Slingshot Poppy came out on top in a red-hot battle with Woltemade as the pair produced the standout performance of Friday night’s Premier Greyhound Racing Classic semi-finals at Sunderland.

The Brian Fairbairn-trained Slingshot Poppy, sent off the 1/2 favourite, made her customary sharp start from trap three, clocking a 4.88 sectional before taking command on the run-up. Woltemade was almost as quickly into stride from five, recording 4.89, and Jimmy Fenwick’s three-time Category One winner ensured the favourite was never allowed to relax.

With Poppy in front and Woltemade in close pursuit, the pair dominated proceedings before serving up a thrilling finish. Poppy dug deep to hold her rival by half a length in a rapid 26.62, with Woltemade half a length behind. Grouchos Chief finished back in third. The victory continued an outstanding campaign for Poppy, who had already blasted to a nine-length success in 26.76 in the opening round.

Earlier in the evening, Romeo Hanyu caused a 20/1 upset in the opening semi-final. The Tom Heilbron-trained runner showed early pace from trap five and led on the run-up before going on to score in 26.75. Favourite Droopys Monk, who encountered trouble at the first and third bends, stayed on to take the second qualifying position, a length and a half behind the winner.

Rolo Genie then booked his place in the final with victory in semi-final two. Romeo Astron broke well from the inside and led to halfway, but the 10/1 chance Rolo Genie showed sensational pace down the back to take the lead and go on to score by four and a quarter lengths in 26.61. Romeo Astron held second to secure his final berth ensuring two chances in the final for his trainer Tom Heilbron.

Those results leave Rolo Genie, Romeo Astron, Romeo Hanyu, Droopys Monk, Slingshot Poppy and Woltemade as the six finalists for next Friday’s Premier Greyhound Racing Classic showpiece.

The Category Two ARC Shootout also got underway on the Sunderland card, with Vernon Mist going fastest for trainer Carl Jackson.