ELDERBERRY SKY edged fellow semi-final winner King Louis on the clock to set the fastest time in the semi-finals of the BGBF British Bred Derby at Sheffield on Tuesday.

Trained by Pat Cowdrill, impressive first-round winner Elderberry Sky (Superior Product-Butts Mott, Jan 18) repeated the dose when pacing up to lead in the first semi-final and drew away readily to win by six lengths from Keefill Finn (Barrie Draper) in 29.01sec (normal).

Just one spot slower was King Louis (Leamaneigh Turbo-Queen Asia, Jan 18) in the second semi-final.

Liz McNair’s runner, second in the recent British Breeders Stakes at Nottingham, also repeated his first round win when leading down the back to score from the staying-on Sharpys Pluto by three-quarters of a length in 29.02sec.

The runner-up’s trainer John Sharp then sent out littermate Sharpys Jimmy (Viking Jack-Malls Pet, April 17) to strike in the third semi-final, producing a strong-running effort to catch leader King Drake at the fourth bend before holding the rallying Boca Junior (Kevin Hutton) by three-quarters of a length in 29.44sec.

Reacting to the semi-finals, BGBF chair Liz Mort said: “I thought all three semis made interesting viewing – setting up a really good final next Tuesday when we’ll be crowning our British Bred Derby winner 2020!

“All six greyhounds have done well to get here. They all deserve it and should be congratulated – as should their breeders and trainers.

“You have to be particularly impressed by Elderberry Sky, who dominated throughout again. We haven’t seen a lot of Special Product offspring in our BGBF races, but this is a very fine litter, albeit a small one, out of Butts Mott for Pat Cowdrill. The dam was also a. terrific performer on the track.

“King Drake is another fantastic dog. He always runs so well and there’s clearly nothing between him and Elderberry Sky on the clock – just one spot separating them – so it could be close. Respect also to Sharpys Jimmy, who finished strongly to take the third heat.

“As we know anything could happen on the night, but well done to owner, trainer and breeder John Sharp for getting two through to the final once again – with last year’s third Pluto back again.”

“Well done once again to Sheffield for staging the British Bred Derby again – in a challenging year for us all, but particularly for them given they are Tier 3 so cannot allow racegoers in.”

Dave Perry, Sheffield’s venue director, congratulated connections of the finalists ahead of Tuesday’s £6,500-to-the-winner final and said he was delighted to be staging the third British Bred Derby Final – albeit behind closed doors, a situation which will remain until the end of 2020.

He explained: “It’s great to have the best of British here once again at Sheffield. We’ve again seen some excellent performances in the semi-final and it’s great to see three locally trained runners in the final, but best of luck to all the finalists.

“Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions and to keep everyone as safe as possible we have taken the decision to cancel all our planned events to the public for 2020, although racing will continue behind closed doors throughout.

“Taking into account the fact that any decision by the Government will not be made until December 16, and with the restrictions of the tier system, we would be severely restricted in being able to accommodate racegoers.

“We will, however, be back as soon as restrictions allow and we would like to take this

opportunity to wish everyone connected with Sheffield seasons greetings and most of all, stay safe during this festive period.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2021.”

Trap draw and form for Tuesday’s final: www.bagsracing.com/assets/15-december—sheffield-adv.pdf