Midtown Raffa can get his Irish Independent Laurels bid back on track by landing the opening semi-final over 525 yards at Cork on Saturday.

Mossie O’Connor’s runner hit the trouble spots last week and but ran on well to eventually finish less than half a length to Coren Sky in 28.59sec.

His draw out in five should suit him better and he can turn in a handy position before changing gear down the far side.

Top local bitch Drive On Royal can make a race of it. Thomas O’Donovan’s runner, a 28.33sec winner in the opening round also does her best work late and if the gaps open she will be dangerous.

Burnt Le Bec, beaten a short head by Coren Sky last week, is well drawn on the fence but will have to stay on better than previous efforts to figure.

John Linehan’s ex Hall Green grader Tyrur Susan is the only wide runner and ran brilliantly last week to get within half a length of Trinity Forest in 28.47sec.

Finger Toast won his first race of the year last week when scoring in 28.68sec and will have his supporters, while Skywalker Echo, who finished behind him, tends to make things difficult for himself with tardy starts.

 

Knocktoo Garry is the only unbeaten runner in the stake and can maintain that unbeaten record in the other semi-final.

Neilus O’Connell’s runner has been bulleting out of the boxes and has twice dipped inside the 3.30sec barrier.

He also boasts a best end time of 28.39sec and can soon be at the head of affairs.

The improving Trinity Forest must be a big danger after winning last week in 28.47sec, the fastest time of the round.

David Kennedy’s dog has won twice in the Laurels so far and was only beaten a short head in the other round. The son of Forest Master also boasts a nice turn of pace to the turn but his draw in four isn’t ideal.

Barefoot Apollo is another major threat.

Paul Hennessy’s runner was beaten last week but clocked a fastest 28.23sec in the second round.

Coren Sky is the sole wide seed and will have plenty of support.   Graham Holland’s Easter Cup third scored last week in 28.59sec and could step up on that effort.

John Kiely’s Mimis Ace will be finishing fast but often leaves his effort too late while Burgess Rumble is a trap one specialist at Cork but needs to raise his game.

 

Semi-final draw:

First semi:

1 Burnt Le Bec 14

2 Drive On Royal 11-2

3 Skywalker Echo 14

4 Finger Toast 33

5 Midtown Raffa 4

6 Tyrur Susan 14

 

Second semi:

1 Burgess Rumble 12

2 Knocktoo Garry 8

3 Barefoot Apollo 8

4 Trinity Forest 8

5 Mimis Ace 10

6 Coren Sky 8