QUALITY FARE ON OFFER IN DUBLIN

Ian Fortune

The semi-finals of the valuable Paddy Merriman Memorial are the undoubted feature at Shelbourne Park this evening, although there is plenty of quality action on the undercard.

Droopys Crispy has been flawless in her last two starts and is likely to start a hot favourite to continue her unbeaten passage through the Paddy Merriman Memorial in the second heat. A winner in 28.17 in the opening round, she went even faster last week as she left her rivals standing in a 28.05 success.

Her reward is an ideal draw on the fence in tonight’s semi-finals. With the strong running Headwire Trout drawn on her right shoulder, Droopys Crispy should have no concerns in the early yards and is set to dominate.

The aforementioned Headwire Trout is capable of emerging as her nearest challenger, while the progressive Ballymac Whistle, the rapid improver Not Just Jo and the fast-finishing Pennys Wildpoppy are all capable of making the frame.

However, Barry Clancy has Droopys Crispy purring at present and she is set to justify short odds to earn her place in the decider on the back of another impressive display.

COOL HAS THE DRAW

The opening heat is a far more competitive affair as far as the market is concerned.

Indeed, strong claims can be made for a number of those in the line-up but the nod goes to the in-form Jacktavern Cool.

He overcame a slow start to win in fine style last week, showing real track craft and pace from the second turn. The Michael Corr trained son of Jacktavern Gem can race close to the pace before asserting after halfway.

Born Sassy is a possible pace-setter from three. A flying starter, she is certain to attract plenty of support but must dictate to be seen at her best. The presence of fellow early pacer Hackney Dino in two is a concern for Born Sassy backers, however.

The latter flew to the bend last week, posting a rapid 1.95 sectional. He may need to repeat that start to land a telling blow. Portumna Levi has hinted that he is going to go very fast in the near future but he faces a very tough draw in four. Both Old Texas and Hollyhill Stacey can go up well but neither appeal.

It’s a fascinating contest but the strength of Jacktavern Cool, allied with an ideal draw on the outside, swings the verdict his direction.

A SUPERB UNDERCARD

There’s some competitive racing in the opening round of the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust Mini-open 525, while racing ends with some superb AA0 action.

Silent Noelle and The Other Mel get the nod in their respective semi-finals of the Greyhounds Make Great Pets Open Bitch 525, while Daleroad Magic is chosen to win the penultimate race, an AA0 525.

The final race is an AA0 575 and, after impressing last week, Thurlesbeg Duke gets the nod for Con Guiney. He is well housed in the stripes and might just get first run on the likes of Unassuming and Ballymac Siun, although Jacktavern Bull and Timmys Bucks can’t be ignored either.

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