Flare sends a warning to her St Leger rivals at Nottingham

Flare stands out at Nottingham

Droopys Flare came out on top in her big clash with Mongys Wild in the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger semi-finals at Nottingham on Monday night.

Sean Parker’s bitch was touched off by Mongys Wild in the heats but it was a different story this time around, as early crowding left the latter with a mountain to climb.

The 15/8 winner was quickly away and blazed a trail, with Fabulous Heka giving chase initially before Mongys Wild went into second approaching the fifth bend.

However, despite Mark Wallis’ dog staying on strongly, Droopys Flare had flown and crossed the line two and a half lengths to the good in 44.18  (+30).

Wallis had better luck in the second semi-final as his Garfiney Blaze beat Vhagar to give the champion trainer a one-two.

Daring Moaner was first to show and led them early doors, before Vhagar took it up at the third bend as she aimed to justify 8/13 favouritism.

Garfiney Blaze was now sitting handy in behind, though, and the 7/2 chance powered into the lead off the last bend and pulled two and a half lengths clear of his kennelmate to score in 44.90 (+30).

Garfiney Blaze Photo: © Steve Nash 

PGR St Leger final draw

Birmingham Cup semis

Chelms Bear was fastest in the Arena Racing Company Birmingham Cup semi-finals as he scored in 28.43 (+20).

Cunnigar Yousir stole a march on his rivals but the writing looked on the wall when the Chelms Bear (7/4fav) barged his way into second round the opening bends and had a clear run at the leader.

The Craig Morris-trained powerhouse stormed into the lead turning for home and galloped clear for a three-length success.

Chelms Bear  Photo: © Steve Nash

Kilmore Dancer initiated a double for Wallis when staying on strongly to take the second semi-final in fine style.

33/1 outsider Droopys Artillery put the pace to the race but the 3/1 winner was always going well in behind and made his move off the last bend before going on to score by two and a half lengths in 28.56 (+20).

Kilmore Dancer Photo: © Steve Nash

 ARC Birmingham Cup final draw

Nottinhgam undercard

There were also two heats of the Arena Racing Company Standard Trophy on the menu, the first of which went the way of No Better Feelin (2/1jf).

Esther Driver’s dog came from well off the pace to lead at the fourth bend and kept on nicely to hold Loxleys Forest by three-quarters of a length in 30.41 (+30).

Bridefort Lady sprang an 8/1 surprise when beating the well-fancied Rackethall Brute by a length to land the second semi-final in 30.11 (+30).

No Better Feelin  (T3) Photo: © Steve Nash

 Bridefort Lady (T2) Photo: © Steve Nash