Favourites qualify for the Kerry Club Championship final

MILLRIDGE Zephyr and Knocktoo Kingo were sent off the 6/4 joint favourites in the second semi-final of the Kerry Group Club GAA Championship Sweepstake and though both qualified for Friday night's final, neither could master Ranchers Billy, who cracked out of the coffin box to lead and found extra on the run for home to deny the challenge of Knocktoo Kingo by a length in 28.69, with Millridge Zephyr two lengths further back.

The winner has now posted three sub 3.10 sectionals in a row and that consistency will make him a major player in his quest to land the first prize of €3,200 for his Limerick connections. The opening semi was won in a slower time of 29.13 due in part to crowding at the opening corner.

Montore Lady is another who is ultra-consistent from the boxes and she put that early to good use when overcoming a collision with Lassa Exception to set up a sizeable lead. Chased throughout by the two local hopes, Lassa Exception and Send It Lanner, Montore Lady was not for catching and crossed the line one length ahead of Lassa, with Send It Lanner another one and a half lengths back in third.

An open looking final in prospect as all six participants definitely have the ability to win. Lassa Exception, owned jointly by Mike Costello and James O'Donnell and Send It Lanner, owned by Joan McMahon and trained by Pat, will carry Kerry hopes and both can be expected to be in the thick of the action and hopefully one of them can do the business.

Also down for decision were the two semi-finals of the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium Supporters Novice (N1) Stake. The first heat appeared to be a match between the first round winners Dooncaha Boss and Black Rogue.

They duly finished first and second, with Black Rogue coming with a withering run to get up right on the line. A head separated the pair, with Ballymac Cadmus, who improved markedly from his first outing, just a half-length further back. The winner deserves plenty of plaudits for the success, as he was almost brought to a standstill at the first bend.

Ballybee Brewery comfortably took the other semi, when leading home Soviet Socialist and Killahas Nacro in 29.02. The warmest favourite next Friday night will probably be Maum Legend, who will line up in the Adidas Sweepstake Final.

This fellow could hardly have been more impressive when, making his debut, he recorded 27.19 for the 500 yard trip, on his way to a seven length romp. Our Laura won her semi, when just holding on in a photo from Looster Bob, but in a much slower 27.90.

Other winners on the night were: Shanners Choice 18.09 (325); Hawthorne Swallow 29.48 (525); Cons Mint 18.25 (325); Dragarria 29.32 (525)