JIG GIVES THEM THE SLIP IN KASKO SEMIS

Peter Farrell

The semi finals of the Kasko Dog Foods Novice Unraced 525 was the feature on Saturday night’s card at Thurles Greyhound Stadium and although Vis A Vis maintained his unbeaten record, it was Two Slip Jigs who went quickest.

Owned by Jason Fletcher, Two Slip Jigs (Broadstrand Bono - Kilgowan Honey) was fancied to go close in his debut outing but was found wanting to the incredible performance of Vis A Vis on that occasion. However, the March 22’ whelp bounced back in brilliant style last night as he made every yard of the running to clock the quickest of the two semis, showing that he is still very much in the mix for silverware in six days’ time. Bogger Cooper was installed as the 5/4 favourite after impressing in round one but it was Two Slip Jigs (6/4) who showed first from trap two and he displayed a lovely turn of early speed to lead. Holding a four length advantage down the back from Bogger Cooper in second, the latter pressed the leader all the way to the line but was never able to land a decisive blow. Crossing the lollipop with one and a half lengths to spare, Two Slip Jigs stopped the clock in 29.12 .20s, with Bogger Cookie ensuring Liam Peacock will be doubly represented in the final, back in third.

VIS A VIS REMAINS UNBEATEN

In the second semi, Vis A Vis was expected to maintain his unbeaten career start and he did so expertly, albeit not spectacularly, at odds of 4/6. Trained by Dave Bourke for Javier Jarne, the April puppy posted an impressive 28.94 on debut and he broke even better this time around from trap three, suggesting he would produce some attractive figures as a result. Clocking an early 1.69 sectional, the son of Ballymac Kingdom and Ballymac Scala narrowly escaped trouble at the opener to shoot into a five length lead down the back as De Foxy Devil gave chase in second. Showing fine speed to halfway, the latter made a real fist of it late on to get to within one and a half of the leader but Vis A Vis held firm to seal victory. The time was 29.28 .20s as Ashville Panther secured the final qualifying position back in third.

ASH IMPRESSIVE ON SUPPORTING CARD

There was a lot to like about the performance of Knockroe Ash in race ten as the young February 22’ whelp dominated from the front to make it three wins from as many starts. Owned by Sean Lloyd, the daughter of Magical Bale and Monadreen Pearl was stepping back in trip but she did so effectively, breaking well from trap three to win at her leisure. Crossing the line four and a half lengths clear, she stopped the clock in an impressive 17.85 .10s.