FABULOUS AZURRA, a brilliant August 2019 daughter of Magical Bale and Fabulous Artist, eyes back-to-back wins in the BGBF British Bred Derby at Sheffield on Tuesday after another superb run in the semi-finals at the Owlerton Stadium.

The Patrick Janssens-trained reigning champion, also winner of the Bet365 Empress Stakes at Towcester and BGBF Oaks at Henlow, was quickly away in the first semi-final on Tuesday and always in pole position thereafter, albeit market rival and last year’s British Bred runner-up Signet Otis (Kevin Hutton) was never far off the pace.

The pair dominated the action, with Fabulous Azurra keeping up the tempo up front to eventually cross the line a length and three-quarters clear of Signet Otis, the British Breeders Stakes winner this year at Nottingham, in 28.46sec (+10). Acomb Alfie (Kevin Ferguson) secured third and a place in next week’s 500m decider.

The John Mullins-trained Signet Goofy, winner of the BresBet Steel City Cup over C&D in October, led home littermate Signet Denver (Kevin Hutton) in the second semi to make it three members of the January 2020 batch by Magical Bale and of Forest Natalee through to next Tuesday’s £10,000-to-the-winner final. Signet Otis is another member of the litter.

Leading at the first bend after showing customary early dash, Derby semi-finalist Signet Goofy always held the advantage once hitting the front on the run to the first bend and came home a length of the always-prominent Signet Denver, with Romeo Top Gun (Patrick Janssens) crossing the line to qualify in third. The winning time was 29.16sec (+10).

Rob Crawford, working as track commentator on the night as well as handling the social media interviews for the British Bred Derby semis, said: “Fabulous Azurra’s performance was the high point of the night. She’s the defending champion, is now unbeaten in five starts at Owlerton, and is just a star for Patrick Janssens for the Firmagers.

“Despite inclement weather conditions but superb track conditions it should be said, Azurra lit up the South Yorkshire venue with a great run – just two and a half lengths shy of the track record and clearly delighted connections.

“I spoke to Patrick’s (Janssens) daughter and kennelhand Ria afterwards and she wanted to pay huge credit to Sheffield for keeping the track in such top condition despite the cold weather. She went on to explain how Azurra absolutely adores the track.

“We know how amazing the Magical Bale and Forest Natalee litter is proving to be and well done to John Mullins and Kevin Hutton with their runners Signet Goofy, Signet Denver and Signet Otis, but also to Kevin Ferguson who was thrilled to see his home-bred puppy Acomb Alfie make Tuesday’s final.

“Speaking to Goofy’s part-owner Chris Waters afterwards, he said their runner had run a touch flat in the heats but had come on during the week and was another who just seems to love Sheffield – they’re looking to another final here. Patrick’s team can also call on Romeo Top Gun who joins Fabulous Azurra in the final.”

BGBF chair Liz Mort added: “Six wonderful greyhounds are once again lining up for our showpiece event in the British breeding calendar, the BGBF British Bred Derby Final.

“However, the supporting card also sees the BGBF Supporting British Breeding Graded Series Final. It’s important that as an organisation we support and nurture British breeding across the board and the Graded Series is just one of our initiatives to do so.

“Incidentally, the AGM of the British Greyhound Breeders Forum will take place at Owlerton at 6pm on Tuesday (December 20) and I encourage anyone with an interest in British breeding to attend or be involved remotely.”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=392129&raceId=897483

Trap draw for Tuesday’s BGBF British Bred Derby Final: 1 Signet Denver, 2 Romeo Top Gun, 3 Fabulous Azurra, 4 Acomb Alfie, 5 Signet Otis, 6 Signet Goofy (w)