BETGOODWIN EDDY lines up in Saturday’s Arena Racing Company Birmingham Cup Final at Dunstall Park as the fastest semi-final winner – and quickest in the event – after racing away to a standard-setting performance at the weekend.

Trained by Diane Henry and formerly known as Ballymac Malinas – he ran for his former handler and breeder and Liam Dowling in this year’s English Derby at Towcester before returning to Ireland – Betgoodwin Eddy was soon in charge in the first semi before scoring by five lengths from Droopys Alldeway (Paul Young) in 28.07sec.

The winner is a May 2024 son of Ballymac Cooper and Ballymac Wisdom and therefore a litter brother of Derby finalists Ballymac Duffle and Ballymac Ralf.

Ante-post favourite Woltemade (Jimmy Fenwick) was edged out in a thrilling second semi-final as the three-time Category One winner was led up by Kevin Hutton-trained Signet Nayla and, while battling to join his rival down the far side and always on the premises, was ultimately beaten by a short head in 28.29sec (normal).

The winner, a British-bred daughter of Signet Denver and Not Too Late, will line up as the sole bitch in the weekend’s £12,500-to-the-winner decider.

The third semi went to Michelle Brown’s rank outsider Tomahawk who blasted out of the traps and soon had his rivals under pressure, although Headford Cian ran on strongly to again get within a short-head of the eventual winner, an April 2023 son of Pat C Sabbath and Hollywell Samba, in son 28.33sec (normal).

Dan Bradshaw, Dunstall’s deputy racing manager who will oversee Saturday’s major double-header with the final of the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger also on the card, said: “You’d say Woltemade is still a worthy favourite for the Birmingham Cup even though he was beaten in the semis. He didn’t quite come away as he did in the semis, but Signet Nayla still ran really well – she was super-game in front, making for a great race.

“She’ll try and get first run on them again, but so too will Woltemade plus Betgoodwin Eddy, who was probably the most impressive to the eye. But it means the start will probably be key – and you’d be foolish to rule out either Tomahawk or Droopys Alldeway were they to break. Headford Cian is clearly the sort who never gives up either.

“All in all it’s a great final – and probably more competitive than the betting suggests. Either way, it makes for a great night here on Saturday with the St Leger final too – and it all kicks-starts a busy time for us with the (Premier Greyhound Racing) Oaks and (Arena Racing Company) Scurry Gold Cup just around the corner, too,” added Bradshaw.