Paul Hennessy who didn't hide his fancy for Barefoot Bullet in the English Greyhound Derby, after saddling Cheers Buddy to win a couple of handicaps at the end of April into May, now has his dog into the semi-finals after the son of Honcho Classic very impressively won his quarter final at Wimbeldon last night.

Backed at 50s, 66s and reportedly even 80s in advance of the competition by some, the black March 2008 whelp is now disputing favouritism in most lists at about the 4/1 mark. Fellow Irish raiders Melodys Royal (part-owned by Patsy Byrne and trained by the legendary Pa Fitzgerald) and Razldazl George are also towards the head of the betting.

Razldazl George's brother, the brilliant and hotly-fancied Razldazl Jayfkay went out of the stake last night as he mistimed his start slightly and was then badly baulked.

The draw for the semi-finals to be run on Saturday is

Heat 1: 1 Taylors Sky; 2 Bright Redcliffe; 3 Fifis Rocket; 4 Pennys Viking; 5 Destroy The Champ; 6 Barefoot Bullet.

Heat 2: 1 Westmead Guru; 2 Razldazl George; 3 Nambisco; 4 Bellers Bud; 5 Melodys Royal; 6 Cloheena Cash.