English Greyhound Derby finalist King Memphis qualified fastest in Round One of the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby which started at Central Park on Saturday night.
Elizabeth McNair’s star dog equalled his newly established track record when beating Paul Donovan’s Cinderella Tell and Patrick Janssens’ Crossfield Enzo in Heat Five, clocking 28.73 seconds.
It marked a third successive victory at the Sittingbourne venue for the Olympic and Puppy Derby champion, who remains favourite to scoop the £20,000 first prize when the final is held on Saturday, October 19.
The son of Queen Beyonce will need to finish in the first two of his respective semi final this weekend to reach his sixth Category One final.
And assistant trainer Rab McNair is taking nothing for granted with Romeo Kingpin, Northern Puppy Derby finalist Droopys Display and Crossfield Enzo plus the locally trained Tintreach Trueno and King Stevens set to run.
“We’re really pleased with Saturday’s performances,” said Rab. “(King) Memphis equalling his track record from the previous week was great to see.
“He was up against a talented greyhound in Cinderella Tell who has great early pace and Paul (Donovan, trainer) has him in great form right now. I think it was clear Memphis was going to pass Cinderella Tell before the line – he’s only getting stronger and fitter as each week passes.
“We gave him a long break after the Derby, and everything is falling into place with him.
“But the Kent Derby is a fantastic competition this year and to reach the final you’ll need to have your greyhounds in top form. El Tornillo really caught my eye in the final heat and there were some other good performances on Saturday.”
The McNairs also qualified Hunt Cup champion Havana Top Note and new addition Keylogues Runner for Saturday’s semi finals with both greyhounds drawn together in semi final three.
Other local runners to advance include Luke Morrison’s Coolavanny Sissy and Tony Collett’s pair Atomic Crime and Rosstemple Davey.
McNair added: “Havana Top Note ran a cracking race, and always gives 100 per cent on the track.
“We’re pleased with the draws and are already looking forward to Saturday.”
Tickets, trackside packages and restaurant bookings for the semi finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby on Saturday, October 12, are available to book online here.
Doors open at 5.30pm with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.37pm.
Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby semi final draw:
Semi Final One: Droopys Manowar, Romeo Steel, Coolavanny Sissy, Atomic Crimes, Cinderella Tell, Newinn Benni.
Semi Final Two: Romeo Kingpin, King Memphis, Droopys Display, Crossfield Enzo, Tintreach Trueno, King Stevens.
Semi Final Three: Havana Top Note, Uncle Freddie, Keylogues Runner, El Tornillo, Droopys Doughnut, Rosstemple Davey.
Photo: Jim Tate Photography.
