All the latest action from the Stow

9:52am Thursday 6th July 2006

WALTHAMSTOW braces itself for a thrilling £4,000 Graphite Puppy Derby final on Saturday, following on from some classy semi-final performances on Tuesday night. Ernest Gaskin's Cobra Striking produced the fastest qualifying time after leading from the start before heading home the second of the three eliminators in a blistering 29.01secs.

This saw off the challenge of kennel-mate Courts Ad Queen, who came in one-and-a-quarter lengths behind.

Prior to that, Mark Wallis' Roswell Starship produced an excellent performance when winning the first semi final in 29.08secs, although he enjoyed a clear run after securing the lead by the first bend.

A fairly untidy race unfolded behind him, which resulted in the next qualifying dog, Mick Puzey's Spiridon Louis, coming in five-and-three-quarter lengths behind. In the last of the 475m eliminators Wallis' Fear King suffered being bumped on the run up to the first to come home in 29.26secs and one-and-a-half lengths clear of the Seamus Cahill-trained Impartial View.

Saturday's trap draw: 1, Fear King; 2, Spiridon Louis; 3, Courts Ad Queen; 4, Impartial View; 5, Roswell Starship; 6, Cobra Striking.

Reflecting on events Stow racing manager Chris Page said: "These young pups have already proved what class performers they are despite their relative lack of experience.

"We have already seen some excellent performances in the semi-finals and I'm sure we are in for a thrilling final on Saturday.

"I'm sure Cobra Striking will now start as the ante-post favourite after producing the fastest qualifying time, although on the night I'm sure a number of dogs in this final are capable of winning the competition."

The track has put together an excellent supporting card with the two contests before the race 12 final looking like they will produce some excellent action.

In the race ten division one standard, Paul Garland's Arc finalist Vancouver Sparky in trap three returns to action after enjoying a short lay-off since crashing out of heats of the Derby at Wimbledon at the end of May and could return to winning ways on home soil.

Wallis' Fear Khan in two, who has won his last two races in his own backyard, has however been better drawn this time and has every chance of making it a hat-trick of victories at the Chingford Road track.

Cahill's Ocean Traillers finalist Noirs Ted also has a chance of taking the spoils, although having been beaten by Fear Khan on his last couple of outings, will probably have to settle for either second or third place.

The race 11 640m stayers will see Cath's Queeny looking to build on her excellent record at Walthamstow that has seen her win three of her last four races there. Cahill's bitch nearly beat the track record at the east London track four races ago for this trip and will certainly be a formidable opponent to beat. Blackmagic Guy in trap three was the last dog to beat Cath's Queeny at the Stow on June 15 so is likely to provide the main opposition.

Paul Garland's returning former track record holder Never Can Tell will have to shake off plenty of rust if he is to be in with a chance, having last competed in the Test final on May 25.