Thrills at Towcester: Puppy Oaks Semi-Finalists Set the Stage

Sunday’s semi-finals of the bet365 Puppy Oaks at Towcester promise excitement, with Innfield Storm emerging as the fastest qualifier after delivering a standout performance in her heat over the weekend. Trained by Tom Heilbron, the talented bitch quickly seized the lead in heat six, living up to her favourite status by finishing two and a half lengths ahead of Maxine Locke’s Yahoo Maize with a time of 29.09 seconds over the 500m distance.

The second-fastest qualifier was Ballymac Lucia, who reaffirmed her English Puppy Derby credentials with a dominant win in heat four. The Maxine Locke-trained runner showcased her strong finishing ability, pulling away off the final bend to secure a two and a quarter-length victory over Laurence Tuffin’s Fabulous Lara in 29.19 seconds.

Maxine Locke’s success continued as Fahee Biddy claimed heat two with a front-running display, defeating Diane Henry’s Savana Ginger by the same margin in a time of 29.38 seconds. Meanwhile, Droopys Smily, under Carol Weatherall’s guidance, bounced back from a rough debut to impress in heat one. Her powerful finish overtook leader Brinkleys Betty by three and three-quarters of a length in 29.30 seconds.

In an unexpected twist, Droopys Isha, a 16-1 outsider trained by Sean Parker, stunned in heat three with an early lead that secured a one and three-quarter-length victory over favourite Fabulous Livia in 29.46 seconds. The final heat saw Droopys Doris, trained by Kevin Hutton, dominate from start to finish, winning by nearly three lengths ahead of Laurence Tuffin’s Fabulous Valeria in 29.33 seconds.

Towcester racing manager Andy Lisemore reflected on the first-round heats, describing them as an excellent start to the competition. 

“Ballymac Lucia is clearly the one they have to beat, backing up the form of the English Puppy Derby where she ran really well representing the girls against the boys to reach the final.”

“It was great for the boss (Kevin Boothby, Towcester promoter) to get Savana Ginger through. I know he thinks highly of her, and she gives the impression there’s more to come.”

“It’s all gearing up steadily ahead of the Christmas Bonanza here on December 21 when the show-piece event will be the bet365 Puppy Oaks final itself.”

With anticipation building toward the bet365 Puppy Oaks final on December 21 during the Christmas Bonanza, the event is shaping up to deliver a thrilling spectacle for greyhound racing fans.