FOREST GOLD roared into the final of the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup with a fastest-of-the-night 28.08sec (+10) in the third semi-final of the newly upgraded Category One competition at Perry Barr on Thursday.

Staged and sponsored by the Lambe family in memory of Michael Lambe senior, father of trainer John, the 480m event is sharing the stage at the Birmingham track with the Arc St Leger and, with the heats of supporting competitions for pups and sprinters, proved another night of high-class action at the West Midlands venue.

Lining up in the third and final semi, the Kevin Hutton-trained Forest Gold followed up an impressive heat success with an even better performance in his semi and a fast exit (3.55sec split) soon set up an advantage, one which he never looked likely to relinquish as he crossed the line three and a half lengths clear of Candy Man (Carol Weatherall).

Victory for Forest Gold also secured a second Birmingham Cup finalist for trainer Hutton after Headford Flash qualified behind Duke De Janerio in the first semi. The latter, trained by Gary Ferguson, maintained his unbeaten record in the competition when leading off the first bend to score by almost three lengths in 28.45sec (-10).

Kevin Hutton, trainer of the runner-up and Forest Gold, said: “We didn’t have any joy in the St Leger, but it’s fantastic to be part of what will be a great night’s racing on Thursday. We’ve got two Birmingham Cup finalists and one in both the pups (Signet Denver) and sprint (Headford Buzz) finals.

“But I’m delighted again for Forest Gold. He’s the sort of greyhound who seems to go under the radar somewhat but has been a terrific dog for us and competed very well against the top dogs in the Derby.

“His form dipped after that but he’s coming back to himself now and he’s flying now. He’s likely to head to Sheffield for the (BresBet) Steel City Cup after this.

“Headford Flash continues to improve and answers the question every time we give him more to do. I thought he was fearless on the bend last night and thankfully has his favourite striped jacket in the final.

“Looking at how the race might be run, Flash should be okay if coming away, although I’d say Havana Class would be a concern to Forest Gold as he’s likely to dive left. However it’s another superb final to be involved in.”

The second Birmingham Cup semi saw the aforementioned Havana Class dominate proceedings (3.58sec split) as Liz McNair’s Laurels champion again confirmed his liking for this C&D with an impressive all-the-way victory.

Never in any danger, Havana Class crossed the line just over two lengths clear of Coolavanny Kyser (Mark Wallis) in 28.36sec (+10).

Trap draw for Thursday’s M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup Final In Memory Of Michael Lambe Senior: 1 Coolavanny Kyser, 2 Duke De Janerio, 3 Forest Gold, 4 Havana Class, 5 Candy Man (w), 6 Headford Flash (w).

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=377642&raceId=776302