WICKY NED set up an intriguing clash with Links Maverick in Sunday’s BresBet Steel City Cup Final by posting the fastest time in winning the third semi-final of the Category One event at the Owlerton Stadium.

The 36-kilo August 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Ballycowen Lucy was pushed all the way by Union Rebel (Kevin Hutton) in a cracking head-to-head before the Newcastle raider, winner already in 2024 of the BresBet Gymcrack and Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat, edged ahead into the third bend before coming away for a one and three-quarter lengths success in a fastest 28.65sec (normal) for the 500m.

Wicky Ned is still in line for a £10,000 bonus from the sponsors should he land the Steel City Cup/Gymcrack double. A delighted winning trainer Jimmy Fenwick said: “So far, so good. The first round was his first run since July and we knew he’d improve for his races at Sheffield – and it’s been fantastic to see him in good condition overall.

“We thought his Northern Flat win at Newcastle was a brilliant run. Ned is so determined and showed his class to win the final going away – and although he checked out fine, his running at Newcastle was not as we had seen at Sheffield or Towcester.

“We felt Ned might of have been carrying a virus and we put him on some antibiotics afterwards as a precaution. He’s been a different dog again since coming back, so maybe he wasn’t spot-on then but is now.

“Sunday’s final looks a good one and he’s going to have to be at his best to win, but he’s running well, doing the times, and we’re giving that bonus a go!

He added: “Win or lose and providing everything is okay, you’ve got to think about the Eclipse next and then, as a proud Geordie, we’ve got to have a crack at the All England Cup.”

Links Maverick ensured two of Newcastle’s best will go head-to-head in Sunday’s final – along with kennelmate Romeo Cypher – after Tom Heilbron’s dog paced up into the lead in the first semi-final to secure his place in another major decider.

The May 2021 son of Grangeview Ten and Havana Lottie, a multiple big-race winner in 2023, was soon in charge before holding the fast-finishing Bombay The Joker (John Mullins) in 28.95sec (normal) – initiating a double for Heilbron after Romeo Cypher produced the goods in the second semi.

The British-bred February 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Fabulous Skylar was soon handy and, while taken on by Acomb Felix (Kevin Ferguson) down the back, came again on the run for home for a length success, with Arc Grand Prix champion Farneys Willie (Richard Wales) running on to finish a length behind the 29.00sec (normal) winner and make Sunday’s decider.

Trap draw for Sunday’s BresBet Steel City Cup Final: 1 Wicky Ned, 2 Bombay The Joker, 3 Romeo Cypher, 4 Links Maverick, 5 Union Rebel (m), 6 Farneys Willie (w).