lass also capable of making a bold bid, especially if making one of her typically fast starts.

If Drveen Lass were to hit the front, she would be a tough nut to crack and is selected to come home in front of Monleek Sudan and Woodcliff Pear. The action at Dundalk gets underway at 7.50pm.