DROOPYS EDGE recorded the fastest time in Tuesday’s semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Gold Collar at Crayford – in the process helping local trainer Dean Childs get two finalists in next week’s £8,000-to-the-winner decider.

Pacing up well in the first semi over 540m, Droopys Edge was never headed as he withstood a challenge from favourite Droopys Dresden (Philip Simmonds) at the first bend to escape the pack and set the tempo.

With crowding behind again at halfway, the May 2016 son of Droopys Nidge and Droopys Loner – a member of a high-class litter including Kirby Memorial winner Droopys Davy – kept on to score by one and three-quarter lengths in 33.82sec.

With kennelmate Mustang Thrill qualifying behind the Matt Dartnall-trained Droopys Polly (33.93sec), staying on well behind the all-the-way winner in the third semi, Childs is doubly-handed in the former Catford and Belle Vue annual.

“It’s great to have two finalists and we’re delighted with the form of both,” said Childs. “We’ve always thought a lot of Droopys Edge. She’s out of Droopys Loner, who was a brilliant bitch for us and Mark (Gilbert) and, of course, has continued that form in the paddocks!

“It’s a fantastic litter and hopefully Droopys Edge runs well on Tuesday. She’s always looked a good bitch in her own right, although admittedly her best form has come at Crayford. She’ll have to lead, but if doing so has a great chance as there’s not many who run the track better than her.

“It’s great to have Mustang Thrill in there also, although both could be a problem for the other in the early-paced department. She hasn’t had many races for us but does have super early speed and I expect her to improve further as she gets more used to the track.”

The second semi-final saw victory for the John Mullins-trained Droopys Who – thus making it four Dunphy-bred finalists – who paced up well and was clear of crowding behind to score from the Kevin Boon-trained Cloncunny Major. The winner recently landed the Ladbrokes Guys & Dolls Trophy over the same trip.

Danny Rayment, Crayford racing manager, said: “There were one or two surprises in the semis, in terms of fancied dogs being knocked out, but the performances of the winners and qualifiers was top drawer, and it looks a really good Gold Collar final.

“We’re looking forward to another cracking night’s racing here on Tuesday and remind trainers and owners that we have supporting opens worth £500 apiece over a variety of distances. Check out the GBGB Calendar for details – they all close at noon on Friday.”

Trap draw for Tuesday’s final: 1 Cloncunny Major, 2 Droopys Who, 3 Droopys Dresden, 4 Droopys Polly, 5 Droopys Edge (m), 6 Mustang Thrill (w).