DROOPYS CLUE remains on course for another major success in Saturday’s George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial Final at Hove after running away with victory in the first semi-final of the Category One six-bend feature at the weekend.

Already winner of both the Juvenile Classic at Towcester and Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger at Perry Barr, Seamus Cahill’s champion followed up a fastest-of-the-night heat success seven days previously by setting the standard again at the Sussex venue with an impressive 44.44sec return (-45).

Pacing up well inside, the 2-11 favourite never looked in trouble as the the August 2021 son of Out Of Range ASB and Droopys Natalia powered round for a five-length success over the strong-finishing Ower Smasher, with Regency runner-up Swiper (Matt Dartnall) qualifying for Saturday’s £10,000 decider in third.

The second semi-final saw defending champion Clongeel Ozzie brilliantly overcome a tough-looking trap five draw with a show of all-round pace, cutting across to the inside to lead off the second turn and race clear.

Thereafter, Jason Heath’s local star was always in control and crossed the line two and a quarter lengths clear of Haka Carlo (Nathan Hunt) and Savana Jazz (Diane Henry), the April 2020 son of Droopys Sydney and Rossroe Lady posting 45.07sec (-45) for the 740m trip and giving himself every chance to defend the title.

The victory delighted winning trainer Heath, who said: “We’re all over the moon with Ozzie and just delighted with the way he’s come back. He had a stress fracture of his hock and we gave him plenty of time, knowing the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial was going to be the main target.

“Racing-wise he was off from April to October but with trials and now these handful of races he’s right as rain. I wasn’t worried about trap five in the semis because I know he breaks better away from the inside and that gave him every chance to get across and he’s done it well.

“He’s got six in the final so again has to break well to get a decent position into the turn. Droopys Clue is a champion, we know that, but I wouldn’t swop Ozzie for anything. He’s a real favourite here and I know he’s looking to keep his paws on the trophy – on what should be another great night.

“I thought Saturday for the semis was a real throwback. Just like old times with a great atmosphere and packed our stadium. Well done to Hove.”

Trap draw for Saturday’s finals: https://assets.cj1.in/imminent-otter/production/assets/results/Brighton-Hove/form-guides/23-12-2023-adv-form.pdf