ROMEO COMMAND produced another top performance to extend his unbeaten run to eight in the semi-finals of the BGBF British Breeders Stakes at Nottingham on Monday.

 

The Patrick Janssens-trained January 2021 son of Dorotas Wildcat and Drive On Betsy was taken on early by Acomb Alfie (Nigel Saunders) in the second semi but always held the advantage and drew away on the run for home to score by a four and three-quarter lengths success over Signalong Java (Kevin Hutton) and Acomb Alfie in 29.77sec (+20).

 

All three will now cross swords again in Monday’s £12,500-to-the-winner final over 500m, with Romeo Command’s trainer Janssens more than happy with how his charge is running at the Colwick Park venue after wins at Monmore and Towcester before heading to Nottingham for a warm-up contest for the British-bred annual.

 

“He’s running the track well and it just plays to his strengths,” said Janssens. “He starts well, stays well, and has got a real will-to-win. You could see that in how he ran right away from them on the run for home. Conditions weren’t great – it was a pretty wet and wild night – but the track ran a lot better I thought.

 

“He’s a fantastic greyhound which we’re lucky to have, so many thanks to Dave (Firmager, owner and breeder). You always need luck, and hopefully he gets that in the final on Monday, after which we’ll think about the RPGTV Juvenile and then the (Star Sports & TRC) English Derby.”

 

The first semi-final saw the Carol Weatherall-trained No Rush finish best for the spoils to secure her place in Monday’s decider in strong-running style.

 

Jaffa (John Mullins) set the early fractions and, with defending champion Signet Otis (Kevin Hutton) crowded out of contention, the youngster soon had his rivals under pressure before No Rush, a June 2020 son of King Elvis and Vahsel Bay, stayed best to hit the front close home for a length victory over Jaffa and Blythe Blaze (Jill Lewellin).

 

The winning time was 29.90sec (+20) and sets things up for a gala card at Nottingham on Monday featuring not just the BGBF British Breeders Stakes Final but the BGBF British Bred Midlands Sprint Trophy. Jill Sutherst’s Witton Venus (18.17sec +10) and Phil Milner’s Keefill George (18.22sec +10) won their respective semi-finals.

 

Nottingham general manager David Evans said: “Monday was a slightly damper affair than some would have liked but nevertheless the racing was, as ever, very enjoyable.

 

“From a Nottingham perspective, not having Wolf Moon taking his chance in the BGBF British Breeders Stakes semis was disappointing for us and trainer Jill Llewellin – he was off-colour – but the night ended with Jill’s Blythe Blaze sneaking through inside to qualify for next week’s final from the second semi.

 

“With trap one vacant in the first semi, Romeo Command made no mistake with another impressive run and, having drawn trap one next week, looks a strong favourite to continue his winning run. I can’t wait to see what happens on Monday and I’d like to thank the BGBF for continuing to support this race and stage it here at Nottingham.

 

“If anyone wants to join us on Monday our restaurant is available and, for £22, you’ll get your entrance as well as a 3-course meal and full waiter service for the night. I hope to see as many people as possible there and wish all connections the very best of luck.”

 

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=394985&raceId=921603

 

Trap draw and form for Monday’s finals: https://www.nottingham-greyhounds.co.uk/racing/