Perry Barr Racing Manager Martin Seal runs an expert eye over the semi finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger and the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup.
For a quick reminder of what took place in last week’s heats
The first semi-final of the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup In Memory Of Michael Lambe Senior. Considering how close a railer Brookside Richie is, a record of thirty wins from fifty two races is pretty remarkable considering the spread of trap draws he has been allocated throughout his career. Reunited with the red jacket, the question is, will he get to the first bend in front? Ivanexile might have something to say about that, and the reigning Birmingham Cup champ appeared back to something approaching his best in the heats. Havana Bale Out is a decent all-rounder, but may have to look a little lively from the boxes to avoid any early crowding. Kantoher Jack may be into his fifth year, but has been cleverly placed by Adam Sear, and exceeded expectations in his heat. The gallant Drive On Lad again has a tough draw to deal with, and may have to rely on a little luck to reach one of just two qualifying places. Forest Icon probably doesn’t win as many as his talent deserves, but is capable of getting involved if breaking well. Sel: 1-5-6
The first semi-final of the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger. Jacktavern Bella got the ball rolling for what turned out to be a great night for Graham and Nicky Holland last Saturday, and with a trap 4 berth unlikely to prove an inconvenience for this adaptable bitch, the Pillar Syndicate owned brindle and white could be away and gone off the second turn. Siblings Ballymac Taylor and Ballymac Katie boast remarkably similar running styles, and it is probably fair to say that whoever leads the other will likely finish in front of their littermate. Both ran the fifth and sixth bends last week at alarming speed, turning possible defeat into cosy success in the blink of an eye. Coonough Crow would doubtless prefer to be drawn nearer the fence, but this determined bitch is unlikely to be phased by the hand she has been dealt. Lively Lauren faced a mountain to climb after just a few strides in her heat, but knuckled down to the task in front of her, and was rewarded with a place in tonight’s semi-finals. Matt Dartnall’s fawn is capable of better. Off the back of a preparatory sprint trial, Tory Bellatrix checked at the trip in her heat, but showed great resolution to get going again to claim third place. Sel: 4-3-1
Early pace everywhere one looks in this second semi-final of the Birmingham Cup, and a first bend lead may prove decisive. Rioja Joey has never run from trap 5 before, but has been faultless in two Perry Barr starts to date, and it might take a special effort to reel in the big brindle, although he does tack in on the run to the first turn and may be obliged to curb his natural instincts. Kennelmate Cuckoo Fund displayed great determination to collar Hawkfield Ozark right on the line in their heat, although the latter runs this circuit particularly well, and could improve on last week’s effort. Bandit Billy is made for the red jacket, and gives everything in his races for competition sponsor John Lambe. Glenmalure Flyer and Chelms Greatest appear evenly matched, and may need to turn handy from their respective draws if they are to have a say in the outcome. Sel: 5-2-4
In contrast to the first semi-final, this second instalment boasts more early pace all round, with several possible leaders as the field pass the stands for the first time. Garfiney Blaze was able to boss matters in straightforward fashion once hitting the front in his heat, and could once again be difficult to pass should that scenario pan out. Havana Lover gave the impression she would come on for what was her first six bend outing in three weeks, and the reigning PGR St Leger champ is unlikely to go down without a fight. Pre-race fireworks briefly threatened to scupper Lightfoot Clark’s participation in the heats, but the big black subsequently gave a good account of himself by leading for a long way. Tonight’s draw leaves no margin for error though. Savana Heross found the door slammed in his face at the first bend last week, but rallied sufficiently well to claim a qualifying place. Diane Henry’s charge is very decent and not without a chance. Cooladerry Habs and Snooty Rose have done well to reach this stage but might be up against it here. Sel: 1-6-3
Churchfield Syd showed the improvement expected from his preparatory trial, ultimately running out a comfortable winner in the end, and Richard Rees clearly has his kennel star in a good place at present. Bockos Crystal seamlessly transferred her Shelbourne Park form to the West Midlands, and Graham Holland’s classy bitch will be extremely dangerous if able to make the first bend in a handy position. Ballymac Run appeared to be all at sea round the first two turns in her heat, but stayed on stoutly to claim third place, and it would come as no surprise should Liam Dowling’s charge improve a fair bit on the clock, something that might be required to reach next Saturday’s final. Goldies Perryman and Warzone Tom both made up significant ground to reach the places last week, and these two battle hardened competitors cannot be written off under any circumstances. Trouble Shooter appeared a little ring rusty last week, but stuck on well, and will need to bring his trapping boots this evening. Sel: 2-5-3
It was always likely to be a race against the clock when Droopys Clue led up in his heat, and with his winning time being a shade over two lengths outside Space Jet’s clock, Seamus Cahill’s star has already laid down a serious marker for outright honours. Millridge Tanic underlined what was a very decent effort in the Select Stayers with a fine performance, and something close to that would make the trap 5 runner a definite player. Teds Dexter is terrifically consistent and is expected to turn handy on the outside, whilst Ballymac Mags and Savana Jazz overcame plenty of trouble in running to claim runner up spots in their respective heats. Both have chances of a place in the first three here. Longacres Serta found himself in last place passing the stands first time round, but the trap 1 runner is nothing if not strong, and made relentless progress on the second circuit to reach this penultimate stage. Sel: 4-5-3
