SIGNET ACE again set the standard in the competition when blasting to victory in the second semi-final of the Ladbrokes Gold Cup at Monmore on Saturday.

Trained by Kevin Hutton and owned by his handler in partnership with Mark Gilbert, the September 18 son of Laughil Blake and Forest Natalee again flourished at a track he scored his biggest win to date in February’s Winter Derby.

Improving therefore his record at the Wolverhampton venue still further, Signet Ace accelerated clear of his rivals into the first bend in the second semi and was not for catching afterwards.

Keeping up a strong gallop, the winner crossed the line almost five lengths clear of local hope Chasing Landy (Stuart Buckland) in 28.08sec for the 480m.

Winning trainer Hutton said: “Ace is made for Monmore and it was another faultless display. He produced a very fast sectional from red in his heat so we’re hoping he can repeat that in the final, given he’s got the inside.

“But again he’ll need to do everything right as it’ a superb line-up and there won’t be any second chances for a mistake. That said he’s taken his race ever so well and could race again tonight!”

The Hutton team enjoyed a fruitful night at Monmore given Magical Firebird won her heat of the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic, while Cleopatras Boy (28.48sec) scored a smart victory in the puppy competition.

“We’ve always thought there was a big run in Firebird so it was great to see it all come together for her and make a big final. She was very unlucky at Hove when taking a fall in the four-bend bitches competition when looking the likely winner down the back-straight.

“Thankfully she returned none the worse and she handles this fast six bends well. I don’t think getting trap six in the final will hinder her but she’ll need to be on her toes in what is a classy final. However, she’s very much open to more improvement.

“Things didn’t go to plan in a tough semi for Kingsbrook Glyn, but as last year’s Summer Stayers Classic he owes us and connections nothing. I’d imagine he’d head back to  Monmore for a race on finals night next weekend.

“I thought our puppy Cleopatras Boy ran a terrific first bend to take his heat and is ideally suited to a fast 480 trip.”

Back to the Ladbrokes Gold Cup and the Angela Harrison-trained Droopys Dazzler scored a 10-1 victory in the first semi-final, but there was nothing fortuitous about the victory as the Newcastle tracker was always in contention for the win.

Well away, the April 2018 son of Droopys Jet and Droopys Blossom was led in the early stages by Northern Flat winner Pacemaker Ted (Tom Heilbron) but came again after a protracted duel to score by a neck in 28.30sec.

Another Newcastle racer struck in the third semi with the Stuart Tighe-trained Minglers Popeye always bossing proceedings as he led home Regency runner-up Antigua Storm (Mark Wallis) in 28.34sec.

Trap draw for Saturday’s £10,000 final: 1 Signet Ace, 2 Antigua Storm, 3 Droopys Dazzler, 4 Minglers Popeye, 5 Chasing Landy (w), 6 Pacemaker Ted (w).