Dazzle layers with 6-1 Razl in Eclipse.

Byline: Peter Meldrum

EYE ONTHE STORM, a greyhound whose reputation grows with each and every race, looks outstanding value at 6-4 to further enhance his status by defeating Wise Thought in the first of tonight's Betfred Eclipse semifinals at Nottingham. Comfortably fastest of the firstround heat winners, Mark Wallis's charge should have the legs of Frisby Forfun in the early stages and can take command on the opening turn. Defending champion Wise Thought looks sure to be in contention down the backstraight, but he continues to run exceptionally wide off the home turn and that may well blow any chance of catching the selection.

It will be a major surprise if Charlie Lister is not paying a visit to the winner's podium after the second semi, in which he fields three runners.

Jordansoilutions comfortably defeated Fear Zafonic in the opening round and will be fancied by many to do so again. However, there is a chance that the pair could crowd and, that being the case, the less considered of the Lister trio, Farloe Razl, is worth taking a chance with at 6-1. Romeo Maldini did us a turn when winning his heat and bookmakers, stunned by the gamble, have chalked up a defensive 9-4 about Dave Firmager's dog in the third semi.

He has obvious claims, but at the odds quoted this morning I would far sooner back the plotted-up Head Iton Ellis at a tasty 6-1. Betfred, sponsors of tonight's meeting, have also issued early prices for both the sprint and puppy events (see page 111.) Recommendations Farloe Razl 1pt 6-1 general Nottingham 9.52 Head Iton Ellis 1pt 6-1 Coral Nottingham 10.07

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Eye Onthe Storm: gets Eclipse semi-final vote at Nottingham