DROOPYS CARAT heads into Friday’s Coral Romford Puppy Cup Final at Romford as the fastest semi-final winner as the Newcastle youngster again impressed at the London Road venue.

Angela Harrison’s dog, not disgraced behind Make No Apologie in their first round clash the previous week, bossed proceedings in the second semi-final and was never headed as he scored by four lengths from Blue Tick George in 23.82sec.

Jim Daly, trainer of the runner-up, was delighted to have made the £10,000 decider with the Feb 2018 son of Laughil Duke and Jaytee China in just his third race, especially after coming though early trouble to qualify behind the impressive winner.

“He really had to battle to qualify but thankfully did so, and we’re thrilled to have Blue Tick George now running in the final of the Romford Puppy Cup. It’s a superb race with a great history and the new developments at the track are brilliant.

“As his name suggests he’s owned by the Blue Tick Syndicate, which was the idea of David Mitchell and Matt Newman, who are both tipsters at myracing.com. They’re passionate about the sport – and it’s great to see.

“Their aim was to bring together ambitious greyhound racing supporters into a syndicate to hopefully win major races. It’s been a long time in planning, but in George they really seem to have a great chance to realise those goals.

“George came to us from the Droopys Stud a few months ago and has looked really promising from the first trial. He’s now three races into his career and already lining up for a shot at a big pot – and that’s great.

“He’s still holding on to his puppy coat and his style of running might not necessarily suit Romford but he’s got his draw in one and his pick-up pace from halfway is eye-catching. He just needs to trap cleanly in the final and take a good position into the first turn.

“If that happens, he’s good enough to go close in my opinion.”

The Heather Dimmock-trained Make No Apologie (24.28sec) followed up his heat success with victory in the second semi-final, although was made to work hard to catch Vancouver Mike (Philip Simmonds) before hitting the front to justify favouritism.

Second here was Maxine Locke’s Bit View Rambo who stayed on best to edge out Vancouver Mike for second, while the third semi-final saw Kevin Hutton’s Badminton Donal (24.25sec) come through at the third bend to lead home Young Princess (Paul Young)

Mark Arkell, Romford’s racing manager, said: “You’d have to say the semis went largely to form with the main contenders qualifying – and fair play to Droopys Carat’s connections. They have certainly put in the miles so far in this competition.

“It should be an interesting final with a real mixture of early pace and staying types – but I’m also pleased to see two local trainers involved in the big race.

“It should be a good night with two other finals support the main event and it all helps to prove that Fridays night at Romford are the place to be!”

Trap draw and form for Friday’s Coral Romford Puppy Cup Final: www.romfordgreyhoundstadium.co.uk/result/racecardform/2019/09/27racecardform1.pdf