Skilful Legend can make trap one count in the final of the Red Mills Champion Open Unraced Stake over 525 yards at Kilkenny on Friday.
Perry Aylward’s runner can use the rail to reverse semi-final form with Brendan Matthews’ Shutthe Backdoor in the prestigious decider.
The Last Bid dog was beaten a length and a half by his main rival in 29.08sec last week but there were plenty of excuses.
He had previously recorded the fastest time of 29.01sec in the second round.
Shutthe Backdoor is the only unbeaten runner to reach the final. Brendan Matthews’ runner has great acceleration to the turn and sectionals indicate that he will be right up there at the start and will have plenty of support.
Material Man, the other semi-finals winner in 29.30sec is a strong runner who could capitalise from trouble amongst the principals.
1 Skilful Legend 5-4
2 Shutthe Backdoor 13-8
3 Black Alder 14
4 Material Man 9-2
5 Derryhogan Flame 20
6 Sword Fern 5
