Solo And Go beaten again but still heads betting for Gold Cup

SOLO AND GO retains favouritism for the €16,000 Tote Gold Cup despite a second successive defeat in the semis on Saturday and then drawing five in next weekend's all-railer decider over Shelbourne Park's 525 yards course.

Liam Dowling's charge was a hot 4/9 chance for the opening semi but took an early bump from kennelmate Ballymac Stud on leaving traps with Beautiful Paul the pacesetter.

However, another Dowling charge, Ballymac Siun had turned in behind after bumping with Ballymac Stud and always looked plenty close enough although it took until the dying strides for her to collar the long-time leader.

At the line, she was half a length the good of Beautiful Paul in clocking 28.69sec (-30) with Solo And Go securing qualification in third three and a half lengths away.

Graham Holland's Swords Style maintained his unbeaten record in the event with a game victory in the second semi.

He flashed out into an early lead but was pressed down the back and Coloursaregreen flew into the third turn to move on.

Crossfield Matt also drew closer and, in a tremendous finish, a rally from Swords Style saw him shade that rival by three-parts of a length with Coloursaregreen just a head away in third. The winning time was 28.88sec.

Saturday's €16,000 Tote Gold Cup final at Shelbourne Park

Tote Gold Cup final (Shelbourne Park, 28th February): T1 Crossfield  Matt 3/1, T2 Coloursaregreen 12/1, T3 Ballymac Siun 10/3, T4 Swords Style 4/1, T5 Solo And Go 2/1, T6 Beautiful Paul 12/1.