PATRICK JANSSENS was at the double in the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Gold Collar at Crayford on Saturday as the GBGB Trainer of the Year standings leader struck with both Seaglass Smokey and Desperado Dan.

Champion Stakes third Seaglass Smokey was first of the Janssens runners to shine in the second semi-final as the two-year-old paced up to catch fast-starting Ballynabee Lucky (Samantha West) by the first bend and made all thereafter.

Crossing the line five and a half lengths clear of that rival, Seaglass Smokey posted 33.64sec for the 540m trip and initiated the Janssens double given the popular Desperado Dan. the Champion Stakes runner-up, followed his kennelmate in the very next race.

Lining up a hot favourite to win the third semi-final, both he and another Janssens runner View King were led by Skip Mayo (Gemma Davidson) but the pair finished best to grab the qualifying positions, with Desperado Dan powering on to win in 33.86sec.

“He really is some dog and looks to be as good now as ever!” said Janssens. “He turns four in January but is still making big competition finals and it’s good to see the same three of ours in the Champion Stakes final making the Gold Collar final.

“It’s shows they’ve kept their form after Romford. Dan has his box in one as the only railer so that certainly helps, while Seaglass Smokey is coming forward with every run, she’s a real improver being only just two years old.

“View King is definitely a dog who will stay further and ran a great race to qualify for the final. It’s a very good final with a lots of early pace, but we’re in there with three finalists and are hoping for the best. You never take anything for granted.”

Druids So Bright won the first semi-final of the Gold Collar as the Jamie Kingsley-trained runner defied odds of 20-1 when trapping smartly and pacing up to make all by two and a half lengths from Maysthistlecrack (Pam Dolby) in a very decent 33.68sec.

The winner has stepped up in trip in great style from four bends at home track Hove to six bends at Crayford, winning her heat last week before following up in her semi.

Crayford RM Danny Rayment was overseeing another top-class night of open racing at the Kent track given the Ladbrokes Gold Collar and Jay & Kay Coach Tours Kent St Leger semis were supported by heats of The Hazard Syndicate Kent National Hurdle and Ladbrokes.com Rose Bowl.

“It was a superb night’s racing all-round and we’ve now got two Cat One and two Cat Two finals here on Saturday.

“The Gold Collar could prove to be another Cat One for Patrick Janssens given he has half the field and the certain favourite in Desperado Dan. He’s ideally drawn as the only railer and showed he’s in good form when coming from off the pace to land his semi.

“Beechgrove Bell will be well supported to land a popular local success in the Jay & Kay Coach Tours Kent St Leger Final after an impressive semi-final win, but Micks Little Gem knows all about winning big races round here and may be favourite to land the spoils.

“Ricky Holloway has a very strong hand in The Hazard Syndicate Kent National Hurdle – once again we thank sponsors James Turner and Patrick Rugg for their support – and, while Ricky will fancy his chances, the local challenge headed by Toughest Test won’t make it easy for him!

“Owner Steve Lemar has half the field in the Rose Bowl final, which we rescheduled from March, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see support for Michelle Brown’s Signature Callum.

“It’s going to be another cracking night here. We’ve got the four finals plus a host of supporting opens including £500-to-the-winner ‘consolation’ races for the two Category Ones plus a £500 marathon.”

Results: www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=366676&raceId=678620

Final Trap Draw:

1. Desperado Dan  2. Seaglass Smokey  3. Druids So Bright  4. View King  5. Maysthistlecrack  6. Ballynabee Jet