GREYHOUND RACING: Lotto semi-finals at Lifford Stadium this weekend

by ‘The Tracker’

In the first semi-final of the Lotto Sprint, I’ll select ‘Friday’s Rome’ from trap three. The May ‘14 pup, owned by Paul Whyte, ran an eye catching race last week in his heat. After being slow away, he ran on really well to be beaten by only a short head in a time of 19.13. He has only four races on his card and with normal improvement he should win for his Lifford based owner. ‘Crash My World’ from trap one and ‘Hather Sapphire’ from trap two, are selected to also qualify from this semi-final for next week’s final.

The second ‘semi’ looks very open but the well drawn ‘Tyrur Carly’ from trap one looks the one to be on. The September ‘13 bitch did not break well in her heat last week but showed great track craft around the bend and stormed up the home straight to win in a time of 19.24. ‘Tyrur Carly’ is also owned by Paul Whyte and she can land the double on the night for her owner.

In the first semi-final of the ‘Tri-Distance’, ‘Ballygibbon Moon’ will be a short price with the bookmakers to win. Thee December ‘13 dog has won his last five races and ran on really well to win his heat last week in a time of 29.19 for the 525 yards. The step up to 550 yards will also be a bonus and he should win for Quigleys Point owner Pat Barrett. I’ll select ‘Storm Blitz’ from trap two and ‘Tobacco Road’ from trap five to also qualify for next’s weeks final.

The second semi-final looks tricky but the well drawn ‘Mottos Nomad’ in trap one looks the answer. The November ‘13 dog, owned by Paul Gallagher and trained by Willie Mullan, got no run last week when he finished third in his heat. He is a strong stayer and from trap one, he should get a clear run tomorrow night. If he does he should win for his Derry based owner and trainer. ‘Clonleigh Girl’ and ’Ardnasool Minnie’ are also selected to qualify.

The first race will be at 7.50pm as normal tomorrow night.

Brandywell Stadium

There will be racing as normal on Monday night at Brandywell where the ‘Lotto 500’ final will be the main race on the card.

The final looks between last week’s two semi-final winners. ‘Glencloy Bolt’ came from well off the pace to win his ‘semi’ in a time of 28.55 while ‘Fanore Ping Pong’ won in a time of 28.60. I’ll select ‘Glencloy Bolt’ to win this final for Ballymena owner, Samuel Rossborough.

There where no winners of the track lotto last week. The numbers drawn were 5, 18 and 27 and Monday night’s jackpot now stands at £3,100. Tickets can be bought at the track before the first race at 8.00pm.