DOG RACING

THE cast list has been drawn up for Saturday's Graphite UK Puppy Derby final after some thrilling semi-final action on Tuesday night.

Hot favourite for the competition Fear Zafonic produced another performance out of the top draw when winning in heat three.

Despite being bumped coming out of the boxes the Charlie Lister-trained charge produced a rapid 28.50secs performance over the 475m to grab a narrow win over Nick Savva's Westmead Diver by a head.

The latter clearly paying the price for a slow start, although having run on the signs are there for another interesting dual to unfold between the pair.

And there also looks little to choose from between John Coleman's home star Special Liberty and Mark Wallis' Stow star Bell Tornado going into the final.

The pair both scored impressive wins in their respective eliminators, with the former stopping the clock in 28.67secs, while the latter was just two spots slower when landing a massive five-and-a quarter length win in the second semi.

Also making it through was Seamus Cahill's Droopys Divine, who may still have plenty to say in the final after recovering from two bumps in eliminator one to come home just one-and-a quarter lengths behind Special Liberty.

Savva's Westmead Osprey, who had been impressive when qualifying for the semi-final may also pose a threat after running into plenty of problems himself before securing the second qualifying berth in heat two.

Saturday's trap draw: 1Westmead Osprey, 2 Special Liberty, 3 Fear Zafonic, 4 Westmead Diver, 5 Droopys Divine, 6 Bell Tornado.

Meanwhile, Walthamstow trainer Wallis secured a third and fourth place in the Cesarewitch Final at Oxford on Tuesday night, through Coolanga Flyer and Directors Chair.

Finally the Walthamstow Owners Association raised in the region of £20,000 for former Stow runners on Saturday night, at their annual fund-raising night.

HOT TIPS Our tipsters were in solid form with two correct selections each last week and will both be hoping to go one better with their latest tips on Saturday. Mark Your Card
20.11 Race Four - Analyse
21.21 Race Nine - Discreet Cat
22.03 Race 12 - Fear Zafonic Guardian Angel
20.39 Race Six - Blackmagic Jack
21.49 Race 11 - Kildare Lark
22.17 Race 14 - Missed A Train