DEADLY DISCO eyes back-to-back Category One titles when Richard Rees’s runner goes in the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch Final at Central Park on Saturday.

Coming through his semi-final in scintillating style at the weekend, the Hove raider looks to add to success last month in the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial on home soil, in which the July 2022 son of Ballymac Bolger and Bling Bling Lola once again led home hot favourite Mongys Wild among others.

Leading into the bend and taking advantage as Mongys Wild (2-7F) was held up in behind, Deadly Disco (4-1) was soon well clear and powered to a six-length victory over the running-on Mongys Wild in 44.53sec (normal), setting the standard in the 731m annual.

Third home and into Saturday’s £12,500 was local hope Burgess Sonia (Nick Carter), but victory went to Deadly Disco who continues to delight his Surrey-based kennel.

Charlie Rees, son and kennelhand for his dad Richard, said: “We’re all delighted with him, but you just never know. When he gets off the front he’s a very, very good dog. You saw that on Saturday when he’s done the best time in the event, but if he’s not dominating his races he can look ordinary. It’s frustrating sometimes, but I think we’d take it overall!

“He’s won the Ballyregan Bob at Hove and is now in the Cesarewitch final and, to be fair to him, he’s beaten a brilliant dog like Mongys Wild a few times now. Not many can say that but he’s taken his chance against Mark’s (Wallis) dog a few times now and if you’re in front in races you’ve always got a chance – and hopefully he can do it again come Saturday.

“It’s a good final and we’re delighted to be a part of it.”

Romeo Empire (4-9F) was a trap-to-line winner of the second semi-final of the Arc Cesarewitch at the Sittingbourne venue, once again racing to the front on the dash to the first bend as was the case in the heats seven days previously.

Patrick Janssens’ British-bred February 2023 son of Romeo Magico and Fabulous Bella was chased this time by Romford’s Princess Matilda (Gemma Evans) who kept on resolutely to cross the line just a half a length behind the slick 44.59sec winner (normal) with Crafty Prospero (Michelle Brown) also keeping on well to qualify in third. However, the latter has subsequently been withdrawn from the final.

 

Trap draw for Saturday’s final: 1 Burgess Sophia, 2 Romeo Empire, 3 Mongys Wild, 4 Vacant, 5 Princess Matilda (m), 6 Deadly Disco (w).