NADURRA ROSS, a Laurels finalist behind The Other Reg last year, set the standard in the heats of the tri-distance Greyhound Media Group 3 Steps To Victory at Sheffield on Tuesday.

Trained and part-owned by Shawfield’s John McLachlan, the Scottish raider was quickly away and made all to justify favouritism as he won impressively by five and a three-quarter lengths from Swift Hansel – last year’s 3 Steps runner-up.

“He was a very impressive winner, and the time says it all – just a quarter of a length off the track record!” said Dave Perry, general manager at the Owlerton Stadium, who said this year’s 3 Steps – run over 480m, 500m and 660m for the final – is up there with the best.

“It was a great entry, and competition going into the heats – where only two qualify – was fierce. We were always hopeful of a strong local showing, so it was disappointing to lose both Bull Run Button and Lightfoot King, but we’re still well represented.

“As for Nadurra Ross, for those watching to the trip he was not stopping so, if he should make the final which looks very likely at this stage, he’ll be an interesting sort stepped up to six bends for the final.

“Swift Hansel (pictured), who ran so well in this competition last year behind Geelo Sapphire, and Sir Dancealot are a lot of people’s each-way fancies for the event. Both qualified safely and Sir Dancealot has a perfect draw in the first semi but has drawn the hardest one.

“Slaneyside Ryder will carry local hopes in the second semi-final and should give a good account and, hopefully, make the final for our new trainer Kirsty Grayson. But overall, once again the 3 Steps is proving a thrilling and intriguing event.

“With the three different distances, and three different trap positions, of course, I maintain it’s one of the most difficult competitions to win in the GBGB open-race calendar. It has a great history and we’re looking forward now to next Tuesday’s semis over 500m.”

Kirsty Grayson’s Slaneyside Ryder (27.62sec) had ridden a bump at the first bend before leading and holding Swift Danielle (Dave Elcock) by a length in heat two, while Roxholme Ray (Hayley Keightley) stayed best when winning heat three from Carn Brea in 27.77sec.

The Mullins camp were on the mark with Minnies Highway (27.55sec) in heat four as he led at the third bend to win from John Sharp’s local Serious Hangover in 27.55sec, while Matt Dartnall’s Ela Juliet (27.96sec) continued her great form when taking heat five.

The young Monmore Summer Stayers Classic winner showed great pace to lead off the second bend after early crowding and then hold the challenging Heroic Miss (Laurence Tuffin) in a close tussle to win by a neck, while Droopys Live (Angela Harrison) kicked off her campaign in heat six.

The former Sheffield-based runner came through strongly approaching the fourth bend to score by two and a quarter lengths from Stephen Naylor’s local Sir Dancealot in 27.61sec.

Trap draw for Tuesday’s GMG 3 Steps To Victory semI-finals:-

First semi: 1 Minnies Highway, 2 Droopys Live, 3 Nadurra Ross, 4 Ela Juliet, 5 Swift Hansel, 6 Sir Dancealot (w).

Second semi: 1 Swift Danielle, 2 Serious Hangover, 3 Carn Brea, 4 Heroic Miss, 5 Slaneyside Ryder (m), 6 Roxholme Ray (w).