A first Category One final in seven years is within reach for Central Park trainer Nick Carter after Burgess Sophia sprung a surprise during Saturday’s Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch heats.
The May ’23 daughter of 2020 English Greyhound Derby champion Deerjet Sydney produced the performance of her career when stopping the clock at 45.65 seconds to beat fellow local Aphantasia – trained by George Andreas – by half-a-length in Heat Four.
It marked a winning start to Burgess Sophia’s record at Category One level – the highest grade of UK greyhound racing – after she had previously won three times at the Sittingbourne venue from 23 runs.
Nick said stepping up to the Cesarewitch’s 731-metre trip suited her perfectly, and didn’t rule out another top three finish in Saturday’s semi-finals which would book a spot in the following week’s £12,500 final.
Doing so would mark Nick’s first Category One final appearance since Sleepy Kevin reached the Gold Collar final at Crayford back in 2019.
“We’ve been waiting for that run,” said Nick. “It was exactly what we were hoping for before the race started.
“Everything aligned – the right track, the right trip and the right race.
“I’ve not had a runner in the Cesarewitch before so to reach the semi-finals is really pleasing for everyone.
“She’ll need a clear run this weekend because her running style is to drop off the pace and do her best work towards the end. With a clear run, she has every chance but it’s a quality line-up as are all races at this level.
“To finish third would be perfect.”
Joining Burgess Sophia in Semi Final One are Aphantasia, Ballymac Madgie, Mongys Wild, Reality Power and Deadly Disco.
The latter of the quintet won the £10,000 George Curtis and Ballyregan Bob Memorial at Hove only last month, while Mongys Wild is a multiple champion having won the St Leger, Regency, Golden Jacket and TV Trophy in 2025.
Other standout qualifiers were Romeo Empire for Derby winning trainer Patrick Janssens and Droopys Flare for Sheffield’s Sean Parker.
Doors open for Saturday’s semi-finals at 4pm with the first of 13 races on the night off at 5.30pm. Tickets are available from £10 via www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk or on the door.
Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch Semi Final draw:
Semi Final One: Aphantasia, Ballymac Madgie, Burgess Sophia, Mongys Wild, Reality Power, Deadly Disco.
Semi Final Two: Crafty Prospero, Romeo Empire, Droopys Flare, Azzas Angel, Princess Matilda, Rockmount Rosie.
