BADMINTON DONAL was quickest in the heats of the Coral Romford Puppy Cup as the Kevin Hutton-trained ante-post favourite began his campaign in the £10,000-to-the-winner annual with an impressive all-the-way success in heat one.

Hutton’s dog was always in charge after a good break and raced away to win by three and a half lengths in 23.71sec for the 400m, setting the standing in the competition and consolidating his position at the top of the market.

“We’ve always thought a lot of him,” said winning trainer Hutton. “Friday’s heat was only his third race so, like a lot of the pups at Romford, they’re short on experience but you can see he’s got plenty of ability.

“Romford doesn’t really play to his strengths, he’s not a natural for the track, but his class – and his pace – is seeing him okay so far.”

Next quickest was 23.93sec clocked by Billies Tea in heat three as the June Harvey-trained runner was quickly away against the fence and was always in command as he finished four lengths clear at the line from Antigua Coral (Mark Wallis).

Matt Redman, son of the winning trainer, said: “Billies Tea was bought by one of our owners Paul Woodburn from Pat Buckley while Pat was with us during the English Derby – and Paul was keen to aim him at the Romford Puppy Cup.

“Therefore he came over well in advance so he could settle in and have a few looks at the track. He was very static and upright in the boxes when the hare was approaching and was just walking out in both trials and his first race.

“We’ve therefore worked hard on him at home and were delighted when he came away better on Friday and could show the pace he has. When you think the heats were just his third race you’d hope he’ll keep improving.

“It looks a hard semi-final, but he’s got a favourable draw from two. Of course, only two go through so it depends on his trapping. It’s been a cracking competition as always and we would like to thank Coral and Romford’s staff for all their efforts.”

The other Puppy Cup heats went to the Jim Daly-trained Blue Tick George (24.11sec), Heather Dimmock’s Make No Apologie (23.96sec), the Philip Simmonds-trained Vancouver Mike (24.19sec) and the Paul Young-trained Young Princess (24.24sec).

Romford racing manager Mark Arkell said: “I thought overall the standard was very good. There seemed one or two doubts about the quality this year, but it’s clear we have a nice batch of pups still learning the game – and some nice times were posted.

“Overall I thought it was another great Friday night here. Having the two major comps on the night has certainly worked well in the last two weeks, with the heats of the Puppy Cup supported by the Coral TV Trophy Final – and what a race that was!

“Mark Wallis is making a habit of winning these Cat Ones at Romford and made it look easy with his first and second. Bumblebee Bullet ran a blinder and was very impressive, even checking at the penultimate bend. Well done to the owners and connections.”

Trap draw and form for Friday’s Coral Romford Puppy Cup semi-finals: www.romfordgreyhoundstadium.co.uk/result/racecardform/2019/09/20racecardform1.pdf