The Colwick Park track kicked off National Greyhound Week with a huge Bank Holiday Monday card featuring not just the JenningsBet Puppy Classic Final but a brace of prestigious one-off contests in the shape of the JenningsBet Select Stakes and JenningsBet Select Stayers and a bumper crowd was treated to some high-class performances – not least from David Mullins’ young star.

Already favourite for next year’s English Derby, the George Watson-owned runner made it five wins on the spin, completing an unbeaten run through the Category One event.

A devastating burst of early pace helped him recover from a moderate start as the Romford raider burst through his field in the run to the first bend and was never in danger thereafter as the 36-kilo September 2022 son of Dorotas Wildcat and Seaglass Shadow settled the issue in a matter of strides, drawing clear for a ten-and-a-half-length success over No Better Feelin (Chris Fereday) in 29.28sec (normal).

March On Freddie had set a track record in the semi-finals, taking five spots off Skywalker Logan’s previous best set during the 2019 English Derby. He now tops the betting for next year’s Classic – albeit winning trainer Mullins is taking things one step at a time.

He said: “We’re all really excited, don’t get me wrong, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. He’s run brilliantly at Nottingham and to get the job done in the final after missing it just shows what a quality greyhound he is.

“At this stage I’d say he’s the best I’ve put a lead on, although we’ve had some nice youngsters in the past,” said the six-time Romford Puppy Cup-winning handler, “but hopefully he’s got some nice races ahead of him. We’ve spoken about the Irish Derby but there’s also the Eclipse back here at Nottingham – we’ll see. He’s still a puppy, remember, but it’s a nice conversation to have!”

Winning owner George Watson, landing his first Category One success, watched the race from the first bend and concern soon turned to delight as March On Freddie sped to the front into the turn after not quite timing the start as he has.

“When you’re watching head-on and they’re running at you, you can’t quite see how things are going, although I could see the six was just ahead but then he took off and made the bend and went away. I almost lost my voice screaming him on.

“It’s brilliant and amazing feeling. I’ve had a couple of Cat One finalists before but they weren’t really expected to win, although did great getting to the finals. This time, you’ve got a hot favourite and everyone is telling you he’s a certainty, the pressure starts to build but thankfully he’s done it.”