The opening rounds of the Coral Olympic and Curtis/Ballyregan Memorials both produced racing of the highest calibre with plenty to spark local interest.

In the Olympic, eight of the top nine in the betting made it safely through, the exception being the eliminated Queen Shakira who failed by three quarters of a length after rallying from last place behind 28-1 chance Bluejig Jane.

But the KSS Syndicate would have been more than satisfied with the night after King Memphis confirmed his status as a ‘serious dog’. Contesting only his second race as an adult, the Towcester record holder outshone ante post favourite Hollow Man by almost three lengths clocking a FON 30.03. (-30).

Trainer Derek Knight and connections will be concerned for a dog winning for the twelth time in 13 races though the  Champion Stakes winner was made to earn every yard by Eclipse winner Newinn Syd who ran gamely in defeat.

There was also a tremendously courageous and pacey run from Memphis’ kennelmate Queen Leona in the second qualifier.

Meanwhile recent arrival Ower Mystery announced himself as a potential major player when clocking an identical time to the Wallis runner when landing the fourth heat. June Harvey’s hound faces Memphis and Newinn Syd in easily the toughest semi final (see below)

Betsys Bullet made it three local winners despite the unwanted attention of Utold Zoloty.

Trainer Seamus Cahill spent last Saturday night removing Shelbourne Park sand from Droopys Clue‘s fur. This Saturday, the St.Leger winner was kicking silicon in the faces of the opposition with a near nine length win in the Curtis/Ballyregan Memorial heats.

Clue’s 44.30 run was the quickest 740m run of the year, despite going rated at -45. By means of comparison, last year the final was won by Clongeel Ozzie in 44.48 (-30). The fastest time of the year was Space Jet’s 44.00 (+15).

The defending champ looked as good as ever with calculated time three spots quicker than last year. Diane Henry’s Savana Heross who was way too good for this opposition.

He will be joined in a competitive second semi by Chris Fereday’s Millridge Tanic. While Clongeel Ozzie looks set to start favourite, there are only four spots between four of the opposition based on semi final times.

The first nine in the ante post betting are among the 12 due to line up next Saturday.