East Anglian Derby champion Druids Say Go qualified fastest in the heats of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham on Saturday night.
Patrick Janssens’ September ’21 bitch led home recent Empress Stakes winner Avongate Venus and Kevin Hutton’s Highview Jasman in Heat One, stopping the clock at 27.89 seconds.
It was the standout performance out of the Oaks’ eight heats with other big-name qualifiers including Produce Stakes winner Southfield Poppy, Kent Plate champion Queen Joni and Golden Sprint hero Front Alice.
Newmarket-based Janssens and owners Value Racing Club were in the winners’ enclosure only three weeks ago with Druids Say Go when she landed the £15,000 East Anglian Derby at Yarmouth Stadium.
No bitch has ever completed the East Anglian Derby-Oaks double. But Janssens has every faith Druids Say Go can go back-to-back when the Oaks final is held on Saturday, October 26, should she qualify beyond the quarter and semi finals.
“She trapped really well, showed good early pace to the bend and was strong in the middle part of the race during her heat,” said Patrick. “It was a good time, and she’s come out of the race well which we’re really pleased with.
“It’s all about qualifying in these early races and making sure you keep finishing in the first three. She’s the type of greyhound that loves to race regularly which is why the East Anglian Derby and Oaks have been her two main targets this year.
“Her record is already outstanding, but she could become one of our kennel’s all-time greats if she continues to perform how she has been.”
Janssens and his team know just what it takes to lift the prestigious Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks trophy having won the competition two years ago with Slick Sakina.
To reach the semi finals, she’ll need to finish in the first three of her respective quarter final on Saturday where she’ll face Droopys Eunice, Devilgate Suzi, Droopys Glam and sisters Southfield Poppy and Southfield Petal.
Janssens explained Druids Say Go’s size and attitude has stood her in good stead throughout her career.
“Her early trials in the UK told us we might have a special greyhound on our hands,” said Patrick. “Her size, attitude and speed really stood out when we purchased her in Ireland, and she’s been a great dog for the Value Racing Club since.
“We know what it takes to win the Oaks after Slick Sakina two years ago. Hopefully Druids Say Go can follow in her footsteps. She has the ability, but so do plenty of others left in the competition and there’s a long way to go yet.”
Tickets, trackside packages and restaurant bookings for the quarter finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks on Saturday, October 12, can be made by clicking here. Doors open at 6pm with the first of 12 races on the night starting an hour later.
2024 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks quarter final draw:
Heat One: Southfield Poppy, Droopys Eunice, Devilgate Suzi, Druids Say Go, Southfield Petal, Droopys Glam.
Heat Two: Vacant, Highview Jasman, Chamberlain Kate, Distant Cara, Ballymac Zari, Queen Dusty.
Heat Three: Jet Stream Angel, Catunda Layla, Ballyhealy Star, Avongate Venus, Front Alice, Swift Regina.
Heat Four: Vacant, Icemans Girl, Queen Joni, Leighas Dream, Rioja Maxi, Coppice Ella.
