CROSSFIELD DUSTY edged out Signet Mafia in a thrilling finish to the second semi-final of the Stadium Bookmakers Northamptonshire Sprint at Towcester on Sunday – setting the fastest time in the process and securing a place in another major final.

The National Sprint and Scurry Gold Cup winner, trained by Patrick Janssens, was well away in this semi-final and always held the advantage racing into the turn and onwards.

However, Kevin Hutton’s Signet Mafia kept up a strong challenge on his outside before crossing the line a head behind the two-year-old, who clocked a winning time of 15.62sec (-5) for the 270m trip. Kirabilly Kathy (Jim Hayton) qualified for Sunday’s final in third here.

Winning trainer Janssens said: “Dusty is just a really consistent dog who’s achieved so much already at a very young age and we are thrilled to be in another great final.

“He had his break over January and you feel he’s coming forward still. I had sickness early in February and it took him a few runs, but Sunday you saw Dusty in full flow and that was his best run in the competition.

“We take nothing for granted, however, and it will be a great race with a few dogs in there who can do round the 15.60sec mark. Whoever wins will have to do that time and it should be another great day at Towcester. In fact, thanks to Towcester for putting these races on. It’s a great venue and we love the place.”

The first semi-final saw track record holder Havana Class again underline his liking for the Northamptonshire venue with a gutsy effort as Liz McNair’s railer overcame a trap four draw to score an impressive victory ultimately.

Last year’s Laurels champion was led from the boxes by Milldean Quartz (Afzal Ali) but showed customary early pace to join the leader as they approached the bend and, cutting across his rival in a bid to secure the lead, emerged out of the bend in front and on his way to a two-and-a-quarter length victory.

Qualifying for the final here were the keeping-on Early Knight (Mark Wallis) and Deadly Tornado (John Mullins), the pair denying the unlucky Milldean Quartz a place in the £10,000 decider.

Trap draw for Sunday’s final: 1 Deadly Tornado, 2 Havana Class, 3 Kirabilly Kathy, 4 Crossfield Dusty (m), 5 Signet Mafia (w), 6 Early Knight (w).