Druids Say Go is on track for another major victory after clocking the fastest time in the second round of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Perry Barr on Saturday.
While the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup heats took place the same evening, all eyes were on the four second-round heats of the Oaks. Patrick Janssens’ star, winner of the Yarmouth Derby, was flawless in her performance, with a quick start leading to a dominant win in the first semi-final.
The September 2021 pup, a daughter of Droopys Sydney and Druids Diana, stormed to a six-length victory over local contender Devilsgate Suzi (trained by John Lambe) and Droopys Eunice (handled by Maxine Locke), posting a time of 28.10 seconds (-30). This was an impressive run, just three spots shy of the track record of 27.77 seconds held by another of Janssens' runners, Coolavanny Shado.
Matt Dartnall’s Distant Cara continued her winning streak with an all-the-way victory in heat two. After a break from racing, the March 2022 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Attention Seeker secured her third consecutive win at Perry Barr, crossing the line ahead of Queen Dusty (trained by Liz McNair) and Chamberlain Kate (handled by Carol Weatherall) in 28.60 seconds (-30).
In heat three, Monmore raider Ballyhealy Star, trained by Brian Thompson, took advantage of a chaotic race. The September 2022 daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and Blundel Bridie broke away early and claimed a commanding seven-and-a-quarter-length victory over Catunda Layla (trained by Stephen Naylor) and Front Alice (handled by Kevin Proctor) in 28.55 seconds (-30). The heat saw Empress Stakes winner Avongate Venus crowded out and eliminated, boosting Queen Joni’s chances as she became second favorite behind Druids Say Go for the overall title.
Queen Joni, a December 2021 daughter of Droopys Sydney and Queen Jessiej, impressed in the fourth heat. The Kent Plate champion had a fast start and narrowly finished ahead of Icemans Girl (trained by Nathan Hunt) and Coppice Ella (handled by Kevin Hutton), posting a time of 28.24 seconds (-30).
Rab McNair, speaking on behalf of Queen Joni's trainer, commented that the dog had unfinished business at Perry Barr after an unlucky run last year, where she was a favorite to win the Oaks but didn’t deliver. He noted that while Druids Say Go and Avongate Venus had received much attention, Joni had quietly worked her way back into contention. He added that her experience had helped her navigate the tricky first round, but a good start in Saturday’s heat was crucial. He believes she’s improving with each run, similar to King Memphis.
Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks Semi-Final Line-Up:
- First semi-final: 1 Ballyhealy Star, 2 Droopys Eunice, 3 Distant Cara, 4 Catunda Layla, 5 Druids Say Go, 6 Coppice Ella (w).
- Second semi-final: 1 Icemans Girl, 2 Chamberlain Kate, 3 Queen Joni, 4 Devilgate Suzi, 5 Front Alice (m), 6 Queen Dusty (w).