Flare to miss Cesarewitch semis as Burgess Sophia lights up Central Park
Sean Parker's highly rated star is out of the Arc-backed six-bend Category One as local trainer Nick Carter looks forward to the semis with his heat winner
St Leger runner-up withdrawn at Central Park
After the pre-event withdrawal of two-time champion Garfiney Blaze, the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch suffered another blow on Tuesday as Droopys Flare, second in the ante-post betting behind Mongys Wild, was taken out.
It is understood the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger runner-up, trained by Sheffield's Sean Parker, finished sore after her heat at the Kent venue on Saturday and, while the injury is not thought to be serious, is enough to preclude her involvement in the 731m annual - for which Mongys Wild is now a red-hot favourite to land the £12,500 prize heading into the weekend's semi-finals.
Trap three in the second semi-final at Central Park on Saturday will now be vacant following Droopys Flare's withdrawal.
Meanwhile, 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 45.65sec 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 after she had previously won three times at the Sittingbourne venue from 23 runs.
Carter said stepping up to the Cesarewitch’s 731m trip suited her perfectly, and is hoping for another top-three finish in Saturday’s semi-finals which would book a spot in the following week’s final.
Doing so would mark Carter’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 Carter.
“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 the first semi-final are Aphantasia, Ballymac Madgie, Mongys Wild, Reality Power and Deadly Disco.
The latter won the £10,000 George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial at Hove last month, while Mongys Wild is a multiple Category One champion having won the St Leger, Regency, Golden Jacket and TV Trophy in 2025.
Doors open for Saturday’s semi-finals at 4pm with the first of 13 races due off at 5.30pm. Tickets are available from £10 via www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk or on the door.
