KING TURBO gained revenge over Ower Boy Bullet when winning the first semi-final of the Ladbrokes Kent Derby in a fastest-time-of-the-night 28.63sec at Central Park – and now holds a narrow advantage on the clock over fellow semi-final scorer Trade Fudge (28.72sec) ahead of Sunday’s final.

Both are locally-trained charges looking to strike gold in the £7,500-to-the-winner competition with Liz McNair sending out the Towcester and Monmore Gold Cup winner and Dan Brabon hoping Trade Fudge can go one better than his narrow second to Sporting Dave in the Sussex Cup final earlier this year.

The latter had been all the rage for the third semi on Sunday, although after finding trouble managed only a close-up third in a contest which will be remembered for a big-priced forecast as 50-1 chance Exiles Gift (John Mullins) led home 33-1 hope Cookie Crossan (Kevin Boon).

“Turbo ran another solid race and was a deserved winner,” said deputy racing manager Dan Homewood. “He’s had a couple of rough races of late, but this time enjoyed a clear run. Headford Johnny (Patrick Janssens) ran well in behind, but Ower Boy Bullet didn’t come away and found crowding. He just couldn’t catch the front pair.

“But it was good to see another local runner shine. Dan Brabon’s Trade Fudge was soon in front and took advantage as Droopys Gold found trouble. Looking at the winning times, he has just over a length to find with Turbo on the clock, but has the speed to make a real race of it I’m sure.

“There was a real upset in the third semi, which always looked on when Sporting Dave moved right out of boxes and squeezed those up on his outside. It left the two dogs on the outside to slip clear and means John Mullins will be doubly handed with Exiles Gift and Move Over Padre, who was second to Trade Fudge.

“Kevin Boon also has another major finalist here. He tasted success here when Murrys Act landed an upset in the Juvenile, so you can never rule his kennel out . But I’m sure the betting will make it a two-runner race with King Turbo and Trade Fudge looking the ones to beat.”

Patrick Janssens, who will send out Headford Johnny in Sunday’s Ladbrokes Kent Derby final, landed a double in the heats of the supporting Eden The Kid At Stud Young Guns courtesy of Seaglass Celine (28.90sec) and Desperado Dan (28.93sec) – and reflected on a fine night’s work.

He said: “We always thought plenty of Desperado Dan and he’s won his last four races in great style, either leading or coming from behind. He’s only a Jan 17 and has learned his trades at Central Park and keeps improving on the clock as well. He’s got trap one in the final, which looks a good draw.

“Seaglass Celine is a different type of greyhound. She’s strong running and will end up over six bends. I’m very pleased with the way she’s progressing and will be going to Hove for the Brighton Belle after this. She’s already done a good trial there. Trap five in the final is a bit far out, but if she can take a flyer she definitely has a 28.70sec in her.

“As for Headford Johnny, we bought him from Elaine Parker and he took time to settle, but he’s finding his feet now and there’s still a lot more to come. Of course, we all have to beat Rab and Liz with Turbo, but if he comes away running who knows? I’m certainly happy enough with trap three in the final.”

*Dan Homewood and Julie Wilson, the assistant RM, are overseeing the Central Park racing office following news that racing manager Peter Miller was taken ill over the weekend.

“The news from his partner Susan is that he’s brighter than he was, but it’s still early days and we all at Central Park wish him the very best in the coming weeks and months,” said Homewood.

Trap draw for Sunday’s Ladbrokes Kent Derby Final: 1 Move Over Padre, 2 King Turbo, 3 Headford Johnny, 4 Trade Fudge (w), 5 Exiles Gift (w), 6 Cookie Crossan (w).

Trap draw for Sunday’s Eden The Kid At Stud Young Guns Final: 1 Desperado Dan, 2 Sparta Oscar, 3 King Nelson (m), 4 King Sheeran (m), 5 Seaglass Celine (m), 6 Fizzypop Jet (w).

Trap draw for Sunday’s Kent County Hurdle Final: 1 Coconut Raver, 2 Sporting Ranger, 3 Sarasota Tigger, 4 Go On Taylor, 5 Caislean Fifi (w), 6 Lord Kilgraney (w).