THREE OUTSTANDING SEMI FINALS IN THE LEE STRAND

Barry Drake

The semi-finals of the €10,000 to the winner Lee Strand take centre stage at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on Friday night. 

In the opening heat, if Dashing Toro can produce another flying start then he will be hard to peg back. The August youngster clocked a fantastic 29.47 last week and if getting off the front, he shouldn't be for catching. Deadly Choice, trained by Michael O'Donovan for Garry Hannon, is the obvious danger. He lacks early dash, but he's got bundles of speed and the powerful tracker is a huge player after his 29.49 winning effort last week. 

In the second heat, Summerfield Air, trained by Gerry Holian for Liam Carr, can make all the running. Just touched off the last twice, the selection has stunning early speed and from the rails pitch, he should go close. The June youngster looks the certain early leader and it will be a case of catch me if you can. Of the others, both Tree Top Steve, for David Flanagan and Grouchos Scooby, for John Byrne, are others that should be in the mix. 

In the third heat, Unanimouspanther lands the vote for trainer Pat Buckley. A most impressive winner the last twice, the selection has huge pace and he should take plenty of beating.