Wisbech greyhound trainer Roger York admits he is dreaming of a place in the grand final ahead of tonight’s Peterborough William Hill and Underground Racing Puppy Derby semi-finals.

York’s prize puppy, Liosgarbh Nealy, will take his place in the 18-strong field where the top two finishers from each of the three heats will make it through to next Wednesday’s (June 15) grand final.

The dog, kennelled at Walpole Highway, snuck through to tonight’s semi-finals after a pleasing third place display in heat five last week.

However, derby favourite Newinn Shadow stormed to victory in that race and the two hounds will go head to head again in heat two (20.58pm) at Fengate tonight.

York will be hoping to take another step closer towards the grand £8,500 prize fund. The Peterborough Puppy Derby returned to the track last week signalling an end to its three year absence from the city.

York said: “I was really pleased with how the dog ran last week and was always confident of making the semi-finals.

“We face a tough task of beating Newinn Shadow and I expect it to win again but you never know in greyhound racing.

“The dog has really progressed from the A5 level so just to be in the semi-finals is a great achievement. It’s lovely to have the Puppy Derby back, as a trainer it’s great to have such a big competition so close by.”

Tonight’s race times at Fengate:

20:42: William Hill/underground Greyhounds Puppy Derby Semi Final 1 435m

20:58: William Hill/underground Greyhounds Puppy Derby Semi Final 2 435m

21:15: William Hill/underground Greyhounds Puppy Derby Semi Final 3 435m