COMPETITION for the £4,000 prize money and Sterling Silver Collar trophy steps up on Tuesday at Walthamstow Stadium as some of the country's finest puppies battle it out in the semi-finals of the second Videx Puppy Derby.

The first two dogs past the post from each of the 475m semis will qualify for Saturday's final, where some future stars are likely to be unearthed.

Many of the fancied dogs have already progressed from Tuesday's first round heats (See P77 for details) and while the scrappy racing that is usually associated with puppy competitions was again evident, according to Walthamstow deputy racing manager Steve Daniel it is likely to be vastly improved from here on in.

He said: "Now that some of the lower class runners have been eliminated there should be some good racing on the cards as the majority of these dogs who have bright futures ahead come into their own.

"The three semi's should be highly contested races, ecause quite a few of the dogs have already posted good times and Saturday's final is certainly one to mark down in the diary."

The full draw for Tuesday's semis are as follows: Draw One: 1 Storetodoor Gem, 2 Deejay Scores, 3 Toms Euro, 4 Churchtown Max (w), 5 Armani Sapphire (w), 6 Swift Star (w).

Second semi: 1 Show Me Mercy, 2 Shaun Me Boy, 3 Soviet Admiral, 4 Maxie Rumble, 5 Cee Jays Wilma (w), 6 Hallam Heskey (w)

Third semi: 1 Goldstreet, 2 Soviey Gypsy, 3 Keltie Sparkler, 4 Caressing (w), 5 Fast Prankster (w), 6 William No Mates (w).

For more details about race times and admission prices call the Stadium on: 0208 498 3300.CHI

July 11, 2002 12:30