QUEEN SHAKIRA heads into Saturday’s final as the fastest semi-final winner looking to land back-to-back Coral Brighton Belle wins in the famous event for Liz McNair after setting the standard on Saturday.

Lining up in the second semi-final, the December 2021 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Queen Beyonce was soon in charge on her way to justifying even-money favouritism by one and three-quarter lengths in 30.37sec (-10), leading home Dark Madam (Seamus Cahill), the pair securing places in the weekend’s £10,000 final.

The duo finished just ahead of the staying-on duo Teddie (Belinda Green) and Ballymac Lucia (Maxine Locke).

It means Queen Shakira has a chance to succeed Queen Joni, last year’s winner for the kennel, in the bitches-only showpiece.

Highview Jasman led home a Kevin Hutton-trained one-two in the first semi-final.

The July 2022 daughter of Pat C Sabbath and Highview Ivy was always handy inside as kennelmate Resonate led up before taking up the running down the back-straight for a half-length success over that rival in 30.61sec (-10).

Wonderful Abi (Paul Donovan) and Fabulous Sonique (Mark Wallis) finished close-up here, playing their part in a rip-roaring heat.

The semi-final victory, and seeing two of his runners make the final, delighted winning trainer Hutton who has two Brighton Belle wins on his CV with Galloping Moon (2019) and Lights Out (2021), albeit he first reflected on Highview Jasman’s narrow heat victory and an ‘awkward’ comment. 

The Oxford handler said: “It was certainly a surprise to see her indiscretion in the heats so we were delighted and relieved to see her run so well in the semi-finals.

“She’s won her last five opens so arrives in great form. It’s a tough-looking draw in the final from four so we could do with taking a flier!

“I’m delighted for Resonate to make such a prestigious final while still a puppy. She looks like a lovely stayer in the making and is bred in the purple, although she may need plenty of luck in running here.”

Harlequin Beauty added to a good Saturday night’s work for Hove handler Seamus Cahill when winning the third semi-final.

With Hogans Hawk securing Category One success in the bet365 Hunt Cup at Oxford, another shot at a major title was set up by the September 2022 daughter of Broadstrand Bono and Conquering Queen who finished best to catch longtime leader Runaway Dior (Paul Donovan) in 30.65sec (-10).

Trap draw for Saturday’s £10,000 Coral Brighton Belle Final: 1 Dark Madam, 2 Queen Shakira, 3 Harlequin Beauty, 4 Highview Jasman, 5 Resonate (w), 6 Runaway Dior (w).