ZASCANDIL, the Regency champion, stepped up in trip in magnificent style in heat one of the Coral Cesarewitch at Romford on Friday when coming within half a length of Riverside Honey’s track record for the 925m trip.

The Kevin Boon-owned and trained runner was soon in command after a fast exit and raced well clear of the field for much of the ten bends. However, market rival Aayamza Royale did stay on resolutely after early crowding to finish four lengths behind the 58.61sec (+40) winner, whose time compares favourably to the 58.57sec best for the trip set by the Irish raider during last year’s TV Trophy.

Ironically it was a runner formerly trained by Boon, Three Ems, who won heat two as the recent Champagne Club purchase made her debut for local handler Paul Young a winning one – but only after a good battle with Pat Doocey’s pair of Longacres Kim and Affirmed.

It was Longacres Kim who set the early figures and, with Three Ems and Affirmed involved in early crowding, enjoyed a decent lead until Three Ems got loose and closed on the leader, picking her up approaching the ninth bend.

Hitting the front, Three Ems then had Affirmed on her heels and the latter kept up the pressure, although the locally handled bitch had a one and a quarter length lead at the line. The winning time was 59.09sec (+40).

Paul Young, trainer of Three Ems, was more than satisfied with the performance of the July 2018 daughter of Hondo Black and Body Clock – and is delighted to have her in the kennel after watching some impressive efforts for her previous trainer in recent weeks.

“She’s impressed us all and I spoke to Steve (Fluin, Champagne Club chairman) about perhaps making an offer. Thankfully Kevin (Boon) accepted and she arrived in excellent condition and hopefully we can have some fun with her. I’ve always liked marathon bitches – and we’ve done okay with them in the past. Ericas Equity would have to be the best and gave myself and owner Neil Ryan some great times.

“The club members were very keen Steve tells me when he contacted them about Three Ems. She’ll certainly have lots of support at the track and amongst those watching on RPGTV, although it’s a brilliant final – as good as any TV Trophy I’d say.”

Micks Little Gem, last year’s Dorando Marathon champion on Derby final night, secured her place in next week’s final with a runaway victory in heat three.

The Michelle Brown-trained runner, off the track from March to August, looked back to her best as the three-year-old led home her litter sister Mays Sweetpea (Martyn Wiley) by 13 lengths, clocking an impressive 58.74sec (+40).

Trap draw and form for Friday’s final: www.romfordgreyhoundstadium.co.uk/result/racecardform/2020/09/25racecardform1.pdf