It was one of those career defining runs.

In a racing environment where you might be one race from disaster and certain to win nothing, King Memphis’ 28.66 track record for the English Derby distance will endure.

Liz McNair’s home bred lit up the semi finals of the RPGTV English Puppy Derby semi finals on Sunday.

Whatever the future, it is one line of form that can never be removed from his CV.

Remember, this is a pup who was beaten half a length in 29.00 over the same course and distance by New Destiny on his racing debut at 18 months old.

The fact that he has improved less than five lengths by his 14th race is almost, expected.

It was a spectacular run by a fabulous young greyhound who will be joined by three kennelmates in next week’s decider.

But then Memphis always had a bit of star potential. . . .

We are now at the semi final stage of the Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse which takes place at Nottingham this evening.

Here is a reminder of the opening round.

And the thoughts of Mark Wallis who handles the fastest first round winner, is doubly represented in the opening semi and has a third entry in Whyaye Man

 

This has the potential to be a race of two halves with Droopys Request a possible early leader on the inside, at least in the early yards as Newinn Syd builds up his speed on the long run to the bend. Romeo Command is increasingly looking like a stayer waiting to happen but he is pure class and is never out of his depth. He would be favourite in a match with any left in the event, but securing a run will be his biggest challenge. 3-4-1

 

If you had to name the three fastest hounds on either side of the Irish Sea, Clona Duke would be in the conversation. The ante post favourite finds himself in arguably an easier race than last week and is expected to make all. Whyaye Man is seldom out of the tricast and the giant Burj Khalifa is the strong finisher who will relish every metre. 3-2-6

 

It is impossible to oppose Irish Derby runner-up Bockos Crystal following her impressive run in a tougher first round heat. She can run from any draw and has run away from stronger fields than this. The rest of the line-up in interesting as it sees three qualifiers from the same race, up against two local graders. Diane Henry may be hoping to see Savana Beau trail Antigua Bingo if Nathan Hunt’s bitch repeats last weeks route at the first bend. If she does, it could be at the expense of kennelmate Droopys Google. Beau showed some of his old sparkle last time out and could come on for the run. 4-2-3

 

Trainer Seamus Cahill has confirmed that Droopys Clue will be heading to Shelbourne Park for the December 2nd, Night Of Stars where he will contest the 750 yard event.

He will therefore not be entered in the Bet365 Challenge at Oxford but – if all goes to plan – return to Hove to contest the Coral Olympic.

Leger champ Droopys Clue with Alex Hambi, leader of owners Keylight Hire Syndicate, and Hayley Maskew, after Clue’s PGR St.Leger win Photo: © Steve Nash