MARK WALLIS has his sights set on a sixth Essex Vase title after sending out the winners of two of the three semi-finals in the Coral-backed GBGB Category One event over 575m at Romford on Friday.

First up was Aayamza Magic (pictuted) in the first semi as the August 2020 son of Laughil Blake and Carefree Grace paced up well from the midfield to soon be in a pitch as fast-starting Peejays Forever (Jason Gornall) and then defending champion Coolavanny Aunty (Angela Harrison) cut out the early running.

Launching a challenge down the far side, Aayamza Magic hit the front rounding the last turns and went on to score by a length from Coolavanny Aunty in 35.55sec (-60), meaning the latter has a chance to become just the third greyhound to ever defend an Essex Vase title after Humming Bee (1946/47) and Eye Onthe Veto (2006/07).

The Wallis double was completed in the second semi-final as his Bet365 Puppy Oaks champion Minnie Bullet landed a surprise but deserved 12-1 success in trap-to-line fashion – her victory never in doubt after a fast start.

The January 2021 daughter of Good News and Moanduff Daisy raced to a slick 13.68sec sectional on her way to landing the spoils by three and three-quarter lengths from the always-handy Bonjour Bullet (Belinda Green) in 35.58sec (-60).

A delighted champion trainer Wallis said: “As a team you can’t really ask for too much more than having two finalists in a Cat One, so well done to both Aayamza Magic and Minnie Bullet who now have every chance in the final if things go their way.

“We were obviously disappointed not to see Sweet Talker or Antigua Sugar in the final. Antigua Sugar was brilliant in the heats and you just feel that conditions went against her in the semis. The trackstaff did a fantastic job getting racing on given the cold weather just now, but there’s no doubt you were better racing towards the inside.

“We’ve always known Aayamza Magic is capable when he’s given the chance. He’s gone under 35 seconds before – in fact did a 34.62sec just before Christmas – so there’s never been a doubt about his ability, and Minnie Bullet has already proved herself a good competition sort by winning the Puppy Oaks at Towcester.

“She’s taken to Romford really well and, considering she’s just turned two year old, is a really nice bitch. Good luck to the owners of both of mine, Ashley Curtin with Minnie Bullet plus Nigel (Smith) and Mitch (Brenner) and the Aayamzaboys Syndicate.”

Queen Pink wrapped up the third semi-final in strong-running style as Liz McNair’s bitch followed up her heat success with another authoritative victory to secure her place in Friday’s £10,000 final as the sole unbeaten runner.

The Coral Puppy Cup third Queen Pink was soon handy after a decent start and caught leader Millbank Peach (Dan Brabon) rounding the final turns before the January 2021 daughter of King Sheeran and King Danni went on for a three-length success over the Central Park tracker in 35.64sec (-40).

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=393226&raceId=906989

Form and trap draw for Friday’s finals: https://assets.cj1.in/imminent-otter/production/assets/results/Romford/form-guides/19-FRIDAY-PROOF_2023-01-23-103025.pdf