DRUIDS SAY GO has her sights set on another major victory after again setting the fastest time in the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks second round at Perry Barr on Saturday.

On a night the Birmingham track also staged the heats of the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup – the sprinter’s Classic – four second-round heats of the bitches’ Classic took centre-stage and Patrick Janssens’ Yarmouth Derby winner was paw-perfect as a fast start set up an all-the-way victory in the first semi-final.

The September 2021 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Druids Diana raced away for a six-length victory over local hope Devilsgate Suzi (John Lambe) and Droopys Eunice (Maxine Locke) in 28.10sec (-30) – a rapid run given the calculated time (27.80sec) was just three spots off the 27.77sec clock held by Coolavanny Shado, another Janssens runner.

Matt Dartnall continues to guide Distant Cara impressively following her spell off the card and the March 2022 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Attention Seeker made it three in a row at the Midlands venue with victory in heat two, making all from Queen Dusty (Liz McNair) and Chamberlain Kate (Carol Weatherall) in 28.60sec (-30).

Monmore raider Ballyhealy Star struck for Brian Thompson in what proved a trouble-marred heat three, the September 2022 daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and Blundel Bridie escaping off the front for a seven and a quarter length win over Catunda Layla (Stephen Naylor) and Front Alice (Kevin Proctor) in 28.55sec (-30).

This heat saw Empress Stakes winner Avongate Venus (Phil Milner) crowded out and eliminated from the competition – which means Queen Joni is now second favourite behind Druids Say Go for outright honours after her own impressive second round heat victory.

Lining up in the fourth and final heat, the December 2021 daughter of Droopys Sydney – Queen Jessiej, this year’s Kent Plate champion was quickly away in a red-hot heat before crossing the line three-quarters of a length clear of the staying-on Icemans Girl (Nathan Hunt) and Coppice Ella (Kevin Hutton) in 28.24sec (-30).

Rab McNair, husband of the winning trainer, said: “Joni had no luck at Perry Barr last year and maybe she’s got unfinished business there. She went into last year favourite to win the Oaks, but this time she’s almost been forgotten because Patrick’s bitch is flying and Phil’s bitch won the Empress Stakes really well.

“I thought she was in trouble again in the first round but her trackcraft got her through the gaps – she’s more experienced now – but she needed to come away on Saturday. That was a very good heat and to lead them up was a must. She’s come back a tough which is to be expected but, like King Memphis, is coming forward with each run.”

Trap draw for Saturday’s Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks semi-finals:-

First semi: 1 Ballyhealy Star, 2 Droopys Eunice, 3 Distant Cara, 4 Catunda Layla, 5 Druids Say Go, 6 Coppice Ella (w).

Second semi: 1 Icemans Girl, 2 Chamberlain Kate, 3 Queen Joni, 4 Devilgate Suzi, 5 Front Alice (m), 6 Queen Dusty (w).