Three of last week’s second round winner clash in the semi-finals of the Red Mills Open Unraced stake over 525 yards at Kilkenny on Friday.
Perry Aylward’s Skilful Legend, who is unbeaten in two rounds, faces fellow unbeaten runners Shutthe Backdoor and Flawless Spirit.
The Last Bid dog, who went quickest in last week’s second round with 29.01sec, is drawn inside his main rivals and can get first run.
Shutthe Backdoor, a 29.19sec winner from the opening round, went slower last week with 29.39sec but will have plenty of support now he is handled by coursing maestro Brendan Matthews.
The consistent Flawless Spirit has recorded 29.11sec and 29.12sec in the first two rounds but faces an awkward five slot.
Material Man is the fancy for the opening qualifier.
Murt Leahy’s dog flew home behind Skilful Legend last week and can prove too strong for his rivals.
The early paced Black Alder, clocked 29.47sec in the opening round and is capable of slipping the field.
Ballybough Lee, who has found the trouble spots so far, is another to throw into the mix.
