THORN FALCON has his sights set on a third major Towcester success after posting the fastest semi-final time in the Premarket Pets Blue Riband at Towcester on Sunday.

The Patrick Janssens-trained English Derby champion also won the Maiden Derby over C&D in 2021 and now lines up with a huge chance of a famous hat-trick in this weekend’s  £10,000-to-the-winner decider over 500m.

Lining up in the second semi-final, the February 2019 son of Dorotas Wildcat and Hey Delilah was well away and soon handy as Signet Otis (Kevin Hutton) cut out the running.

However, making ground down the far side with his trademark back-straight surge, Thorn Falcon hit the front and went away for a two-and-three-quarter length success over the British Bred Derby runner-up and Bryce Canyon (Mark Wallis) in 29.54sec (normal).

The Mark Wallis-trained Ivy Hill Skyhigh sprang a 14-1 surprise in the first semi-final as this experienced and strong-running performer roared back to winning ways off the back of a slick start and early lead as he paved the way for a Wallis-trained one-two here.

The winner, a June 2018 son of Taylors Sky and Yahoo Perlena, kept up a powerful gallop throughout as he crossed the line a length and a half clear of kennelmate Drumcrow Brent.

Third here was the Kevin Hutton-trained Sleek By Design, giving her trainer two chances in Sunday’s final. However, his great rival Mark Wallis will have three chances in the decider and he was delighted with the weekend’s effort, particularly Ivy Hill Skyhigh’s.

“It was great to see him bounce back to his best,” he said. “A short rest over December seems to have done the trick. This is his fourth Category One final and, if he traps like he did in the semis, he will certainly have a chance to finally win one.

“Drumcrow Brent, our Sussex Cup winner, really is the model of consistency and loves Towcester. Again he lost nothing in defeat to his kennelmate and, although we all have the Derby champion to beat, he will run his honest race. Only his very best break will give him a chance to win.

“It’s fantastic to have Bryce Canyon in the final and he’s there on merit, running above expectations again. His owners (Pace Partnership) are thrilled to bits and excited to be a part of such a good race. Canyon is a solid dog and has all-round pace but will need to improve again if he’s to have any chance, although he does have a lovely draw.

“Overall it’s a great race and, of course, a fantastic sponsorship from Patrick’s (Janssens) company Premarket Pets.”

Trap draw and form for Sunday’s Premarket Pets Blue Riband Final: https://towcester-racecourse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/RIBFIN.pdf

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=381475&raceId=809448