MANE MANE will be aiming to land a first victory in the event for the Gaskin family when he lines up in Sunday’s Cearnsport Springbok Final title at Central Park, having roared to favouritism for the novice hurdlers’ championship title in his semi-final at the weekend.

The Ernie Gaskin-trained timber-topper overcame interference from the subsequently disqualified King Nelson to run out the winner in 29.54sec to preserve an unbeaten record in the 480m annual. Droopys Trawler (Seamus Cahill) also qualified from this semi.

Burgess Brandy made virtually all in the second semi, quickly dominating after both Noelles Phelpso and Emiles Eske had trapped in front. Assuming control by the bend, he led home fellow qualifiers Piemans Bullet (David Mullins) and Jumeirah Boss (Barry O’Sullivan).

It means the three-year-old Burgess Brandy has a chance to successfully defend the title won by his trainer Rick Holloway last year with Lenson Wilson – and his trainer has revealed a link between his finalist this year and the reigning GBGB Hurdler of the Year.

“Josh came from the same connections as Lenson Wilson and has been the fastest in both rounds so far, so we’ve got to be hopeful,” he said. “The draw in three is perfect as he traps faster from the middle and let’s hope we can retain the title for the kennel.

“On the flat he went unbeaten through the Red Mills Future Champion Unraced at Enniscorthy, same as our hurdler Sober Call, who was desperately unlucky in the Springbok final himself a couple of years back.

“If Burgess Brandy leads, you’ll never pass him but he also stays very strongly so we can do it both ways.

“Well done to Central Park for another large crowd and top-quality open racing for the semi-finals,” added Holloway. “The track is one of the most progressive and forward-thinking in greyhound racing – with all top trainers there!”

On the disqualification of King Nelson in the first semi, Dan Homewood, deputy racing manager at the Kent venue, said: “Semi-final nights usually provide some drama and we certainly had that in the first semi.

“There was contact twice which left us with no option, but take nothing away from the winner Mane Mane who again proved how exceptionally well he’s taken to hurdling with another stellar performance – and stripes in the final is a gem of a draw.

“The second semi-final was more straightforward. Rick’s (Holloway) Burgess Brandy made all and was not to be caught, but it was great to see Piemans Bullet qualify for Dave Mullins who’s always been a supporter of the Springbok.

‘We should also mention Jumeirah Boss, who’s still improving for Barry O’Sullivan. Barry’s dogs are always to be respected in major jumps competitions and this dog has more to come over hurdles.

“It’s a shame the rules mean a five-runner final, but I really do think we’re in for another cracking final here at Central Park.”

Draw for Sunday’s final: www.centralparkstadium.co.uk/assets/uploaded/files/documents/3rd-march-advance.pdf