RAPIDO BENNY heads into the heats of the English Derby this weekend as winner of the Hove Puppy Cup for trainer Ricky Holloway.

Always handy in the Category Two decider at the Sussex track after hot favourite Jimmyjimmyjimmy (Paul Young) missed the break next door, the May 2024 son of Dorotas Wildcat and Spooks Me, saving the best for his last race as a puppy, used his rails pitch to best effect by leading off the second bend and setting sail for home.

However, soon joined by Droopys Sometime (Paul Young), the pair battled down the back-straight before the Holloway tracker moved ahead approaching the third bend on his way to a length and a half success from the Romford raider in 29.30sec (normal) for the 500m trip.

“We’ve always thought a lot of him since purchasing him at the Oxford sales,” said Holloway. “He had a few races at Hove and Central Park before we took him to Monmore for the (Ladbrokes) Puppy Derby there.

“He trialled well enough at Monmore so we let him take his chance but probably Monmore doesn’t play to his strengths, he’s a strong-running sort, so Hove, Central Park and now hopefully Towcester will suit him, but we’ll see.

“It’s a tall order but you’ve got to have a go. You don’t get too many opportunities, especially when for many years I had a kennel full of hurdlers!

“At least it shows I can train a top-class flat dog too, although don’t forget I’ve also won a (Ladbrokes) Golden Jacket!”

Rob Abrey, Hove’s racing manager, said: “Well done to Ricky. He’s one of our trainers now, of course, and he’s produced Rapido Benny spot-on for the Hove Puppy Cup.

“This Cat Two continues to be a great event here supporting the Coral Brighton Belle and we’ve had some nice youngsters on show this year – and we’ve kept the trophy here in both events after Blackstone Opera won the Brighton Belle for Seamus Cahill.”