LINKS MAVERICK will line up as favourite for Thursday’s Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby Final after setting the fastest time in last week’s semi-finals of the GBGB Category One event.

 

The May 2021 son of Grangeview Ten and Havana Lottie was soon in the vanguard position in the third semi to tighten trainer Tom Heilbron’s grip on the famous competition having sent out the winner 12 months ago with Freedom Alibi. For good measure, it was also a 1-2 for the local trainer then with Innfield Trojan running-up for the kennel.

 

Quickly into stride and posting a slick 4.53sec split, Links Maverick was soon on his way to a fantastic six-timer as the youngster from Heilbron’s base in Trimdon, Co. Durham, raced clear before coming home three and three-quarter lengths of Kilara Scottie (Alex Hopkins) in 28.52sec (-10) for the 480m trip at the Byker venue.

 

Fearsome Quest landed a British-bred success for owner and trainer John Marriott in the first semi as the May 2021 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Nah Then Bella was soon in a pitch and led off the second bend to score by a length and a quarter from Swift Regina (Phil Barlow) to give Sheffield two finalists in Thursday’s £12,500 decider.

 

The winning time for Fearsome Quest was 28.61sec (-20).

 

Watchall Sid has a crack at a second major success in less than three weeks after the BGBF British Bred Puppy Cup champion struck in the second semi-final for local trainer Carl Jackson.

 

Pacing up well outside, the June 2021 son of Droopys Sydney and Watchall Winnie was always in charge, albeit fellow Newcastle tracker White Clover kept on well to get to within three-quarters of a length of the 29.09sec (-10) winner to give Tom Heilbron’s two finalists again in this year’s Arena Racing Company Northern Puppy Derby Final.

 

Newcastle general manager Ian Walton said: “It was a fantastic night’s racing and we have a brilliant final to look forward to now.

 

“Links Maverick could be a potential superstar this year, but the other finalists are all in there on merit and have reason to believe they can scoop the title of Arc Northern Puppy Derby champion of 2023.

 

“We have a strong local challenge, but it’s great to see the Sheffield greyhounds make the final. John Marriott has a lovely prospect in Fearsome Quest who is coming forward at a rate of knots – well done to the track’s Phil Barlow, too, for getting Swift Regina through. Alex Hopkins has also done brilliantly with Kilara Scottie and she, alongside her enthusiastic owners, are really looking forward to Thursday!

 

“Incidentally, a reminder to trainers that we have supporting races all worth £500, for which entries close at midday on Monday. We’ve for a sprint (290m), a puppy standard (480m), an all-aged standard (480m) and stayers (640m).

 

“Best of luck to all connections and fingers crossed all the finalists go on to have a cracking 2023.”

 

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=393914&raceId=912713 

 

Trap draw for Thursday’s final: https://www.newcastle-greyhounds.co.uk/racing/results/