SHOCKWAVE ONYX again set the fastest time in the semi-finals of the BGBF British Breeders Stakes at Nottingham on Monday.

Seven days on from recording the best time of six heats, the December 2019 son of Droopys Sydney and Southoe Silver was even more impressive in the semis as, clearly still improving after a break in what was just his second start of 2022, Kim Gooding’s dog was always in command off the back of a 4.98sec split.

Thereafter, his rivals were always playing catch-up as the Produce Stakes third and British Bred Derby semi-finalist strode clear for a three-length victory over Barrie Draper’s Locked Down, who edged out Signet Denver (Kevin Hutton) for the qualifying place in Monday’s final. The winning for the 500m distance was 29.65sec (+30).

Angie Kibble’s Only You upset the odds on Acomb Winston in the second semi as another slick exit saw the winner, a September 2018 daughter of Dorotas Wildcat out of Kibble’s former open-race star Wiki Waki Woo, turned a first bend lead into a winning before holding the challenge of Kevin Ferguson’s dog by half a length in 30.11sec (+30).

Kevin Hutton was on the mark in the third semi-final as British Bred Derby runner-up Signet Otis sealed his place in another major final as the January 2020 son of Magical Bale and Forest Natalee overcame first-bend crowding before hitting the front close home to deny kennelmate Houston Main by the minimum margin in 29.93sec (+30).

The British Breeders Stakes semis were supported by the heats of the BGBF British Bred Midlands Sprint Trophy which went to Kim Gooding’s Florence (17.90sec +20) and the John Mullins-trained Signet Goofy (17.75sec +20).

David Evans, Nottingham’s general manager, said: “Monday’s semi-finals were really enjoyable to watch, not just from a racing point of view but also from Nottingham’s.

“It’s great to see local connections getting through to both the BGBF British Bred Midlands Sprint Trophy and BGBF British Breeders Stakes and, with Shockwave Onyx recording the round’s fastest time again, we couldn’t have asked for much more.

“Next week’s British Breeders Stakes Final is looking really tasty with multiple greyhounds capable of picking up the £10,000 top prize.

“I’d like to thank the BGBF for allowing us to host the event for the thirteenth year and I’m sure the final, as well as the Midlands Sprint Trophy, will not disappoint.”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=382962&raceId=822529

Trap draw and form for Monday’s finals: https://www.nottingham-greyhounds.co.uk/racing/