TOM FLANAGAN & JOHN KEANE MEMORIAL KICKS OFF AT GALWAY

Peter Farrell

Kindly sponsored by the Keating and McEnery Family, the opening-round heats of the Tom Flanagan and John Keane Memorial 525 get underway at Galway Greyhound Stadium tonight and, with €1,500 on offer to the eventual winner, some high-quality action is expected over the coming weeks.

In total, there are three opening-round heats and the opener can see Heathlawn Ruby go close for Martin and Rose Kelly. The daughter of Grangeview Ten is hugely experienced and regularly competes in A3 company at the Connacht venue, something that could give her an edge over some of her more youthful rivals. Drawn in two, a fast start will be required, however, she is more than capable of producing one and can make a bold bid as she aims to bring up her tenth career victory. Of her rivals, Mossie Mayhem and On The Wire are improving with every outing and connections of both will fancy their chances of landing the spoils.

In heat two, Norfolkandchance takes a significant drop in grade and looks the one to beat for Declan McDonagh. He boasts a career-best 28.76 around Clonmel and, given he has been consistently competing in and around A1/A2 company, he looks the most likely winner from a favourable draw in three. Pierview Big Rob has been running very well of late and has prospects from a plum draw in red, while Liscarnan Rocket arrives with some useful Dundalk form and could go well on his Galway debut.

Glengar Sofia finished behind Galway favourite Hollywell Merlin last time out and she can go one better for Gerry Holian in the concluding heat. This lady regularly competes at a high level and, handed an ideal draw in red, she can lead from trap to line for connections. Lissatouk Robbie will be finishing fast and is rarely far away, while Long Walk Luke was a fine winner in 29.19 last time out and also holds strong claims for Stephen Murray.