BOCKOS DOOMIE maintained his incredible unbeaten record at the track when winning the first semi-final of the Coral Olympic (515m) at Hove on Saturday – posting the fastest time in the process as he moved into clear favouritism for next week’s £7,500 final.

Patrick Janssens’ runner was quickly away inside and was always bossing proceedings and, while the chasing pack led by kennelmate Lenson Whelan closed into the third bend, Bockos Doomie railed well and kicked again off the last bend to win in 29.82sec.

Victory for the Sussex Cup champion was a 14th successive win at Hove and he remains kennel flag-bearer at the base of champion trainer-elect Janssens, who was delighted with the success – and the fact he has three finalists in the Olympic final.

“It’s great for the kennel – and, of course, we’re all delighted with Doomie,” said Janssens. “He’s come back in good form and we know how much he loves Hove. That’s some record he’s built up already, win or lose next week.

“I think the draw in two is okay. If Doomie comes away he’ll be hard to beat – although even if he doesn’t he still seems to find a way through bad draws. Lenson Whelan is running out of his skin and has made yet another major final.

“He’ll need to do everything right, however, as Seaglass Tiger will be coming in. It’s great for him to make another big final too and all these dogs have helped us on the track this year. Overall it was a top night’s racing and the track was in very good order.”

The other semi-finals were won by Liz McNair’s Darth Vader (30.56sec) who came home strongly to catch the aforementioned Seaglass Tiger on the run for the line after favourite Southwood Jet endured a troubled run, while Kevin Boon’s Darbys Ranger made all to beat Newinn Jacko (Ernie Gaskin) in 30.19sec, winning by three-parts of a length.

Hove racing manager Daniel Rankin said: “It looks like we should have four goods finals on Saturday, but we’ve also got an A6 graded sweepstake final worth £500 – we run one of these types of events every finals night.

“The battle between the big two in the TV Trophy was an old-fashioned match-up between two great greyhounds.

“I think Kristof has a good chance of winning as it was his first marathon. Royale improved a fair bit from her first run after the trial stakes and Kristof should pace himself a bit better and that might make the difference.

“Bockos Doomie looks the one to beat in the Olympic so might he extend his winning run at Hove? And hopefully we get a good entry for the Ballyregan Bob Memorial – it’s something to enjoy on Saturday for greyhound people.

“We’ve got a good mixture of races and variety to suit everyone’s preferences.”

Trap draw for Saturday’s finals: https://assets.cj1.in/imminent-otter/production/assets/results/Brighton-Hove/form-guides/Sat-Finals-Form_2020-12-12-214836.pdf