SLICK SAKINA was once again quickest as Patrick Janssens-trained runners won all three semi-finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Perry Barr on Thursday.

 

On a fantastic night for the former champion trainer, whose sights are firmly set on a first victory in the bitches’ Classic, it was Slick Sakina who followed up her fastest second-round success with a standard-setting run in the third semi-final of the £20,000-to-the-winner event.

 

The July 2020 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Ring was again fast to stride on her way to a fastest-of-the-night 3.44sec sectional and was never troubled as she drew clear to win by three lengths from the staying-on Distant Emma (Barrie Draper) in 27.97sec (+10).

 

Fabulous Azurra initiated the Janssens treble in the first semi-final, producing a superb show of all-round pace to secure her place in another major final.

 

The bet365 Empress Stakes and BGBF Oaks winner was soon in a pitch before hitting the front down the far side, going on to score by three lengths from the always-handy Bonjour Bullet (Belinda Green) who edged out Moments Of Magic (Kevin Hutton) for the qualifying position. The winning time was 28.14sec (+10)

 

The Janssens-trained Global Prima then used her inside draw to best effect in the second semi-final, pacing up well off the back of a 3.49sec sectional to lead at the bend before going on to score by one and a quarter lengths in 28.31sec (+10). Westwell Emer (Kevin Hutton) narrowly held fast-finishing Savana Ruinart (Diane Henry) for second.

 

Martin Seal, Perry Barr racing manager, is looking forward to Thursday’s final and a card which will also see the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup, the traditional sprinters’ Classic, down for decision after this week’s semi-finals.

 

He said: “This is the second time Perry Barr has staged the Oaks, the first under the Premier Greyhound Racing banner, and we’re naturally proud to do so.

 

“Well done to Patrick (Janssens) and his team for the almost perfect night’s racing for them. Winning all three semi-finals really is some feat and he has a real chance of winning his first Oaks title. He won the Derby last year, of course, and has won most other events in the sport so I’m sure is keen to have the Oaks on his CV.

 

“However, as we know, nothing is ever straightforward and they’ll not be counting their chickens just yet – especially given the overall quality in the final. Well done to Belinda Green, Barrie Draper and Kevin Hutton for qualifying runners – and all will be looking to put the pressure on Patrick’s trio of finalists.

 

“Kevin, especially, has a great record in the Oaks. He’s won it three times and, for me, it’s Droopys Danneel’s victory at Belle Vue in 2013 which stands out. I remember watching that final on Sky Sports and, while it was great for Kevin to win his first Classic, none of us realised how that victory would begin such a dynasty.

 

“Droopys Danneel threw champions in the paddocks and her daughter Forest Natalee, the dam of Westwell Emer, has done the same – and it all started in the Oaks.”

 

Trap draw for Thursday’s finals: https://www.perrybarr-greyhounds.co.uk/racing/

 

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=390208&raceId=882135