MARK WALLIS eyes a second Coral Olympic title on Saturday after Proper Heiress again posted the fastest time in the semi-finals of the 515m Hove annual.

Following up his standard-setting effort in the heats, the September 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Powerful Mush was again smartly away from a midfield pitch and never looked in danger as he streaked clear for a three-length success over Droopys Extragud (Heather Dimmock), who held Gary the Arb (Belinda Green) for the runner-up spot to secure a place in Saturday’s £10,000 final.

The winning time was 29.71sec (normal).

Wallis landed the Olympic title back in 2017 with Derby finalist Bruisers Bullet and has been delighted how the least experienced runner in Saturday’s Category One line-up has progressed. He is also happy with the draw for Proper Heiress in the Category One showpiece.

“It looks pretty good on paper, although he’s still got to do everything right,” he said.

“He probably has the best early pace in the field but John’s dog (Aayamza Sydney) can break well at times and Seamus’ dog might be coming in a touch, but in a field of railers you’d have to expect a few ifs and buts. It’s a great final to be part of and should be a great night’s racing – we’re just delighted to be well represented.”

Wallis also has Garfiney Blaze in the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial Final plus Ballymac John and Kilmore Dancer in the Coral Christmas 500 Trophy Final, while the kennel’s New Destiny goes in the bet365 Challenge Cup Final at Oxford the same night.

“It’s a busy night but we’ve put ourselves in a decent position,” said the soon-to-be 15-time champion trainer. “Heiress is in good order and, if anything, is still coming forward. He had just two races at Enniscorthy and we bought him after a 28.69sec there.

“I’d say we’re still learning about him but he was bought as a Derby dog which is why he made his debut at Towcester – and hopefully we’ll be back there with him for their big meeting on December 21.”

The first semi-final went to Barntick Bear who produced a trademark strong-running performance to land the spoils for Patrick Janssens.

The popular 38-kilo April 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Barntick Smokey trailed the field early as Newinn Port (Patrick Browne) set the early tempo.

However, Barntick Bear powered through approaching halfway as things opened up in front of him before hitting the front approaching the third turn for a three-length victory over Droopys Pivotel (Maxine Locke). The winning time was 30.22sec (normal).

Missile One made full use of the inside line to grab gold in the third semi-final as Seamus Cahill’s dog paced up to edge kennelmate Kevins Rocket into the turn before racing clear on his way to a one and a half length victory over the running-on Gold Collar champion Aayamza Sydney) in 30.11sec (normal). The latter edged out Gun Slinger (Mark Wallis) to set up a back-to-back Category One glory bid at the weekend after his Crayford triumph.

Trap draw for Saturday’s final: https://assets.cj1.in/imminent-otter/production/assets/results/Brighton-Hove/form-guides/Sat-14th-Dec-Form-Adv.pdf