WICKY NED heads into Sunday’s final of the Time Greyhound Nutrition 3 Steps To Victory eyeing a third major success at Sheffield and yet another Category One title as Jimmy Fenwick’s champion races over six bends for the first time.

The reigning Greyhound of the Year will line up from trap six in the all-railer final over 660m in what looks a brilliant race to bring the curtain down on another intriguing running of the unique tri-distance event which sees heats over 480m, semi-finals over 500m and a final over 660m.

Breaking smartly in the second semi-final, Wicky Ned, the BresBet Gymcrack and Steel City Cup champion at Sheffield and Time Northern Flat and Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup winner at Newcastle, was soon dominating and never headed as he crossed the line clear of his field.

Arthur Job (Patrick Godfrey) finished a clear second himself, four and three-quarter lengths behind the fastest-of-the-day 28.45sec (normal) winner, and will line up as the youngest finalist in Sunday’s £10,000-to-the-winner decider.

The first semi-final produced a cracking finish as Chelms Bear unleashed a storming run up the home straight to collar Carrick Fergie (Garry Hamilton) and grab gold by a short-head in 28.86sec (normal), coming from a mile back to land the spoils and edge out the Star Pelaw raider in the shadow of the post.

It meant back-to-back wins for Chelms Bear since moving to Craig Morris having been purchased by Lee Harris and the three-year-old’s new trainer is delighted with the way the former Towcester track record holder has settled in.

Morris said: “He’s settled in perfectly now and is very much at home. He’s kennelled with Chelms Chloe and they get on great and she has really brought him out of himself – she actually won her maiden heat at Romford on Friday also!

“Bear’s been to George Drake’s today to be checked over and will be good to go come Sunday. It’s just great to be involved and will be only my second Category One finalist so I’m just enjoying the week at the moment!

“I’d just like to say a big thank-you to Patrick (Janssens) who really pushed for the dog to come to me, and also to Megan who works so hard with the dogs and has really helped bring Bear out of his shell with us.”

The third semi-final saw the Heather Dimmock-trained Droopys Extragud trap in front and make the bend ahead of hot favourite Kilmore Dancer (Mark Wallis) before landing the victory from that keeping-on rival by three-quarters of a length in 28.97sec (normal).

Trap draw for Sunday’s final: 1 Chelms Bear, 2 Carrick Fergie, 3 Kilmore Dancer, 4 Droopys Extragud, 5 Arthur Job, 6 Wicky Ned.