BOCKOS JON JO will line up favourite for Friday’s Coral Golden Sprint Final at Romford after a fastest-of-the-night victory in the first semi-final of the GBGB Category One competition.

From the kennel which supplied last year’s champion, the now-retired Goldies Hoddle, Patrick Janssens’ dog made the most of the red-jacket draw when pacing up to lead inside at the turn before quickly drawing away.

Crossing the line four lengths clear of local hope Bubbly Spark (Paul Young), Bockos Jon Jo posted 23.63sec (+20) to set the standard in the 400m event and has been rewarded with trap one in the final.

“It’s certainly what we wanted,” said winning trainer Janssens. “Once we knew there just two railers through, being drawn inside Ballynabee Lucky was preferred and that’s how it’s worked out – but Jon Jo still needs to do everything right.

“We know he’s a fast dog – he was doing some fast clocks as a young dog at Romford – but Romford is about getting it right at the start.

“I thought he ran a great semi-final. He doesn’t have the greatest early speed but his middle pace is devastating.

“The plan was always to lay him out for the Golden Sprint and it’s worked out well so far, but it’s a very competitive final where there’s no room for error.

“He’s come out of the race well and we’re hoping for the best on Friday. Bev (Lochead, owner) deserves some luck after losing Doomie earlier in the year.”

GBGB Sprinter of the Year Shrewd Call also heads into the final unbeaten in the competition after another fluent success in the second semi-final.

David Mullins’ speedster was well away and always bossing proceedings as he won the early paced battle to make all in 23.89sec (+20), crossing the line two and a quarter lengths clear of Lee Field’s Adeles Duke.

The final two qualifying places were secured by Samantha West’s Ballynabee Lucky and Carl Perry’s Geelo Gold Dust, the former coming home strongly to catch the Sheffield bitch at the fourth bend for a two-and-a-quarter length success in the third semi.

The winning time was an impressive 23.76sec (+20).

Mark Arkell, Romford racing manager, said: “Friday really was a great night’s racing all-round with some top class performances, but next week looks to be even better!

“The first two semi-finals of the Golden Sprint ran to form with Bockos Jon Jo the fastest of the night and he’ll be strongly fancied in the final I’m sure. But Shrewd Call was impressive again and, if he keeps trapping like he has, will be a real contender next week.

“Ballynabee Lucky ran on really strongly to pick-up Geelo Gold Dust in the third semi. Geelo certainly pinged the lids and Carl (Perry) will have the only bitch in the final with definitely a chance of leading if she times it right.

“But across the board open-race fans are in for a real treat at Romford and those watching on TV will be treated to four finals next week – the Coral Golden Sprint, Steve Simmons Sprint, Stuart Roberts Quicksilver and Tony Byerley Mercury – plus the Coral Golden Sprint Plate, a consolation final for the main event.”

Trap draw for Friday’s Coral Golden Sprint Final: 1 Bockos Jon Jo, 2 Ballynabee Lucky, 3 Adeles Duke (m), 4 Geelo Gold Dust (m), 5 Shrewd Call (m), 6 Bubbly Spark (w).