GRAHAM HOLLAND is very much setting his sights on completing a Classic set with a powerful challenge for the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks which reaches the semi-final stage at Dunstall Park on Saturday.

The Co Tipperary-based two-time English Derby-winning trainer, who now numbers six Irish Derby victories to his name, has four runners through to the three semi-finals of the £20,000 bitches’ Classic at Wolverhampton Racecourse – albeit three of his challengers are pitched in the same third semi-final where Ballydoyle Tina, Newinn Uganda and Bombay Special all clash.

“It’s not ideal I suppose, but draws are draws and it’s the same for everyone,” said Holland of the first-two-to-qualify semis on Saturday.

“All I can say is that all the team are well and that it’s been a case of so far, so good with the travelling. Nicky (Holland) has been making the trips and we’re not about to change the routine!

“All four are more than capable and having a crack at the Oaks fitted in with their schedules really. There’s not a huge amount for them in Ireland just now, so timing-wise it’s worked out well, and I’m happy enough with them all, especially Fahrenheit Jess whose only had five races and ran well behind Strike It Skye in the first round and then won her second round heat well.”

The Mark Wallis-trained Strike It Skye, the Derby Consolation winner, was again fastest of the heat winners as she raced to a 27.90sec in Saturday’s second for the 480m trip, while other heats went to Graham Holland’s pair of Fahrenheit Jess (27.92sec) and Bombay Special (28.11sec), the Brian Fairbairn-trained Slingshot Poppy (28.32sec), Kevin Hutton’s Signet Nayla (28.38sec) and Maxine Locke’s Headford Fiona (28.10sec).

Saturday’s three semi-finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks will be supported by three semi-finals of the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup which has been elevated to Category One status this year.

 

Photo: © Steve Nash