Three Cat One wins is normally good enough to secure the Greyhound of the Year title. Victory for King Elvis in next Wednesday’s Servoca Nursing & Care British Bred Derby Final at Towcester would see Liz McNair’s runner meet that criteria.
The opening heat saw a great early buckle between Candlelight Fire and Queen Izzy before her big slow breaking brother King Turbo (Leamaneigh Turbo-Wee Tiger Tots, Nov 15) cut across the pair at the second bend and duly put his sister out of a qualifying slot. Turbo lost several lengths in the manoeuvre but still rallied to win his heat in 29.44 for the 500m – all semis -20 slow.
The Swindon Produce and Henlow Derby winner King Elvis (Tullymurry Act-Skate On, Oct 15)- he also won the Cat 2 Trafalgar Cup – showed stunning early pace to lead from trap to line. Unlike his previous attempt, where he faded badly late on, the blue kept going for a 29.36 win over Lowgate Belatrix.
From one extreme to another and another stunning last-to-first run from Barry Denby’s Alfies Prince (Droopys Alfie-Geneva Socks, Aug 14) who got up close home for a 29.56 victory over Thameside Bound.
Final draw: 1) Alfies Prince, 2) King Turbo, 3), King Elvis, 4) Lowgate Belatrix, 5) Candlelight Fire (M), 6) Thameside Bound (M)
Racing manager Chris Page said: “I would have thought King Elvis would have to be favourite for the final. His sectional was one of the best seen here and he should lead up and take all the beating.”
