CLARES KYLETAUN, providied a perfect anniversary present for his trainer, underlined his domination of the Coral Regency with another brilliant display in the semi-finals of the £10,000-to-the-winner showpiece at Hove on Thursday – and remains a warm favourite to lift next week’s £10,000 prize.

June Harvey’s runner made all in the third semi of the 695m feature – racing away to win by 11 lengths in a race marred by first-bend crowding which saw both Apache Kid and Slick Strauss bowled over. Clares Kyletaun came home clear of Jason Bloomfield’s Russelena Reggie, who edged out Affleck Lady for second.

Matt Redman, son and kennelhand for his mother, said of the runaway 41.43sec winner (-15): “It was another fantastic run and a great way for mum and dad to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary – but, of course, we’re all happy to see both fallers up and on their feet. But Kyle was just superb again. He missed the trouble and was able to get on with it.

“There seems to be no signs of cramp so that’s pleasing – again all credit to Phil Milner and the kennelstaff, the dogs are running so well. It was a magic night all-round for the kennel given Pat’s [Buckley] runners ran so well in the Derby at Towcester and our own Clash qualified.

“Kyle has six in the final and looks well drawn. Fingers crossed, we reproduce one more big run in the final. We’re looking forward to the night – and a big thanks to Hove once again.”

John Mullins landed a double in the other semi-finals courtesy of Bangor Ella and Minnies Highway – two runners purchased by his owners recently – who landed the second and third semi-finals over the Sussex track’s six bends in contrasting style.

Bangor Ella made all in 41.71sec (-15) in her heat as skipped clear of St Leger champion Rubys Rascal, who nevertheless stayed on well to finish second and thus reach yet another major final for the Mark Wallis team.

Some 15 minutes later it was Minnies Highway’s turn and, while favourite to land the spoils, won not in the manner expected as this preferred pace-setter came from off the pace to take the honours from another Wallis finalist in Cincinnati in 42.23sec (-15).

The slow time underlined the messy nature of the race with Shreyas Solitair incurring the wrath of the stewards after deliberate interference at the sixth bend after a coming together with leader Zenas Treacle. It was all change off the final bend.

“Minnies Highway was lucky to win, make no mistake,” said Mullins. “He took advantage of what was going on ahead, but we know he’s better when out in front and hopefully will have his trapping boots on in the final, although it will need something special to beat June’s dog.”

Mullins, who is looking for a first Regency victory, will be doubly-represented in Thursday’s decider and said both his runners had settled well at his Suffolk since their switch there after being bought from Richard Baker’s kennel by owners Jack Cranfield, Lee Calcutt and Chris Waters.

“Both dogs arrived in terrific condition and we’re happy with them,” he said. “We’ve a few good stayers in the kennel now but unfortunately didn’t have a Derby entry – maybe next year! But it’s great to be involved in another big final. It’s what it’s about.

“Barry Kent and Nigel Tanner travelled down to Hove for the semis with the dogs – we had plenty on here as ever – but it’s always good to race at Hove, and the Regency is one of the biggest competitions out there. At least we have a chance.”