When all six first round winners of the Coral Golden Sprint are timed at between 23.78 and 23.92 (+10) for Romford’s 400m course, the most accurate description of the competition is ‘competitive’.

Narrowly quickest on the clock was the dog who followed home Roxholme Nidge and King Elvis in the last Puppy Cup Final, Headford Kev. The other joint ante post favourite, Kilmore Lemon clocked 23.87 when taking his career strike rate to 11/21.

BAR THE WARRIOR (t1) leads at the first bend in heat 1 of the Golden Sprint from Troy Bella (t5) with Toolmaker Rambo (t2) in between. Photo: Steve Nash

FOREST CHUNK (t1 rails) takes over at the first bend from Sneezys Earl (t4) in heat 2 of the Golden Sprint. Photo: Steve Nash

KILMORE LEMON leads home Bockos Alfie to give Patrick Janssens the forecast in heat 3 of the Golden Sprint. Photo: Steve Nash

HEADFORD KEV (t6) leads round the first bend in Golden Sprint heat 4. Photo: Steve Nash

DROOPYS BAGGIO wins Golden Sprint heat 5. Photo: Steve Nash

MISS BOLEY (t1) leads early in Golden Sprint heat 6. Photo: Steve Nash