ANGELA HARRISON landed an impressive double in the semi-finals of the Coral Essex Vase at Romford on Friday as both Coolavanny Aunty and Coolavanny Bani raced to victory – with the former posting a superb fastest-of-the-event 34.87sec in the first semi.

The Empress Stakes winner was soon handy behind fast-breaking Sweet Pear (Mark Wallis) before taking up the running at the third bend. Thereafter the September 2019 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Yahoo Katie powered away and never looked in danger, winning by almost five lengths from Sweet Pear in 34.87sec (normal).

Kennelmate Coolavanny Bani also produced a powerful performance in the second semi-final as the experienced May 2018 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Toms Delight showed enough early pace to secure a handy pitch to catch longtime leader Doolin Princess (Patrick Janssens) before going on approaching the fifth bend.

Keeping up the gallop, Coolavanny Bani crossed the line one and three-quarter lengths clear of the staying-on local hope Kishlawn Shakira (David Mullins) in 35.39sec.

Dapper Rodney ensured further local interest in Friday’s £10,000 decider with a brilliant all-the-way victory in the third semi-final.

The Nathan Hunt-trained August 2019 son of Droopys Roddick and Mustang Jill was soon dominating after a quick exit and, with favourite Warzone Tom (Liz McNair) missing the break, the way was clear for the red-jacketed runner to pile on the pressure up front.

Maintaining his form and withstanding the challenge of rivals behind, Dapper Rodney raced on for a three-and-three-quarter length success over the Paul Burr-trained Drumdoit Bomber in 35.40sec for the 575m distance.

The victory delighted Romford handler Hunt, who said: “I was worried about how well he’d break from the inside as sometimes first time it can catch dogs out, but he came out running – and probably too well as he didn’t run the first bend as fluently as he can.

“It meant they were on his heels by the third bend but he really kicked on down the back-straight and pulled away from what was a quality field.

“On paper trap five in the final isn’t ideal, although probably better than being drawn in the middle of the railers. Whatever trap he’d have got he needs a big break to have any chance – so we just have to hope he can time it right like on Friday.

“He’s been kept fresh for the competition and I fancied he’d improve for the first round and he’s come out of the semi-final in great form. It’s a high quality final and I’m pleased Angela (Harrison) has been rewarded with two finalists after making the long journey  south.

“All six are capable of winning and, as always at Romford, the first five yards will be vitally important to the outcome of the race.

“Rodney is owned by Bobby Dinnen and Tom Ronaldson who purchased him from Sam McQuade as an unraced puppy. He caught the eye on debut at Central Park but probably hasn’t won enough races for such a talented dog. Then again he always looked a 575m dog in the making and, now into his second season, he’s matured well.”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=381431&raceId=809074

*Form and trap draw for Friday’s finals: https://assets.cj1.in/imminent-otter/production/assets/results/Romford/form-guides/FRIDAY-PROOF_2022-01-21-220232.pdf