EXTRA ROOM TO SUIT KNEGARE IN SHELBOURNE 600

Ian Fortune

With three confirmed non-runners in tonight’s semi-finals of the Shelbourne Open 600, those remaining could find extra room to maneouvre.

These include Callaway Knegare who has an ideal draw in two in the opening heat.

The brilliant tracker overcame a very slow start to win last week, charging from halfway to lead on the run in. There is no doubt he can go considerably faster than the 32.35 he posted seven days ago and is selected to see of his three female rivals, which include recent Easter Cup winner Lemon Orla and the powerful Ballymac Chantry. Blue Belle completes a talented line-up but will need a career best effort to worry the judge.

Callaway Knegare is expected to come away far faster than last time and can contest the lead into the bend before asserting into the back straight. Ballymac Chantry and Lemon Orla can chase him into next week’s decider.

GREGOR WILL BID TO MAKE ALL

Jacktavern Turbo is absent from the second heat and Grouchos Gregor may well take advantage of the extra room.

Drawn in three, with the vacant box on his inner, the talented son of Ballymac Cooper can continue his winning ways.

Blessed with superb early speed, he has really appreciated the longer run to the turn and is again the most likely pace-setter. After setting the standard in the opening round, he is expected to start a warm favourite.

Lemon Hidalgo missed the kick last week but normally goes up fast. He is perhaps the greatest danger to Grouchos Gregor in the early stages but will need turn in front. Durrow Star is a big finisher and could arrive late and fast, although Gallant Captain or Mydras Opinion can’t be ignored either.

It’s a fascinating contest with the early battle of Grouchos Gregor and Lemon Hidalgo likely to be key. If Grouchos Gregor turns in front again, he can claim yet another impressive victory, perhaps at the expense of Lemon Hidalgo and Durrow Star.