JAGUAR MACIE is one step closer to another major title after setting the fastest time in the semi-finals of the Arena Racing Company Northern Flat at Newcastle on Tuesday.

Last year’s Northern Puppy Derby and Angel Of The North winner produced another top-class performance over C&D when soon leading in the third semi-final and racing away for a two-and-a-quarter length success over Jason Gray’s Mickys Barrett, a finalist in this year’s Northern Puppy Derby, in 28.32sec (normal) for the 480m.

The victory delighted her trainer Graham Rankin who has seen the April 2019 daughter of Droopys Jet and Droopys Breeze return to the track from injury having spent three months on the sidelines after a setback during the Oaks at Perry Barr.

“She fractured her hock and there was definitely a time when we thought her career might be over,” Rankin explained, “but I took her to vet Denis Beary in Ireland and he was confident she’d make a full recovery given the right amount of time.

“Thankfully she has and, if anything, I think is even better now. We know how fast a pup she was, but she’s a lot more stronger now and maybe her future lies over further. Once she hits the front there’s not a dog who can back-run her, but we’ll think about what next after Tuesday’s final – which is a very good one I should say.

“I’m delighted she’s got trap one, although the rails was definitely not the place to be in the heats, but things were better in the semis. It was all about qualifying, especially after what happened the week before but thankfully she’s won her semi and showed again what a good bitch she is.

“Her sister Jaguar Millie has just had a litter of 5 bitches and 1 dog to Broadstrand Bono so it’s been a busy few weeks but we’re looking forward to Tuesday. You’d think Jimmy’s bitch (Bellmore Pepper) will lead – she’s got brilliant pace – but hopefully we can get a decent pitch against the fence and then it’s up to her.”

Angela Harrison sent out the first and second in the first semi-final as Potent Touch reeled in kennelmate Moanteen Mikey on the run for home before holding another Harrison-trained runner in Droopys Biggy to score by half a length in 28.65sec – the pair qualifying for Tuesday’s £10,000-to-the-winner decider.

Narcos Tata (George Cunningham) finished best to win the second semi-final in 28.47sec but was subsequently disqualified after a coming together with pacesetter Bellmore Pepper (Jimmy Fenwick). It means trap five in next week’s final will be vacant.

Trap draw for Tuesday’s final: 1 Jaguar Macie, 2 Potent Touch (m), 3 Mickys Barrett (m), 4 Bellmore Pepper (m), 5 Vacant, 6 Droopys Biggy (w). 

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=383370&raceId=825975