Image Shuttle clocked the fastest time in the heats of the Ladbrokes Puppy Derby over 480 metres at Monmore on Monday.
Chris Allsopp’s runner flew out of trap six and was soon well clear. He eventually beat Glenpaddden Rock by almost five lengths in 28.06sec.
Ante-post favourite Southfield Jock forced his way through to win heat five. Seamus Cahill’s runner, broke moderately but flew to the turn and just got round. He went clear and came home just over five lengths clear of Leathems Desire in 28.53sec.
Vatican Baloteli was a trap to line winner of the opening heat. Pat Rosney’s runner, a 9-4 shot left trouble behind when going on to beat Fabulous Zita by a length in 28.59sec.
Torphin Bluesky was a 6-1 winner of the second qualifier. Tony Collett’s runner was led to the third turn by Bubbly King but he went on to hold Patchys Kerry by two and a half lengths in 28.58sec.
Romeo Zulu was another surprise 7-1 winner of the third qualifier. Dave Firmager’s runner came late to deny Holden Chico and Aimnfire by a length and a short head in 28.66sec.
Romany Rouge came from off the pace to land heat six. Face The Blade, the 6-4 favourite checked at the sough when in front and Romany Rouge came around the outside to catch Honest John close home and score by a head in 28.51sec.
Draw for next week’s semi-finals:
1st semi
1 Teejays Panther
2 Whatareaction
3 Aimnfire
4 Honest John (m)
5 Fabulous Zita (w)
6 Image Shuttle (w)
2nd semi
1 Fabulous Model
2 Ballymac Manix
3 Glenpadden Rock
4 Holdem Chico (m)
5 Torphin Bluesky (w)
6 Romeo Rouge(w)
3rd semi
1 Romeo Zulu
2 Vatican Baloteli
3 Patchys Kerry
4 Bubbly King (m)
5 Southfield Jock (m)
6 Leathems Desire (w)
