KING TURBO will line up as favourite for Thursday’s inaugural BGBF British Bred Northern Plate Final over 480m at Newcastle after last week’s impressive semi-final success of the £7,500 event at the Byker venue.

Trained by Liz McNair for Brendan Keogh and the KSS Syndicate, the multiple Category One winner eyes another major title after landing a runaway win in the first semi when clocking 28.44sec, leading off the second bend to beat Colliery Billy (Paul Rutherford).

The second semi-final was won by British Bred Oaks third Witton Derecho, who posted the fastest time of the night when blasting out and make all in 28.41sec for Sunderland trainer Jill Sutherst. Bellebob Zuri (Darren Golightly) qualified in second here.

The third semi helped continue Heather Dimmock’s fine recent run as her Down To The Felt (28.40sec) followed up his heat success when soon leading the charge and crossing the line from King Lennon, King Turbo’s kennelmate, to give Liz McNair two finalists.

Rab McNair, husband of the trainer, said: “What more can you say about Turbo? He does exactly what it says on the tin! He’s probably the most professional greyhound I’ve ever trained and we’ve got to enjoy him.

“You could say him and King Elvis have carried this kennel for a few years – and Turbo will again have most attention on him on Thursday. Hopefully he can hold his position early which would give him every chance.

“He’s won out of every trap, so we’ll take the red jacket for sure, and hope for the best. He’ll have King Lennon for company up there – and we know he’s in good form. I thought he ran well in the semis and then took off in the Kent Derby at Central Park on Sunday.

 

“He’s a very good traveller and that’s why we considered the two competitions at the same time with him. He’s just been a frustrating dog in many days, but I thought this might be the making of him. I had a chat with the boss (Brendan Keogh) and so far, so good.”

 

Calling Thursday’s final will be Newcastle and Sunderland commentator Mark Cranston, who is looking forward to seeing how the race pans out – and feels nothing can be taken for granted given the make-up of the decider.

Cranston said: “At the start of the competition the betting suggested the McNairs would run away with the first running of the BGBF Northern Plate, but looking at this week’s final that is not necessarily the case.

“From a seeding point of view, it’s the perfect make-up with two rails, two middles and two wide seeds. Add that make-up to a quality line-up, and it’s certainly not a race to be missed in the north east this week.

“King Turbo will be odds-on to win, but this is far from a formality with some excellent performances last week, especially from Witton Derecho, Down To The Felt and King Lennon, who looked an unlucky loser in his semi.

“The race has the potential to be a classic and, for me, it would be a great story if Witton Derecho lifted the Plate for Jill Sutherst as it would be her first Category One win. Ideally they’d prefer trap one, but with a smart exit she certainly has the ammunition to shine.

“Her time on Thursday was wonderful and, looking at the odds available, she is potentially overpriced. It’s also good to see a local runner in the final and the Newcastle faithful will no doubt be cheering on Colliery Billy. He could also lead up with his customary flashy break.”

Draw for Thursday’s BGBF British Bred Northern Plate Final: 1 King Turbo, 2 Witton Derecho, 3 Bellebob Zuri (m), 4 Colliery Billy (m), 5 King Lennon (w), 6 Down To The Felt (w).