ALL EYES ON THE SEMI FINALS OF THE CORK OAKS

Barry Drake

The semi-finals of the €7,000 to the winner Apex Global Resources Ltd Cork Oaks take center stage in Curraheen Park tomorrow night.

In truth, both heats look wide open, however, it's turned into another great event at the Cork track. 

Droopys Onestop is the pick in the opening semi-final. Trained by Johnny Linehan for owner Sean Dunphy, the powerful caught the eye last week when a fast finishing third to Goldcash Ice. A previous 28.37 winner, the selection lacks early pace, but she looks capable of turning handy in this line-up and she should be hard to hold in the second half of the race.

The Graham Holland-trained Faypoint Susie could well make the early running and the Patricia Flanagan-owned runner should deliver another big performance. 

SET THE STANDARD IN THE OPENING ROUND

Castleivy Ginge, trained by Karol Ramsbottom for owners Michael and Noel Nash, set the standard in the opening round, clocking 28.31 and she ran another big race last week, finishing a close-up fourth from a tough draw out on the outside of the track.

Drawn in trap three, she has the early pace to slip around in front and she should take the world of catching. Unmatched delivered a sensational performance last week, posting 28.07 for trainer Johnny Linehan. Trap six is really tricky, however, she is still expected to be in the mix. Of the others, Goldcash Ice should be in the picture late on. A strong 28.47 winner last week, the Jack Mead and Mairead Doyle-owned runner has strong claims of reaching the big decider. 

BACK UP IN TRIP

Ballinakill Alf, trained by Graham Holland for the Pillar Syndicate, steps back up in trip in the race of the night, which comes in race number 11.

No stranger to big performances, Alf has sensational early speed and if getting it right at the traps, he should take plenty of stopping. Liam Dowling's Ballymac Finn brings top-class form to the race and although drawn out in trap five, he rates a leading player in this line-up. The John Byrne-trained Grouchos Duke, a 28.49 winner last time, can also play a leading part.