Tom Heilbron's kennel enjoyed a spectacular day at Monmore during the Ladbrokes Winter Derby semifinals, with Links Maverick making a brilliant comeback in the first semi-final. Last year's Gold Cup winner displayed exceptional front-running, clocking 28.09 seconds to lead the pack and secure victory over Churchfield Syd and Coolavanny Shado. Heilbron secured a double victory as Links Maverick's kennelmate Bogger Rambo triumphed in the second semi-final, posting a fast start and finishing in 28.17 seconds.
In the third semi-final, King Capaldi, the Puppy Derby champion, emerged victorious with a slick exit, leading kennelmate Queen Joni. Aero Sacundai, Richie Taberner's local star, matched strides early and secured a place in the £10,000-to-the-winner final by holding off the rallying Queen Joni. The winning time was the fastest of the session at 28.01 seconds.
The trap draw for the Ladbrokes Winter Derby Final on Saturday at Monmore (480m) is as follows:
- Aero Sacundai (Richie Taberner)
- Links Maverick (Tom Heilbron)
- King Sydney (Liz McNair)
- Bogger Rambo (Tom Heilbron)
- King Capaldi (Liz McNair)
- Churchfield Syd (w) (Richard Rees)