Damien McGrane is challenging for a second Race to Dubai success in grabbing three birdies in four holes mid-round to by lying just one stroke from the move into a share of second place in the Andalucian Open.

The Irish golfer added a 68 to his opening 69 to join tournament host, Miguel Angel Jimenez (68), fellow Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal (69), England’s Tommy Fleetwood (69) and Italy’s Matteo Manassero (73) at seven under par.

Spain’s Eduardo De la Riva (69) heads the event by a stroke at eight under par.

Jimenez, who is believed to have put Euro 1m of his own money into the event over the past six years, was quick to remind everyone after his round who was paying the bills.

Pointing to his hip pocket he said:  “Don’t forget everything this week comes from there.

“So I need to win the tournament to pay for all the expenses.”

www.golffile.ie's Damien McGrane in contention for a second Race to Dubai success. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)

While McGrane is looking to capture a second Race to Dubai title he also is seeking to quickly wrap-up his Tour card after the scare of last season.

“Those bogeys were mainly as a result of three putting,” said McGrane.

“And that’s what can happen with the slopes on the greens here because if you get out of position sometimes just taking two putts can be a result.

“But I like the challenge of this golf course and I have played  really good golf over the two days and I am feeling competitive.”

Just a shot behind McGrane is Belfast’s Michael Hoey after a second successive 69 which included a double bogey after finding water at Aloha’s 12th hole.

With victories in Madeira and at the Alfred Dunhill Links last year Hoey is looking also to add another victory to consolidate his ranking inside the world’s top 100.

“It would be great to get a win early in the year and get going again,” said the current World No. 96.

Ballyclare’s Gareth Maybin (68) is at four under par, Co. Down’s Simon Thornton (70) at two under par while Esker Hill’s Shane Lowry (72) is at one under par.

Simon Thornton is assured of a first pay cheque this year in carding a 70 for a two under par tally.

The Co. Down golfer missed the cut in the opening two events of the 2012 Race to Dubai schedule and this week’s event is a first in two months.

Ireland’s only casualty was Peter Lawrie with scores of 78 and 68 to miss the cut by two strokes at two over par.