TRIONAS TRAVEL was again quickest in the semis of the Arena Racing Company Laurels at Perry Barr on Thursday as Ernie Skeech’s runner dominated the second semi-final of the GBGB Category One annual at the Birmingham venue.

The September 2019 son of Droopys Jet and Trionas Tune, who is yet to be beaten in four starts at Perry Barr, overcame a slow start before powering through to overhaul longtime leader Headford Flash (Kevin Hutton) at the three-quarters mark and go on score by three and three-quarter lengths in 28.12sec for the 480m trip

Semi-final night kicked off with a one-two for Patrick Janssens in the first semi as Aussie Captain paced up well and, riding a bump at the turn, turned ahead of his rivals and raced clear. He crossed the line a length and a half clear of staying-on kennelmate Lautaro in a winning time of 28.35sec for the one lap.

Signet Denver was a game winner of the third semi as Kevin Hutton’s dog overcame crowding between the first and second turns to run out a length winner over the also always-handy Chelms Yes (John Mullins) in 28.31sec. Like Janssens, the victory gives trainer Hutton two finalists in next week’s £10,000 decider.

He said: “It’s great for all the kennel to get two through to the Laurels final. I’m delighted for both. Flash has been just a really consistent dog for us and regular big-race finalist – and we know what he’s capable of, especially in terms of his speed in the early part of the race. Being the sole wide seed is an advantage.

“We’re also delighted to see Denver through to such a prestigious final, too, especially after showing a lot of determination to come from behind to win – he’s also well drawn in the final.

“He ran flat in the semi-finals of the British Breeders Stakes at Nottingham but has come back to himself during the Laurels and runs Perry Barr particularly well having won a puppy stake there last year. He’ll head to Towcester after this to take his chance in the (Star Sports/TRC) Derby.”

Perry Barr racing manager Martin Seal said: “Once again the racing was top-notch here on Thursday. With just two spaces in the final from each of the three semis, we were always likely to see some big names miss out – albeit it was a shame to see last year’s Laurels winner Havana Class and Birmingham Cup winner Candy Man both eliminated.

“Neither enjoyed much luck in their semis, but that’s racing, and we still had three impressive semi-final winners and qualifiers. The stage is set for another superb Arena Racing Company Laurels Final here at Perry Barr next Thursday – supported by the Good News At Stud Stakes Final, a sprint event.”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=384268&raceId=833439

 

Trap draw for Thursday’s Arena Racing Company Laurels: 1 Signet Denver, 2 Aussie Captain, 3 Chelms Yes (m), 4 Trionas Travel (m), 5 Lautaro (m), 6 Headford Flash (w).