Professional greyhound trainer John Lambe is confident of qualifying for a first Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks final of his career on Saturday with kennel star Devilgate Suzi.
The Kingsbury trainer’s June ’22 daughter of Magical Bale defied her odds to qualify behind ante-post favourite Druids Say Go in Saturday’s opening quarter final at Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham.
A repeat performance would likely see Devilgate Suzi book her spot in the competition’s final on Saturday, October 26, where the winner will scoop connections £20,000 and a place in greyhound racing history.
She’ll need to finish in the first three of her respective semi final this weekend to do so and faces tough opposition with Arena Racing Company Kent Plate champion Queen Joni and Golden Sprint winner Front Alice drawn in the same race.
But John believes qualifying is within the capabilities of his bitch and revealed he would be disappointed if she finishes outside the first three.
“The race is made for her to qualify,” said John. “She’s a really strong stayer and does all her work at the end.
“I’d be disappointed if she doesn’t reach the final, which tells you how confident we are.
“She’s been a great bitch for the kennel and progressed through the grades nicely earlier in the year. She looks to be more of a staying type and is getting stronger as the weeks go on which will work in our favour.
“We’ve had mixed fortunes in the Oaks over the years and never reached the final before, so to qualify this weekend would mean a lot to the team.”
Saturday also sees the semi finals of the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup – one of the sport’s premier sprint competitions.
Winter Derby runner-up King Capaldi, Kent Silver Salver winner Magical Bluebear and runner-up My Lennie plus Pall Mall hero Aero Sacundai have all been drawn in a mouthwatering opening semi final where the first two will advance.
Also remaining in the competition are Matt Dartnall’s Puppy Cup champion Fire and Ice, recent Birmingham Cup finalist Long Fellow and local hope Brave Knight for trainer Ross Williams.
Perry Barr Stadium opens its doors at 6pm on Saturday for the semi finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks and Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup.
Tickets and hospitality packages can be booked by clicking here with the first of 12 races on the night due off at 7.01pm.
2024 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks semi finals:
Semi Final One, 7.36pm: Ballyhealy Star, Droopys Eunice, Distant Cara, Catunda Layla, Druids Say Go, Coppice Ella.
Semi Final Two, 8.11pm: Icemans Girl, Chamberlain Kate, Queen Joni, Devilgate Suzi, Front Alice, Queen Dusty.
2024 Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup semi finals:
Semi Final One, 7.18pm: King Capaldi, Aero Sacundai, Jura Go Bucko, Magical Bluebear, Cree Jo Jo, My Lennie.
Semi Final Two: Bramble Linton, Fire and Ice, Alien Bolt, Bramble Oreo, Freddo, Dashing Dude.
Semi Final Three: Fratton Park, Long Fellow, Tullymurry Dylan, Brave Knight, Rioja Oisin, Ballymac Cline.
