BROOKSIDE RICHIE has his sights set on another GBGB Category One title after posting the best clock in Saturday’s semi-finals of the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup In Memory of M Lambe Senior at Perry Barr.

Jimmy Fenwick’s dog, already winner this year of the Arc Northern Flat at Newcastle, was soon in top gear in the first semi-final and never looked in danger once heading fast-starting defending champion Ivanexile (Matt Dartnall) into the first bend on his way to a three-and-a-half-length success over Forest Icon (Kevin Hutton) in 28.15sec (-10) – the pair qualifying for Saturday’s £12,500 decider.

Winning trainer Fenwick said: “We were pleased with that performance because Ivanexile is a very good dog, but he broke well and held his form into the bend and went on. He ran the first and second bends really well and that’s won him the race.

“The time was there, but then we know how fast Richie is. He’s got trap three in the final and will have to do everything right with pace either side. It’s a really good Birmingham Cup final and should be a great night along with the St Leger.”

Laurels champion Hawkfield Ozark is also targeting another major triumph – and famous Perry Barr double – when he goes in the 480m decider at the weekend after winning the second semi-final of the M Lambe Birmingham Cup.

Quickly into stride, Hawkfield Ozark was clear of trouble in behind and was never headed off the back of a fastest-of-the-night 3.44sec sectional before crossing the line a length and three-quarters in front of Rioja Joey in 28.32sec (-10). It means Kevin Hutton has two runners in the final with Rioja Joey joining Forest Icon for the Oxford handler.

Churchfield Syd, the Monmore Gold Cup runner-up, served up a treat for supporters in the third semi-final when producing a solid show of all-round pace to repel the challenge of Irish Derby runner-up Bockos Crystal (Graham Holland) to win by a length and a quarter inn 28.38sec (-10)  – the victory delighting connections.

Charlie Rees, kennelhand for his father and winning trainer Richard, said: “We’re really pleased. He slightly missed his break again but has got so much pace to the corner and it’s just great seeing him run like this after four months off the track.

“He came back and made the Gold Cup final and only finished behind a great dog in Links Maverick and has now made another final which we’re delighted with considering how much time he missed. It’s just great to see him back on track and running so well.

“Whatever happens in the final at Perry Barr – and it’s a really good final – we’re just happy he’s showing up so well in top-class races. He’s certainly capable of winning but with so much quality in the race for all of them it’s about what happens on the night.”