Shadow Storm was quickly made the new favourite to win this year’s Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver at Central Park after setting the pace during Saturday’s qualifying heats.
Richard Rees’ Scurry Gold Cup and National Sprint champion took full advantage of being drawn in trap one to win heat four and clock the only time which dipped below 16 seconds over the competition’s 277m trip on the night.
The Reigate trainer was handed a further boost when his star sprinter was drawn in trap one for this week’s semi-finals, where he’ll face Crafty Alejandro, Avarua Zlatan, King Luther, Pavilion Team and Headford Eimear.
A top two finish is required if Shadow Storm is to bid to become the first greyhound in recent history to win the Scurry Gold Cup, National Sprint and Silver Salver back-to-back.
Elsewhere on the night there were mixed results for local runners bidding to become the first Central Park attached greyhound to win the Silver Salver since Tintreach Jet crossed the line in front for Paul Donovan.
Donovan did qualify Slaneyside Swade for this week’s semi-finals after he won heat one, however strong fancy Thurlesbeg Pablo missed out in the same race after being slow away at the start.
Paul said: “He (Thurlesbeg Pablo) did miss his break, but he didn’t show his usual pace in the race either so it was disappointing.
“It’s a pleasant surprise to see Slaneyside Swade quality though.
“We haven’t had him in the kennel for too long but he just keeps improving every time, although he can be a little erratic at the traps.
“He has his draw in this week’s semi-finals so fingers crossed we can qualify for the final and follow in the pawprints of Tintreach Jet who lives with us at home as a pet after winning the competition in 2022.”
Maxine Locke couldn’t grab a heat win on the night, although Headford Cian and Beaming Isla did qualify from her four entries.
Kevin Hutton – last year’s winning trainer based in Burford, Oxfordshire – also progressed to the semi-finals as Magical Luka qualified despite being sent wide around both bends.
Doors open at 4.30pm on Saturday night for the competition’s semi-finals, with the first of 13 races on the evening due off at 5.30pm.
Racegoers are reminded entry for finals night on Saturday, June 27, is free to everyone who books online in advance. A complimentary drink will be offered on arrival too.
Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver semi-final draw
Semi Final One: Raha Jayjay, Avarua Lake, Hackney Toast, False Strap, Headford Cian, Bucking Bucks.
Semi Final Two: Shadow Storm, Crafty Alejandro, Avarua Zlatan, King Luther, Pavilion Team, Headford Eimear.
Semi Final Three: Zenith Scorpion, Nightingale Crew, Beaming Isla, Magical Luka, Ballinakill Liam, Slaneyside Swade.
