PHARIS SETS THE PACE AS ROSSA ROARS AT LIFFORD

Peter Farrell

The three semi finals of the 1XBET Tour Series A2/A3 525 featured at Lifford Stadium on Saturday night and all three winners dipped under the 29-second barrier, with Pharis Syd setting the standard for Conall Doherty.

Pharis Syd came into the contest off the back of a drop in class and, in truth, he made light work of his rivals as he powered to a career-best performance for connections. Drawn in trap three, the son of Deerjet Sydney - Orange Helen set his stall out early with a swift exit to post a scarcely-seen 2.50 sectional. In doing so, he took charge on the run-up and effectively put the contest to bed. Setting a relentless gallop down the back straight, ‘Syd’ was never under pressure as he romped to a five-length victory over Hallies Cashout in second. The time was the fastest of the night, 28.77.

DIVIL CONTINUES FINE FORM

Next best on the clock was Lifford favourite Divil The Hayte (Ballymac Best - Got The Charm) for Eddie Hurson and Ben McQuaid. This greyhound is running out of his skin at present and Saturday night’s victory saw him record a third win from his last four starts. Drawn in four, ‘Divil’ produced one of his sharper starts and just edged main rival Drveen Lass on the run-up. The pair played out a nip-and-tuck battle thereafter with little to separate them, however, Hurson’s runner pulled out more when it mattered to cross the line with one and a half lengths to spare. The time was 28.89 and both look set to be big players in the decider next weekend.

ALICE MAKES IT TWO

In the remaining semi final, Kiskeam Alice made it back-to-back wins for Martin Gallagher, Kyle McCarron and Gordon Young. In what was a five-dog affair, the daughter of Gaytime Hawk - Get Set Go was headed in the early exchanges by Outlander in two, however, she quickly outpaced her rival to take control. Holding a healthy advantage at the halfway mark, ‘Alice’ was pushed hard late on by Hollywell Diva but kept enough in reserve to prevail by a neck. The time was 28.98.

ROSSA ROARS ON LIFFORD DEBUT

On the supporting card, there was just one performance that it would be remiss not to mention and that came over the two-bend trip from Lisnakill Rossa.

Owned by David O’Neill, the October pup was having his first start at Lifford but it was one to remember as he dismantled his rivals en route to a near eleven-length victory over the 325-yard distance. Quickest into stride to record a flying 4.23 sectional from trap three, it was clear that the son of Grangeview Ten - Hilldun Grace was producing something special as he excelled early doors, putting several lengths between himself and his rivals within the blink of an eye. In doing so, he tracked brilliantly around the bottom two bends before soaring home with the field strung out in behind. The time was a blistering 17.27, the fifth-fastest time ever recorded at Lifford, bettered only by Fahan Rebel’s 17.25 and Gizmo Cash, who has posted a remarkable trio of 17.25, 17.17 and the track-record 17.09.