Fastest heat winner Black Alder can overcome an awkward draw in the semi-finals of the Texacloth Puppy Trophy over 525 yards at Newbridge on Friday.
The Zero Ten dog clocked 28.56sec last week from trap one but now has to race from a tricky five draw.
He also has to beat a few useful sorts in Badminton Rossa, the Southern Oaks runner-up, and Baby The Goat, a 28.53sec Tralee winner.
Swords Ace is another badly drawn runner who is fancied in the opening qualifier.
Marie Gilbert’s railer, who scored last week in 28.67sec, has trap six but has coped with outside draws in the past.
Puppy Oaks finalist Danesrath Beauty is a major danger, as is Bittersweet, a litter brother of Black Alder, who won last week in 28.86sec.
Barnfield Panda can take the third semi-final.
Kieran Lynch’s runner has won four of his six races and beat Danesrath Beauty in the heats to clock 28.78sec.
He can get the better of Skywalker Rory and Water Fern.
