MOVE OVER CHA helped make it a good night for Newcastle-based runners in the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Gold Cup at Monmore on Saturday.

The Angela Harrison-trained runner, having just her fourth race, was soon handy after a smart exit and, using the rail to best effect, the August 2020 son of Gaytime Hawk and Move Over Eliza was clear off the second bend and kept on well to score by one a three-quarter lengths from Signet Otis (Kevin Hutton) in 28.54sec (-30).

Innfield Trojan, another Newcastle runner, kicked off the semis of the four-bend annual in the best possible style for the north east track when making almost all in the first semi.

The June 2020 son of Pat C Sabbath and Coolemount Bally was soon in a pitch towards the inside and, heading his rivals into the turn, was never headed thereafter as he scored by two lengths from Mystical Mario (John Lambe) in 28.62sec (-40).

Annadown King landed a surprise but deserved success in the second semi-final as Mark Wallis’s runner was soon handy outside and, escaping scrimmaging inside, was away and on his way to a three and a quarter lengths success over Whats Up Eva (Richard Rees) in 28.83sec (-30) for the 480m trip at the Wolverhampton venue.

Monmore racing manager Craig Gardiner said: “The Gold Cup final is now completely open and it’ll be a close call for sure.

“Looking at the semis, both Innfield Trojan and Mystical Mario were the quickest from the boxes in the first semi-final and that proved to be crucial and they finished first and second. Innfield Trojan continues to look impressive.

“Annadown King took full advantage from his wide berth in the second semi, missing the crowding at the first bend to end up an easy winner in this race, with Whats Up Eva finishing a creditable second.

“Move Over Cha also took advantage of his inside draw in the third semi, hugging the rail and leading off the second bend to win from Signet Otis – the pair making what looks an intriguing final on Saturday.

“Move Over Cha has a plum draw on the rail, while Innfield Trojan should go well next door to him. Annadown King has the wide draw and could miss any crowding on the inside like it did in the semi-final. May the best dog win and good luck to all.

“As for the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic, this looks another fantastic race with Coppice Brewer and Warzone Tom at the head of the market. I think it’s a case of whoever leads probably goes on to win the race, but we’ll see!”

Draw and form for Saturday’s finals: https://assets.cj1.in/imminent-otter/production/assets/results/Monmore/form-guides/Saturday-finals-proof-27-8-22.pdf

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=388255&raceId=866152