ROXHOLME NIDGE is set for a busy few weeks after a sparkling comeback in the heats of the Ted Lloyd Classic at Sunderland on Wednesday.

The Hayley Keightley-trained runner, returning to the scene of his Puppy Plate victory over Droopys Expert two years ago, was fast away in heat four of the Category One annual as he clocked 26.59sec (normal) for the 450m.

“To be just ten spots off the clock on his return, you’ve got to be very pleased,” said Mark Keightley, husband of the trainer. “He had a muscle injury after the Sheffield (BresMed Northern Sprint) event and that caused us to miss the Derby with him.

“He’d been walked plenty, of course, but only had a sprint trial then a spin at Sunderland heading into the comp so was always going to need Wednesday’s run, but he trapped well and just showed all the class we’ve come to expect from him.

“He was tired afterwards, so you’d expect him to come forward – but only because the care and attention to detail from Hayley and the team. He looked an absolute picture on parade and looked a really happy dog. We’re delighted with him.”

Keightley confirmed the plan for Roxholme Nidge is the Classic semi-final on Wednesday then, pending qualification, the final a week later. Then a tilt at the RPGTV Select Stakes at Nottingham is on the agenda.

The dual Steel City Cup winner and Romford Puppy Cup hero was one of three unanimous selections for the Nottingham one-off on July 29, voted for by members of the Greyhound Writers’ Association at a meeting in London this week.

“It’s good he was given the recognition he deserves and, all being well, that’s the plan – to take on the Derby first and second! It’s looking a great race on paper and the Select Stakes is a race we hold dear in our hearts – we won it in 2005 with Roxholme Girl.”

Angela Harrison doubled up in the heats with victory for Droopys Nadal (27.30sec) and Droopys Trapper (26.86sec), the latter the 2018 Puppy Plate winner over C&D, as well qualifying both Move Over Evie and Velvet Juliet.

Of their winners, Harrison’s kennelhand Ian Sutherland said: “Nadal really has come on a lot since his puppy days, and you saw that in the Scottish Derby and then the first round at Nottingham. He’s got pace at both ends over this trip.

“Trapper is also strong and Sunderland seems to suit him – just look at what he did here as a pup last year. He had no sort of run in a trial stakes the previous week when missing it, but when he traps he’s a tough dog to beat.”

Of the kennel’s two bitch qualifiers Move Over Evie and Velvet Juliet, Sutherland added: “Evie is one of the best trappers around and always gives herself a chance and Velvet Juliet is a really nice sort. She’s strong and in time might be tried over a short six bends.”

The remaining heats went to Ballyrobin Reno (27.26sec) for Sheffield handler Stephen Naylor, while Newcastle trainer Stephen Anderson struck with Bramble Milburn (26.99sec). Local star Laughil Jake (27.12sec) wrapped up the heats for the Yvonne Bell camp.

Form for Wednesday’s semi-finals: http://www.bagsracing.com/assets/17-july—sunderland-adv.pdf