Only an idiot would suggest that a puppy having his first ever qualifying trial might one day emulate one of the great recent Derby winners – but this saft lad did just that back on 10 March 2020, writes  Floyd Amphlett.

But while Signet Ace is some way short of emulating the great Dorotas Wildcat, the article, written just hours after Signet Ace’s trial debut, clearly addresses the star quality of the future 2021 Greyhound of the Year – as awarded on Sunday evening.

The career of the September ’18 son of Laughil Blake and Forest Natalee is as much a testament to the decision making of trainer Kevin Hutton and the fabulous black himself. Ace raced only seven times, winning four, during the remainder of 2020. The Covid lockdown may have helped the decision making but Big Kev was never going to risk the career of the precocious pup. The races, which included a sole A1 run (and win) at Swindon, were interspaced with experience enhancing trials at Monmore, Perry Barr, Nottingham and Newcastle.

That education and caution would all pay off in 2021 where Ace was again far from overraced with 15 wins coming from just 26 outings. The 15 included victories in the Winter Derby at Monmore, the Select Stakes and Eclipse at Nottingham. (Wildcat won the Eclipse but was second in the Select Stakes). There were near missed too with third places in the Steel City Cup (behind kennelmate Forest Gold) and Gold Cup at Monmore.

So which race would his trainer put above all others?

Kevin said: “In terms of satisfaction, the race that never gets mentioned. Don’t get me wrong, it was lovely to win the finals, but I thought his 29.32 win in the Trainers Championship/Judgement Night meeting was the best. Look at the calibre of the field that night (Tenpin, Drumcrow Brent, Thorn Falcon, Gymstar Elusive, Droopys Conrad) and it was an exceptional run.”

And the worst experience?

Kevin added: “Probably drawing trap one in the Derby quarter final when the inside dogs just weren’t trapping at all. We feared the worst and that is what happened.”

Fortunately, Ace managed to avoid injury thoughout 2021, a run that came to an end on New Years Day, 2022. In returning to Towcester for a 500m minor open, the Hutton trained runner damaged a TFL muscle and was sidelined for almost three months. There have been six trials and a race since then and it is clear that Ace takes to a lay-off in the same way as Tyson Fury.

He weighed in at 34.7 kilos for a Towcester trial last Saturday, a full kilogram heavier than on his Eclipse winning appearance.

Kevin said: “He is definitely short of a run or two but the gallop has been too dry and he will need to come on for the runs. Besides, everything didn’t really go to plan with the trial. The traps opened slowly which was a bit frustrating. I’ve spoken to Towcester and they have sorted the problem. It certainly hasn’t been a regular issue in recent months.

“Thankfully, on paper, it doesn’t look like ‘the heat from hell’ and providing he gets a clear run, he would hopefully have enough left to get home and qualify. That is all it is about at this stage. I would expect him to improve as the competition wears on, but we might need to ride our luck in the early rounds.”

While Ace is the kennel’s no.1 string for the Derby, half brother Signet Denver is the clear back-up. Originally graded at Towcester, he was the beaten favourite in the BGBF Puppy Cup final (a short head behind sister Moments Of Magic). He was fourth, again as favourite in the English Puppy Derby Final, and just missed out on a place in the British Breeders Stakes Final.

However any thoughts that Denver was struggling to mix it in top class company were put to bed with a totally merited 28.14 Laurels Final victory at Perry Barr. Having originally picked comrade Signet Otis as the pick of the litter, Kevin thinks the gap has closed considerably.

Kevin said: “Unfortunately Otis went lame in the Juvenile and can’t take his place. But Denver is getting better and better. Like his dad, Magical Bale who transformed from a gangly pup to a strapping adult, Danver is very similar. He started out at around 34 kilos and is now around 37. He has a tough heat but fortunately is very versatile and will run from any box.

“We also have Annual Sydney (ht 13) taking his chance. He barely gets the 500 metres and looks more of a Yarmouth or Monmore type but the owners were keen to take part. We also have the Coppice youngsters, Fox and Brewer. They might be a little bit up against it and might want a bit further but can only benefit from the experience.”