The third semi final of the Coral Sussex Cup had barely crossed the line when Ladbroke Coral Head of Stadia Ian Smyth quipped: “Expensive A1 at Hove next Thursday!”
He was referring to the fact that all six of next Thursday’s finalists are locally trained greyhounds, according to our records, a unique occurrence in that competition.
Quickest on the the clock when qualifying for his fifth Cat 1 decider was the dependable Droopys Gold. It was the blue Gold’s 18th race over course and distance, and his 11th win, he nevertheless set a new personal best of 29.66 for the 515 metres on going rated -20. Not bad for a dog making his 63rd career appearance and within sight of his fourth birthday.
In a triumphant night for Team Cahill, the kennel already had two through to the final after defending champ Sporting Dave head just held off kennelmate Droopys Nirvana
In the supporting card, Bockos Doomie continued to enhance a huge reputation in the Sussex Festival Puppy heats. Patrick Janssens’ Henlow Puppy Derby winner clocked a stunning 28.43, which, with a going allowance taken off, would put him one spot inside Trade Fudge’s 490 metre record.
Form for all three of next week’s deciders below.
Droopys Gold is a best priced 13-8f (Ladbrokes) for the final. Sidaz Jet and Sporting Dave are 3-1 joint second faourites followed by: 10-1 Slaheny Star, 14-1 Droopys Nirvana and West House Eco
