Stonepark Hoffa emerged as the standout performer during Monday’s Arena Racing Company National Sprint semi-finals at Nottingham. Representing Newcastle for trainer Savva Roberts, Hoffa surged to the lead heading into the first bend and secured a commanding three-length victory over Newinn Souly, trained by Kim Billingham-Hine. Both runners earned their spots in the £7,500 Category Two final, set for next Monday after Hoffa clocked an impressive 17.58 seconds—just a fraction quicker than Niosfearrnabolt, Chloe Hardy’s sprinter, who dazzled in the third semi-final.
Niosfearrnabolt demonstrated blistering pace, dominating the race from the outset and crossing the line three and three-quarter lengths ahead of Richie Taberner’s Alien Bolt in 17.59 seconds. With this result, Taberner will enter Monday’s final with two contenders, as Aero Pattika claimed victory in the first semi-final.
Aero Pattika, the littermate of Nottingham Puppy Classic winner March On Freddie, expertly used the inside lane to take control at the first bend. The Monmore racer held off Kevin Hutton’s hot favourite, Rioja Oisin, by three-quarters of a length to secure the win in 17.79 seconds.
Meanwhile, at Sheffield, the British Bred Derby Final is shaping up to be an exciting contest after Phil Milner claimed a one-two finish in the second semi-final with littermates Keefill Goose and Keefill Maverick. Goose edged out Maverick by a head in a closely fought race, clocking 28.83 seconds. Patrick Janssens’ Romeo Control took the third qualifying spot.
In the first semi-final, Milner’s third runner advanced with a third-place finish behind Kevin Ferguson’s Acomb Felix, who showcased a dominant run to beat Kelly Hodson’s Romeo Missile by nearly four lengths in 28.97 seconds.
Trap Draw for Sunday’s British Bred Derby Final (500m, Sheffield)
- Romeo Control
- Acomb Felix
- Keefill Maverick (m)
- Keefill Goose (m)
- Keefill Rocky (m)
- Romeo Missile (w)
With the stage set for thrilling finals at both Nottingham and Sheffield, fans are in for a spectacular display of speed and skill. Don’t miss the action!