FIVE FINALS UP FOR DECISION AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

There are no fewer than five finals up for decision at Shelbourne Park this evening but the undoubted feature is the final of the This Runs Deep A2 525 worth a whopping €5,000 to the winner.

There were superb runs through the prelims but Highview Scan and Ventry Faith went fastest. The former flew home to post a 28.33 return in the semis and is clearly one to consider, although she will need the gaps to arrive at the right time given her style of running.

In contrast, Ventry Faith who posted 28.37 in the opening round, can do it from the front. He missed the start in the semis but may emerge as the one to beat from a kind draw in three.

Ballybough Carol has gone unbeaten through the prelims but faces a tough draw in the stripes and needs to come away racing. Ballygur Orla, Highview Mia and Bristow complete a good line-up and all three have to be respected although they could find themselves chasing shadows if Ventry Faith comes away racing. He is chosen to lead home Highview Scan with Ballybough Carol chosen to fill the frame.

LION TO SHOW HEART

Lion Heart is bred to be special as a son of Droopys Sydney and Derby, Oaks and Easter Cup champion Susie Sapphire and he can take some stopping in the final of the €3,000 Retired Greyhound Trust A3 525.

A wonderful semi-final winner in 28.39 when bolting from traps to make all, he looks the one to beat again. Droopys Lavish will be finishing at speed and could emerge as his closest rival, although Whitman could also get involved.

Lion Heart looks a prospect for Marie Gilbert and Aidan Comerford, however, and he is chosen to dictate from the outset once again.

ME SON TO GET LOOSE

Early speed could again be the key to success in the final of the Go Greyhound Racing A1 NB 525.

Getup Me Son has superb dash into the turn and comes into the contest on the back of a tremendous 28.31 victory.

If repeating that form, the Mark Robinson trained son of Ballymac Cashout can again take some stopping. Of his rivals, Bisto Kid, who finished behind Getup Me Son last week, looks the main threat. He has shown fine pace and, with a slightly better start, could really push Getup Me Son.

Carrick Cantona is also greatly respected. He stayed on strongly to win his semi-final in 28.60 but also gave the impression there was better to come.

MANALISHI TO JET HOME

There are a couple of nice types in action in the final of the Upcoming Events ON2 525.

Obviously, each of the six runners are open to all sorts of improvement but a rails pitch could make the difference for James Kerr’s Manalishi Jet. A semi-final winner in 28.93, he can follow up at the expense of Amused.

CHAP GETS CALL IN WIDE OPEN DECIDER

The Retired Greyhound Trust A5 525 is worth €1,750 to the winner but it looks a wide-open affair.

Carlas Chap may have been beaten a neck in the semis behind Snooty Liam but he looks likely to come on for that run and is selected to come home in front, perhaps at the expense of Lolos Fire.