BROWNE & DREAM RENEW ACQUAINTAINCES IN TREATY CUP SEMIS

Peter Farrell

After a strong opening round in the West Limerick Treaty Cup Open 350, attention turns to the semi-finals on a bumper card at the Dock Road circuit tonight, with a familiar rivalry taking centre stage in the second semi-final as Stonepark Browne and Tiermana Dream lock horns once again.

The pair have shared recent honours with one victory apiece, but it was Tiermana Dream who set the benchmark in this competition last weekend. Despite not breaking as fluently as he is capable of, the Colm Fitzgerald-trained runner clocked a rapid 18.55.5f. The son of Ballyhimikin Jet boasts an impressive record of eleven wins from twenty-one starts and appears to be operating close to peak form once more. Drawn in trap five tonight, he is expected to race prominently, although a sharper exit than seven days ago may be required. Stonepark Browne, meanwhile, remains a leading contender despite suffering a surprise defeat in the opening round and is likely to dispute favouritism as he bids to defend his crown. Michael O'Donovan's charge can be inconsistent at the traps, but there is no doubting the powerful engine possessed by the son of Malachi. Now reacquainted with the Limerick circuit, a much-improved display is anticipated and he gets the nod to return to winning ways. Also lining up in what is a stacked semi-final are Tally Ho Rose, Dakota View, Microchip and Cherrygrove Four, all of whom are capable of producing a big run on their night.

BEN TO BOUNCE BACK

The opening semi-final sees Portrush Ben earn the vote for Adrian McGarry and Pat Kiely.

Only a judge's decision denied him victory in the Island Bridge Sprint at Shelbourne in recent weeks and his latest outing was better than the bare form suggests. A noted trap-one specialist, the son of Ballymac Cashout is well housed on the rails and could prove difficult to contain if breaking on terms. The chief threat may come from the opposite side of the draw in the shape of Vigorous Ferry. Ronny Wuyts' runner was particularly impressive when accounting for Stonepark Browne last time out and remains relatively unexposed despite his age. Blessed with a smart turn of early speed and the sole wide seed in the contest, he could secure a favourable passage in the opening yards. Moybella Bigboy also warrants considerable respect. Thomas Kennelly's charge arrived from Tralee with solid form and duly justified that reputation when posting 18.71.5f in victory last weekend. That performance puts him firmly in contention and further improvement would come as no surprise. Tiermana Hunter, Hawk So Black and Avenue Queen complete the line-up. All possess plenty of ability, but they may find one or two of their rivals too sharp in the early exchanges.