Slingshot Poppy produced the standout performance as the Premier Greyhound Racing Classic got under way at Sunderland, with the recent Oaks runner-up dominating her opening-round heat in a rapid 26.76sec.

Brian Fairbairn’s Slingshot Poppy arrived on at the Wearside venue with strong credentials following her runner-up finish in the Oaks and wasted little time underlining her claims for her first Category One prize.

Sent off the 2/15 favourite for heat five, the daughter of Grangeview Ten was quickly into stride from trap three, leading on the run to the opening bend before stretching clear to score by nine lengths from Romeo Hanyu in 26.76sec, clocking up he fastest time of the six heats.

Glengar Phantom had earlier opened the competition with an impressive display for trainer Tom Heilbron. The 1/1 favourite was soon in command from trap six and made all to beat kennelmate Romeo Astron by four and a half lengths in 26.86sec.

Heat Two produced the closest finish of the evening as Millhill May edged out Pressure Tie. The Savve Roberts trained bitch led into the opening bend and held on by a head in 27.27sec.

Brickhill Tamika took Heat Three in 26.90sec. Quickly away from the inside box, Brickhill Tamika established an early advantage and kept Grouchos Chief at bay by a length.

Indian Mist struck in Heat Four, leading from the run-up and recording 27.32sec to beat Foulkscourt Bono by a length and three quarters.

The final heat saw one of the competition’s biggest names safely through despite an early bump.

Woltemade, already a four-time Category One winner this year, was sent off the 1/5 favourite but met trouble around the first bend, leaving the Jimmy Fenwick-trained runner with ground to recover. Woltemade battled on to claim third in 27.34sec and secure qualification, finishing a length and three quarters behind runner-up Essjay Mercury.

It was kennelmate Ballymac Shontae who took full advantage, the 6/1 chance moving to the front at the second bend and going on to score.With Slingshot Poppy delivering the fastest performance of the opening round and Woltemade negotiating an eventful first assignment, the Classic is already shaping up for an intriguing semi-final stage.