FAST TRAP DECIDER ON OFFER AT GALWAY

Peter Farrell

There is plenty of sweepstake action on offer at Galway Greyhound Stadium tonight, with the feature being the final of the Fast Trap A5/A6 525, which carries a first prize of €1,400.

Kindly sponsored by Fast Trap Greyhound Supplies, the final sees Slipalong Dew installed as favourite following back-to-back wins in the stake, posting a best of 29.35 .10s in the process. Willie McDonagh’s tracker has rediscovered some of her very best form in recent weeks and is a worthy market leader as a result. Drawn in four, the daughter of Grangeview Ten has been notably consistent on the early sectional clock and, given her staying power, should be to the fore in the closing stages. Of her rivals, Lallys Legacy appears the principal danger for trainer Vincent McKenna. He too remains unbeaten in the stake and has little to find with the favourite on the clock. Crucially, the powerful black-and-white is drawn immediately inside Slipalong Dew, a factor that could prove decisive. Of the remainder, Burkos Breeze boasts plenty of early pace and could set a strong gallop from a wide draw in six, while Burnpark Shadow has turned in two solid performances in defeat through the earlier rounds. Lightly raced for Maria Browne, he may represent some value from trap five.

UNRACED ACTION CONTINUES

Earlier on the card, the second-round heats of the ‘Upcoming Sweepstakes ON2/3 350’ get underway.

In the opening heat, Headfort Evie is likely to be popular following a smart debut success for owner Seamus Leahy. The pacey fawn justified her even-money support on that occasion and anything close to her 19.34 debut run should see her prove difficult to beat. Her chief opposition may come from Purmac Bethanna, who showed promise last time out for James O’Rourke.

Heat two shapes as a straight duel between Waitingforastar and Noelles Bebeto. The former suffered a surprise defeat for Pat Guilfoyle last time but showed plenty in a luckless run and is likely to come on for the outing. Noelles Bebeto, however, made no mistake in contrast, showing electric early speed to assert at halfway before scoring comfortably in 19.31 .5s, and he sets the standard on that evidence.

Orbsen Bluebell landed her opening-round assignment in good style, winning by a length in a respectable 19.55 .5s. Drawn in trap one once again, Tom Kelly’s charge can go close with a clean break. Among her rivals is Annadown Sophie, who attracted strong market support on debut for Gerry Dillon. The sole wide runner, she should enjoy plenty of room to manoeuvre and is capable of a much improved showing.