LIMERICK OAKS TO PRODUCE SEMI-FINAL FIREWORKS

Peter Farrell

Amid a packed schedule across the country, the semi-finals of the J.P. & Pauline Ryan Memorial Limerick Oaks will attract big interest tonight, with places in next weekend’s €7,500-to-the-winner decider on the line.

Reigning Galway Oaks champion Badly Behaving enhanced her credentials last time out when making all in 28.50. That effort marked a significant step forward from her opening-round display and the Shaun Conway-trained runner is likely to head the betting in a fiercely competitive opening semi-final. The daughter of Ballymac Cashout, owned by the St-Patricks-Valencia-Crew-Syndicate, appears most comfortable drawn in the middle, a theory reinforced by her sharp exit from trap three in round two. Now in trap four, she is expected to contest the early lead with Ballymartin Neady and, if turning in front, will prove difficult to reel in. However, Lennies Madge, who swept past her rival in round one, again poses a major threat. After clocking 28.66 on that occasion, the Paul Hennessy-trained star failed to replicate the figure in round two but still made-up significant ground to qualify after a lacklustre start. Having recorded a modest 1.45 sectional last weekend, the daughter of Justice Minister is expected to break better and, if within three lengths at the turn, the race could be wide open. Arrow Twirl also has the times to make her presence felt for Andrew Lawlor in trap three. Only a March pup, she remains open to improvement and ran well in defeat last weekend. The daughter of King Sheeran looks a solid candidate to reach the final in seven days’ time. Ballymartin Neady brings strong early pace and a favourable draw, with a 28.59 best around Limerick warranting respect, while Burgess Bonnie and Kacies Beauty may need racing luck to progress, though a placing would not come as too much of a surprise.

GUILFOYLE DOUBLE-HANDED BUT BABE A THREAT

The second semi-final sees Patrick Guilfoyle double-handed, with Magical Hope and Magical Poppet both prominent contenders for outright honours.

Despite not producing a standout clock yet, Magical Hope is likely to start favourite as the only unbeaten runner remaining in the Oaks, notable given she has yet to hit peak form. The classy brindle holds a 28.37 best around Cork and reproducing that level would make her hard to beat. Drawn in trap five, the daughter of Dorotas Wildcat is especially strong from halfway but will need a prominent early position in a stamina-laden contest. Her litter sister Magical Poppet certainly fits that profile. She recorded a rapid 28.54 in round one before chasing home Badly Behaving in 28.60 last time out. Proven over six bends, she has also been breaking sharper than her fancied kennel companion thus far. Another leading player is Paul Hynes’ Youandme Babe, who matched Badly Behaving’s second-round effort of 28.50. Possessing huge power from the halfway mark, and the inside line in trap two, she has competed at a high level for some time and appears primed for a major run. On that basis, she gets the vote to record back-to-back wins. Rossa Abi continues to improve with each outing and could make the frame for Thomas O’Donovan, while Ridgemount Sky arrives off a career-best 28.60 after a series of lightning breaks for connections. Both are capable of causing an upset, but Whizzing Annie will need a notable step forward on recent form to enter the equation.