WITTON GUCCI heads into Saturday’s final of the SIS Star Sports Stewards Cup at Star Pelaw as the fastest semi-final winner as the Chester-le-Street venue gets set for its first Category One showpiece.

Three semi-finals of the former Walthamstow annual graced the north-east track at the weekend and the Glenn Foot-trained Witton Gucci set the standard when leading early and racing away for a five and a half length success over Ballymac Sargie (Tom Heilbron) in 35.57sec  (-10) for the 590m trip, the latter securing his place in another Stewards Cup final as the defending champion when the event was a Category Two.

Ballymac Sargie’s kennelmate Droopys Bookem ensured Newcastle trainer Tom Heilbron will be doubly handed in the £10,000-to-the-winner contest when coming through powerfully in the second semi, overcoming a slow start before making relentless ground and hitting the front on the run for home and drawing clear for a three and a quarter length success over Rapido Benny (Ricky Holloway) in 35.93sec (-10).

The victory delighted trainer Heilbron, who said Droopys Bookem’s draw in trap four in the final having raced from trap one in both heats and semis, did not unduly concern him.

“It might actually help,” he said. “He’s been cut off at the bend from red in the last few weeks and had to check his stride, so the draw doesn’t overly concern me. I think he’s a massive player if he can swing the first bend with a clear run and turn handy.

“He’s getting every yard of the trip and we know he’s a class act,” added Heilbron of a greyhound who has made the semi-finals of both the Derby and St Leger in a superb career. He is also delighted for the reigning champion.

“It’s amazing for (Ballymac) Sargie to reach the final as well after winning the event last year. He’ll need luck in running but the old boy still has plenty of pace if getting loose.

“I’d just like to say a massive thanks to the sponsor and congratulations to Star Pelaw on their first Cat One comp. It’s been a really good event and the final looks a cracker.”

The third semi-final went to in-form Richie Taberner’s Aero Pepinillo as the Monmore raider also produced a strong-running performance to lead rounding the last bend for a one and three-quarter length success over The Other Chief (Phil Milner) in 36.40sec (-10).