KING DRAKE continued his fine run of form by setting the fastest heat time as the BGBF British Bred Derby kicked off at Sheffield on Tuesday.

Winner last week of the inaugural BGBF British Bred Midlands Sprint Trophy at Nottingham, having also earlier this year finished second in the Colossus Bets Kent Silver Salver at Central Park, Liz McNair’s runner came through a tremendous buckle with Houston Main (Kevin Hutton) before crossing the line half a length clear in 28.95sec for the 500m. Sharpys Jimmy (John Sharp) finished close-up in third.

King Louis, another home-bred son of Leamaneigh Turbo, had earlier initiated the McNair double when making all in 29.07sec, while the other heats went to Paul Gregson’s local Jaguar Blake (29.70sec), Pat Cowdrill’s Elderberry Sky (28.98sec), Kevin Hutton’s Screen Dancer (29.08sec) and Sean Parker’s Barnside Luther (28.98sec).

Mat Stagg, Sheffield’s deputy racing manager, said: “It was certainly a lively night with some cracking performances.

“King Drake showed great determination to lead at the second bend and hold off Houston Main who I thought was very unlucky in defeat – I’d say he’s one to look out for in the competition. The time showed it was a good heat.

“King Louis landed the McNairs a not-unexpected double. He showed exceptional speed to really open up a long lead in his heat, although fair play to one of our top local runners in Barrie Draper’s Keefill Finn who kept the winning distance down to less than two lengths.

“Both Elderberry Sky and Barnside Luther posted good clocks too. Elderberry Sky showed great early pace, leading at the first bend and then drawing clear to win by five lengths which was impressive. Barnside Luther, who was handy from the start, ran on well to win the least heat a shade comfortably.

BGBF chair Liz Mort said: “I thought overall it was a good start to our Derby. Yes, there were a few surprise results, but it’s always good to see different dogs come to the fore when it comes to these major British-bred events.

“Congratulations to all who qualified,” added Mort. “It’s shaping up to be a really good competition and we’re looking forward to the semis next week and then the final on Tuesday, December 15.

“The final will be supported by a brand new event in the shape of the BGBF Steel City Stayers, a Category Two event. Entries for this competition need to be made by noon on Friday.

“It’s been a bad year all-round, but I’m very pleased we’ve managed to fit in most of our competitions. But we still have one major event to come, our BGBF British Bred St Leger over 642m at Central Park – the final takes place on December 27 with entries required by December 16.

“That’s the open-race scene, of course, but we’re also delighted to see the BGBF Graded Series running now and being very well received.

“Incidentally, because Sheffield remains in Tier 3, we have chosen to postpone our AGM which is usually held on British Bred Derby Final night. We will keep people informed of a new date – when we can get together properly!”

Trap draw and form for Tuesday’s semi-finals: www.bagsracing.com/assets/8-december—sheffield-adv.pdf