SWORDS DIAMOND CAN CONTINUE PRODUCE STAKES DOMINANCE

Peter Farrell

It’s fair to say that Swords Diamond has seized control of the 2026 National Produce Stakes at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium, and the exciting youngster looks poised to strengthen his grip when he lines out in tonight’s second semi-final.

After scorching to an opening-round success in a blistering 28.14, Swords Diamond showcased another dimension to his game last weekend, coming from off the pace to score in 28.42. The Graham Holland-trained tracker, owned by Barbara Lowndes, reeled in Scooby Marquess on that occasion, no mean feat considering the eye-catching first-round display from Jennifer O’Donnell’s speedster. Drawn in trap three tonight, “Diamond” appears to be improving with every outing and looks well capable of making it four wins from just five starts. Should he secure a clear passage early, all eyes could once again turn to the clock. Scooby Marquess reopposes and Steve Noble’s black is unlikely to go quietly. The son of Grangeview Ten possesses electric early pace and is capable of asking serious questions of Swords Diamond in the opening exchanges. However, he has looked vulnerable in the closing stages and may need to build a decisive lead. Vivaro Warrior, in trap five, is another with major claims. Despite a potentially awkward draw, Kenneth Busteed’s runner boasts a huge engine, underlined by his 28.42 success in round one. The fawn is capable of going even quicker and, with pace on his inside, could find himself perfectly positioned heading down the back straight. Callaway Danny is all about early dash and could also emerge as a thorn in the favourite’s side in the run to the bend. Owen McKenna’s son of Callaway Pro Am has landed a plum draw in trap one and a sharp break would put him firmly in the mix. The remaining pair, Riverside Rex and Oriental Prince, are far from making up the numbers. Both have plenty to recommend them and it would come as little surprise were either to force their way into the decider. Riverside Rex is boxed between two rapid starters and can ill-afford any mistakes, while Oriental Prince, the sole middle seed in six, may benefit significantly from the draw for trainer Denise Ryan.

JUST TRILOGY

In the opening semi-final, Berlin Trilogy gets the narrow vote, aided by a favourable draw in trap one.

Jointly owned by Mark and Michael O’Donovan, Berlin Trilogy has endured a series of difficult draws in recent weeks but is finally rewarded with the red jacket after last weekend’s 28.58 victory. The brindle displayed notable determination in coming from off the pace, a trait that may have caught many by surprise. If the son of Droopys Sydney can break on terms, he could have enough early pace to dominate into the bend and place his rivals under immediate pressure. His chief danger may come from kennel companion Hackney Dancer in trap two. Blessed with brilliant early speed, he was reeled in late by Sawdust Barry last weekend, though it is worth noting he was over a length and a half slower to the sectional mark than his win one-week prior. A return to his sharpest trapping would see him firmly in contention. Murt Leahy fields a powerful three-pronged challenge and each of his runners commands respect. Sawdust Barry is ideally housed in trap six and showed admirable determination when running down Hackney Dancer last weekend. On that evidence, the son of Skywalker Barry appears to be peaking at the right time and may prove Leahy’s strongest hand. Powerhouse Rebel has also performed admirably through both rounds, displaying strong pace from the three-quarter mark home. He is certain to be finishing strongly and looks poised to capitalise should traffic issues develop in the early stages. Meanwhile, Droopys Winsome is likely to attract strong support despite defeat last Friday. Prior to that, the son of Pestana, and brother to Powerhouse Major, had posted a smart 28.42 victory. Arguably, however, his latest effort was even more impressive. After suffering significant crowding at the opening bend, he flew home to finish just behind Berlin Trilogy. Drawn in three, he has every chance, though sharper trapping will be essential to avoid further trouble. The line-up is completed by Northern raider Firstpastthepost. Trained by Paul Matthews for Josie Burns, he moves to trap five tonight, a draw that could work in his favour given his tendency to edge wide at the opening bend in earlier rounds. The son of Good Cody possesses fine early pace and clocked 28.50 last weekend after a slick 2.83 sectional. A similar start tonight would make him a serious player.