HAVANA BALE OUT set the standard in the semi-finals of the Coral Sussex Cup at Hove on Saturday as the Liz McNair-trained star initiated a treble on the night for the Kent-based handler and a double in the Sussex Cup semis.

An April 2020 daughter of Magical Bale and Comeout To Play, Havana Bale Out was soon handy outside as she took maximum advantage of a vacant trap inside, following the unfortunate withdrawal of Faughan Rebel, to lead at the bend on her way to a five-length success over of Ninja Kerry (Belinda Green) in a fastest-of-the-night 29.80sec (-20).

The McNair double in the Sussex Cup was completed by Warzone Tom who, like Havana Bale Out, followed up an impressive heat success with perhaps an even more eye-catching triumph as last year’s Gold Collar champion recovered after being forced to check his challenge between the third and fourth turns before coming away to win.

Derby Plate winner Chelms Switch, the outsider of the quintet, led for much of the contest here but failed to hold the finish of the strong-running Warzone Tom (Good News-Bogger Bonnie, Aug 2019) who came through to score by a half a length in 30.35sec (-20) for the 515m distance. The McNair treble was later competed by Havana Class in his heat of the Coral Sussex Sprint Trophy.

The first Sussex Cup semi-final went to the Nathan Hunt-trained Doghouse Dazzler who paced up well after a fast start to lead into the turn and was never headed thereafter as the October 2019  son of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Greatest scored by two and three-quarter lengths in 30.43sec (-20) from Bridies Pet (Richard Rees).

Winning trainer Hunt was delighted with the performance, commenting: “To be fair to Dazzler he’s been loving his trips to Brighton. He ran-up in a trial stakes, then won one, finished second in his heat, and then won his semi-final to reach his second Cat One final after the Puppy Classic at Nottingham last year.

“He was purchased along with his sister at a very young age by Patrick Huckle who heads the syndicate known as The Doghouse Boys. He started his career in A5 at Romford where it was evident he had a big engine on him but he’s now in the form of his life at the moment.

“I’m pleased he’s drawn the stripes again in the final. Hopefully it’s a clean-run race, although it does look like there may be crowding inside.

“Many thanks to Hove racing office, who were very accommodating with trials, and to the sponsors who have organised two proper Cat Ones with prize-money to match alongside some fantastic supporting finals.”

Form and trap draw for Saturday’s finals:- https://assets.cj1.in/imminent-otter/production/assets/results/Brighton-Hove/form-guides/Sat-30th-July-Form-Adv.pdf