DOROTAS WILDCAT and Droopys Verve set up a mouthwatering rematch in next week’s MSCM Limited Eclipse Final at Nottingham after the Star Sports Greyhound Derby first and second came through their respective semi-finals on Monday.

First to go was Dorotas Wildcat, the Derby champion and last year’s Eclipse runner-up, who trapped behind rival Nidderdale Lark but was soon in full flow against the fence, hitting the front before the bend and thereafter shooting clear.

Winning by seven lengths in 29.35sec (+30), his actual winning time was just three spots slower than last week and the performance delighted his trainer Kevin Hutton, who believes his charge is at the top of his game ahead of next week’s £8,000 decider.

“He looks to have come back better than ever,” he said. “That’s four wins on the spin, two at Swindon and two here. It’s a track he enjoys, and has always run well at having won the Select Stakes there. He has every chance next week.

“I know he hasn’t been seriously challenged yet, but I do think he’s staying stronger now. He’s bouncing this morning, so we should be able to have a good week with him. We’re happy with the draw, but he’ll need to be on his toes at the boxes.

“It’s a high-class final and we’re really looking forward to it,” he added of the final, in which Lowther Stakes winner Donation (Heather Dimmock) qualified for behind Dorotas Wildcat, after Droopys Trawler (disqualified) and Nidderdale Lark came together ahead of her.

Droopys Verve wins Sem Final Two in 29.45sec

Droopys Verve ensured a rematch with Dorotas Wildcat from their Towcester spectacular when winning the second semi-final, as Angela Harrison’s Dundalk International and All England Cup winner led home a one-two for the kennel.

Pacing up well, he railed into the lead rounding the second bend to quicken past kennelmate Droopys Trapper and go on to land the spoils by two and three-quarter lengths from the latter, who held on from rallying Madabout Philip in 29.45sec (+30).

Jimmy Wright, partner and assistant to Harrison, said: “It’s great to have two through to the final and I’m delighted with them both. Trapper has not run the track that well, but is improving and remember he’s a 28.30sec dog at Newcastle, so is certainly fast enough.

“Verve is improving, and we’re hoping the draw in trap four in the final helps his trapping – it should do. Obviously having the pace of Wildcat inside him makes this a fantastic race. We won it with (Droopys) Buick two years ago and had (Droopys) Expert in last year.

“It’s a great track and they look after us,” added Wright. “Now it’s just about preparing for next week. It’s a quiet week for us, although we’re due to trial a pup at Henlow for the Puppy Derby there. After the Eclipse, we’ll think about the Olympic and the Laurels.”

Semi Three winner Swift Taxman wins in 29.74sec (4.91 sectional)

Lynn Cook ensured local representation in next week’s major final after Swift Taxman made all in the third semi to repeat his heat success. A Puppy Classic semi-finalist over C&D, he trapped smartly and was always holding sway.

Racing to a fastest-of-the-event 4.91sec sectional, Swift Taxman took advantage as favourite Ballymac Osby found trouble before narrowly holding a stirring challenge from the Stuart Buckland-trained Dower Rory in 29.74sec (+30).

Nottingham director Nathan Corden said: “It’s great to have the Derby first and second through to the MSCM Limited Eclipse Stakes Final.

“However, if you add in Category One winner Donation, Sunderland track-record holder Droopys Trapper plus top local dog Swift Taxman and the improving Dower Rory, you can see what a fantastic competition it has been.

“The final itself looks like a trappy affair with plenty of early pace in the race and whoever wins the race will certainly be beating a top-class field.”

Trap draw and form for Monday’s final: www.bagsracing.com/assets/26-november—nottingham-adv.pdf