AVASTORM was narrowly quickest in Wednesday’s semi-finals of the SIS Yorkshire St Leger at Doncaster.

On a night where, incredibly, just four hundredths of a second separated each of the three semi-final winners, it was the Mark Wallis-trained runner who made up for the disappointment of seeing fancied kennelmate Antigua Fire exit the 661m event in the first semi when making all in the second semi.

Trapping smartly, the November 16 daughter of Storm Control and Catunda Yvonne led home defending champion Roxholme Poppy, who stayed on well, by a length and a quarter in 42.48sec (-75) on rain-softened going. Her time was one spot quicker than Droopys Live (42.49sec, -75) posted when winning the third semi.

The Angela Harrison-trained senior has racked up the wins at Doncaster of late and boasts a fantastic strike-rate of 39 wins from 75 starts. The May 2015 daughter of Tullymurry Act and Live Queen was also never headed as she crossed the line ahead of Lynn Short’s Good Champ, who did keep up the pressure well.

The first semi-final went to Sonic Spur, who is now hoping to provide trainer Chris Akers with the perfect birthday present next week. Akers, 50 next week, is former assistant to Charlie Lister OBE and took over the licence from the retired multiple Derby-winning trainer this time last year. Keplar Nine, the 2017 winner, ran third for him last year.

“He’s still here at the kennel as a pet – and he certainly ran Doncaster well!” said Akers. “Even in the final last year he ran well, leading for much of the way, and we’re hoping Sonic Spur can lead next week. She’s been showing great pace and gives herself every chance in the final if she can get to the front.”

Once again racing into a long lead, July 2017 whelp Sonic Spur held on from the evergreen Goldies Hotspur in 42.52sec (-75) by three-quarters of a length with favourite Antigua Fire also staying on well but a head behind the runner-up so just failing to make the £12,000 final himself.

“It was a tough race, but she did everything right – even in conditions that wouldn’t suit her really. It’s her first six-bend competition and we actually thought about entering her for the Brighton Belle at Hove (515m), but instead chose Doncaster. I thought she’d be able to go clear and that’s been in the case.

“We took her for a sprint trial before the event and she ran wide at the second bend. She did so again in the heats, so wasn’t as wide in the semis so hopefully she can save some ground in the final. We know she has the speed – she ran some good races at Notts against Ice On Fire and was in front at the pick-up.

“She’s a real bouncy character, full of beans – and has done well for her owner Mark Bates. Mark has been a longtime supporter of the kennel – of Charlie and myself now – and I know is looking forward to next week’s final. We’re enjoying it and have just taken in some Cloran Paddy pups, so we’ve got plenty to look forward to next year, too.”

Ryan Corrie, remote sports manager for sponsors SIS, said: “We couldn’t be happier with the final line-up. Six different sets of connections from six different tracks with two returning finalists from last year, including the defending champion, which should all make for a great race.

“In fact, Roxholme Poppy is looking to emulate Larkhill Bird and become a back-to-back Yorkshire St Leger winner – and had to show what a true champion she is in the semis. She really had to dig deep to secure her spot, but if she turns handy next week the locals might be toasting her once again!

“Droopys Live is an evergreen sort and loves the track it’s clear; Sonic Spur is proving a real revelation since stepped up in trip, while Avastorm ran superbly well to win a really hot semi-final and, if anyone knows how to win a final, it’s Mark Wallis!

“The fans’ favourite will be Goldies Hotspur who will deliver her customary late surge, while lightly-raced Good Champ is doing it for the boys against five ladies next week – and he has any amount of improvement in him.

“We’re excited about the final and extremely proud to sponsor the SIS Yorkshire St Leger Final which will be the highlight of a great night’s racing at Doncaster next week. We wish everyone connected with the finalists the very best of luck.”

Trap draw for Wednesday’s final: 1 Good Champ, 2 Droopys Live, 3 Goldies Hotspur (m), 4 Avastorm (m), 5 Sonic Spur (m), 6 Roxholme Poppy (w).