Newcastle staged six top quality heats of the inaugural BGBF British Bred Plate on Thursday evening which threw up some shock results but also some exceptional performances.

The opening heat went the way of the prolific King Turbo for Liz McNair. Despite trouble in running he forced his way to the front at the third turn and pulled clear to win in 28.62. The 33rd success for the brilliant son of Leamaneigh Turbo and Wee Tiger Tots. Raise The Stakes and Pond Ricardo claimed the other qualifying spots here. The second heat was claimed in fine style by the very much in form, Pond Natalya. The daughter of Blue Artisan and Pond Tanzanite followed up her unbeaten run through the BGBF Oaks at Doncaster as she led at the third turn to stretch out to victory from the chasing Queen Cher and Bellebob Zuri, clocking 28.61 in the process.

Heat Three saw the the McNair double landed by English Derby Semi-Finalist and Produce Stakes champion King Sheeran who finished well and won going away from Pond Adonis and Colliery Billy. The brindle son of Eden The Kid and Skate On clocked another quick time of 28.54. Heat Four saw a bit of a surprise, based on the betting market, as Down To The Felt produced a fine run for trainer Heather Dimmock. The blue son of Toolatetosell and Em Millie led off the second turn, pulling away down the far side he was relentless as he turned for home eventually crossing the line five and three quarters in front, in 28.61. Abitof Newcarsil and King Lennon grabbed the two other qualifying spots here.

Glengibln Billy landed an upset in Heat 5 as he showed brilliant early pace to lead all the way for trainer Robert McCarthy. A son of Droopys Jet and Short Odds produced one of the fastest sectionals of the evening on his way to a 28.91, length and three quarters success, over the fast finishing Sharpys Jimmy with A Bit Of Eugene back in third. Kind Idol, the market leader and one of the ante post fancies, was eliminated here. The final Heat of the evening saw the fastest winner as Agile Dorotas blasted from traps before going on to land success in 28.49. Trained Paul Lithgow, the son of Ballymac Vic and Dorotas Irena, was sensational as he led home Witton Derecho and Sharpys Rocket.

It completed a brilliant night’s racing which saw spectacular runs, some shocks and some great buckles in running. 18 very worthy dogs went into the hat on Friday morning and the full draw can be seen below. Best of luck to connections in the Semi Finals!

Semi Final 1 : 1 Abitof Newcarsil, 2 Pond Ricardo, 3 King Turbo, 4 Colliery Billy (m), 5 A Bit Of Eugene (m), 6 Glengiblin Billy (w).

Semi Final 2 : 1 Witton Derecho, 2 Pond Natalya, 3 Queen Cher, 4 Bellebob Zuri (m), 5 Sharpys Rocket (m), 6 King Sheeran (w).

Semi Final 3 : 1 Raise The Stakes, 2 Pond Adonis, 3 Sharpys Jimmy (m), 4 Agile Dorotas (m), 5 King Lennon (w), 6 Down To The Felt (w).