‘Smooth' Start To Lismore Maiden Series

LISMORE plays host to two semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Maiden Series (420m) this Tuesday night where the first four from both qualifiers will progress to next week’s $20,000 to-the-winner final.

LISMORE plays host to two semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Maiden Series (420m) this Tuesday night where the first four from both qualifiers will progress to next week's $20,000 to-the-winner final.

Setting the pace from last week's heats was the Bob Cooke-trained Smooth Act, the son of Smooth Fancy scampering over the 420m in a sizzling 23.71, a length faster than the 23.78 he posted winning his performance trial at the circuit on November 13.

In an ominous sign for his rivals Tuesday, Smooth Act has drawn box one for the opening semi-final, with bookmakers acting accordingly, installing the highly promising youngster a $1.50 favourite.

Closest in betting is Ripple Rumble for owner/trainer Michael Lalicz, landing her first career victory at start five last Tuesday in her heat, recording a fast 23.89.

Runner-up in the recent Pop Northfield Maiden Final at Casino, Ripple Rumble will exit box five for Tuesday night's first semi-final, with bookmaker Bet365 suggesting the opening qualifier is a match in two, with the remaining six runners quoted over double figure odds.

The second semi-final will also a short priced favourite strut their stuff with Dave Irwin's highly touted youngster That's Lil Bob, a son of Dyna Double One, installed a $1.45 elect from box two.

Outstanding winning his heat on debut last Tuesday in a flying 23.81, defeating gallant runner-up Lochinvar Dynamo, who he meets again this week by 4 ¾ lengths, That's Lil Bob only needs to repeat last week's whirlwind performance to progress comfortably through to next week's rich finale.

The Ladbrokes Maiden Series at Lismore has been a great addition since its inception a few years back, with the honour roll headlined by Tony Brett's two-time Group 1 winning chaser Fast Times, winner of the event in 2016 in commanding fashion.

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