I am happy to report that after the heats stage of this year’s Ladbrokes Golden Jacket, three of my four selections are through to the last 18.

It was certainly an action-packed evening at the track last Saturday when the six heats were run. The first heat had to be declared void after one of the participants fell at the first bend and then ran in the wrong direction towards the oncoming remainder of the field. That heat was subsequently scheduled to be re-run on Tuesday’s afternoon card.

There was further excitement in the last heat when U Make Me Smile and Creamery Quest finished in a dead heat for the third qualifying place.

The pair were due to race against one another in a two-dog trial before racing on Tuesday to decide which one goes through to this weekend’s semi-final stage.

From the quartet I selected last week, Bush Whitney was the only greyhound not to progress after her shock exit in heat six when she could only manage fifth place. The dog would have been fancied by many and looked to have no excuses on the night having been in the leading pair until tiring badly around the last two bends. One of my fancies Express Trend won that heat in a time of 45.10 seconds for the two-circuit 714 metre distance. This proved to be the fastest win time on the night.

The dog enjoyed a trouble free run so her time gives us a good guide to what the opposition need to do if they are to stop her winning the £15,000 prize.

Selection Farley Zach also won his heat (45.69) and never looked in difficulty.

It would appear that he has therefore to find a fair bit of improvement on the clock to catch Express Trend but don’t forget he recorded a 45.31 in the trials round so he is capable of better.

My outside fancy, the value dog if you will, Blue Bee, also qualified for the semis after a workmanlike performance to finish second in heat three.

Local dog Springwood Bob was somewhat of a surprise winner of the heat but he won on merit and connections will be hoping for further improvement in the next round.

Bee still looks to have it all to do to reach the last six but she did all that was required of her at this stage and will certainly be a big price as I had indicated last week should she stay in the event.

The semis will be run on this Saturday morning’s card, gates 10am.