Fastlane Blu pulled off one of the performances of the night when qualifying for Saturday’s Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby semi-finals for trainer Paul Donovan.
Despite being priced 66-1 to win the competition outright, the three-year-old blue dog finished just shy of a length behind Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic champion Annadown Warrior in Heat Five to book his spot in the last 18.
It marked a career-best performance for Paul’s kennel star as he lowered his previous best effort over Central Park’s 491m trip by 34 spots, or 0.34 seconds, to 28.70.
A place in next week’s £20,000 final – where admission is free to all racegoers who book online in advance – is now on the line.
Has come into his own
But to qualify he’ll need to finish in the first two of a race which comprises of dual Category One finalist Headford Cian and Irish Greyhound Derby finalist Proper Heiress plus Dave Lee’s Brunch Pal, Paul Young’s Jimmyjimmyjimmy and local hope Watcha Gotcookin.
“He’s come into his own in recent weeks,” said Paul.
“Annadown Warrior will come on for the run no doubt, but to finish within a length-and-a-half and post a career best against one of the sport’s rising stars is really encouraging.
“I think we’re realistic about his chances of winning the competition, but he can qualify for the final on his day because of the early pace he’s shown.
“Steve (Lemar) and John (Wales, owners) are long-time supporters of the kennel and they were keen to run him in the Kent Derby.
Competitive competition
“It’s a seriously competitive competition and we’re among the outsiders, but surprises have happened in the Kent Derby before so we’re very much in it to win it.”
2025 Kent Plate champion for 16-times champion trainer Mark Wallis qualified fastest from Saturday’s heats by posting 28.30 in a dominant Heat Six win over Jason Heath’s Droopys Deploy.
Paul Young bagged a hat-trick of heat wins with Ballymac Charbel, Underground Gold and Ballymac Stud crossing the line in front while fellow Essex handler David Lee celebrated Brunch Pal’s victory in Heat Two.
Trainer of the Year leader Maxine Locke was also amongst the winners with Annadown Warrior taking Heat Five.
Tickets for the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby semi-finals on Saturday, October 10, are available online via www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk.
Doors open at 4.30pm, with the first of 12 races on the night off at 5.30pm. Tickets for finals night on October 17 are free when booked online in advance.
Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby semi-final draw
Semi-Final One: Underground Gold, Ballymac Blanco, Forgottotellya, Scooby Mustang, Texas Jack, Ballymac Stud.
Semi-Final Two: Ballymac Charbel, Annadown Warrior, Hackney Toast, Scooby The Lady, Droopys Deploy, Burrows Aries.
Semi-Final Three: Brunch Pal, Jimmyjimmyjimmy, Proper Heiress, Watcha Gotcookin, Headford Cian, Fastlane Blu.
