HOVE racing manager Rob Abrey commended Derek Knight and his team after Candolim Monsoon continued his impressive comeback in the Coral Sussex Cup, the event he won last year.
The defending champion, known for his rail-running style, displayed exceptional skill as he overcame a difficult draw and led at the bend following a swift start. He secured a two-length victory over King Combs (Liz McNair) and Gingers Rubin (Patrick Browne) in 29.84 seconds, the fastest time among the six heat winners.
Abrey praised the team's efforts, noting that Monsoon had nearly retired after a shoulder injury last year. However, thanks to the care from Knight and his team, Monsoon returned to top form. He won his first race late last month from his favoured trap one and overcame the challenge of trap four on Saturday.
Monsoon will face a tough semi-final against Romeo Command, trained by Patrick Janssens, who also ran well in his heat. Abrey highlighted the strong lineup for the semi-finals, including Greyhound of the Year Droopys Clue, who won his heat with an impressive display of track craft.
In other heats, Romeo Command followed up his BGBF TruFrame Champion Stakes victory with a win in 29.94 seconds. Newinn Benni secured a win for Derek Knight in heat two, while Candolim Monsoon's heat four victory thrilled his connections. Droopys Clue's heat-five win was a narrow triumph, showcasing his powerful finish.
Hove trainer Belinda Green enjoyed a double win, with Wasted Monday dominating heat four and Beaming Panther narrowly winning heat six. With Ower Mystery withdrawn from the semi-finals, trap one in the second semi-final of the Coral Sussex Cup will be vacant.
The upcoming semi-finals and other races promise an exciting card, including the Coral Dual Distance Trophy heats and the Coral Sussex Cup Sprint Trophy heats.