BELLMORE CRICKET hit his rivals for six to set the standard in the heats of the JenningsBet Puppy Classic at Nottingham on Monday.

The GBGB Category One annual for youngsters kicked off with six heats over 500m with the Barry Denby-trained Bellmore Cricket posting the fastest time as the January 2021 son of Ballymac Bolger and Bellmore Lucy, a half-brother of Golden Jacket champion Bellmore Sally, broke smartly and was never headed.

Racing to a 5.02 sectional, local Nottingham trainer Denby’s charge was away and never challenged thereafter, coming home seven and three-quarter lengths clear of Master Copy (Paul White) and Lightfoot Clark (Jimmy Fenwick) in 29.75sec (+40).

Crystal Cardi, a September 2020 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Dance, franked the form of the recent Angel Of The North at Newcastle where she finished runner-up to kennelmate Crystal Alice, when coming through a cracking battle with hot favourite Swift Iconic in heat four.

The Ben Reynolds-trained winner was always handy after a joint-fastest-of-the-night 5.00sec sectional – identical to rival Swift Iconic – and came home the stronger to reel in John Mullins’ dog at the fourth bend before winning from Distant George (Barrie Draper) by a length and a half in 30.04sec.

The other heats were won by Paul Burr’s Swift Mellow (Out Of Range ASB-Swift Causeway, Dec 20) in 29.98sec, Matt Dartnall’s Jumeirah Ace (Ballymac Best-Jumeirah Charm, Oct 20) in 30.27sec, Richard Rees’s Droopys Latest (Tullymurry Act-Droopys Hunch, Nov 20) in 29.90sec and Barrie Draper’s Distant Podge (Droopys Sydney-Distant Lucy, Oct 20) in 30.01sec.

Nottingham general manager David Evans said: “The JenningsBet Puppy Classic marks the start of a busy month for Nottingham.

“Monday’s heats went smoothly and we saw some really good pups show what they can do. There was also the added bonus of a few Nottingham-based dogs reaching the semi-finals which keeps local interest alive for next week – and maybe another week after! Either way, finals night on the Bank Holiday of Monday, August 29 will be a great one with the Puppy Classic Final and JenningsBet Select Stakes both being staged.

“Overall, these last few weeks have been challenging from a track perspective with the high temperatures and lack of rain meaning the grounds team have been on-site every day in August so far ensuring the track remains hydrated and in great shape. I would like to thank them all for working in these conditions and coming in on their day’s off to ensure the track remains in the best condition possible.

“I’d hope everyone watching the heats on Monday could see the results of their efforts and enjoyed the racing.

“I’d also like to thank JenningsBet for sponsoring these events and, in particular, Derek Somers, who has been a great help and was also at the stadium last night to make the semi-final draw.  They have a real interest in the sport and it’s great working with people who have real enthusiasm for greyhound racing.

“Next week looks to be another great night for the JenningsBet Puppy Classic semi-finals and I hope it’s as enjoyable for everyone as Monday. Good luck to all involved, especially the home team of runners, and I hope to see everyone in attendance.”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=388173&raceId=865232