OXFORD trainer Richard Yeates, winner of the Trafalgar Cup two years ago with Freedom Emma, gave the track a great chance of adding to their record in the event.

Yeates’s Champagne Perry led all the way to make it two wins from just two runs in the third heat at Oxford Stadium on Thursday night.

The 7-2 shot was smartly away after a fast sectional of 3.73secs, and it was then a case of catch me if you can.

Although Poirot (6-1) got to within three-quarters of a length, there was no catching Perry.

It proved a good night for the locals as the Angie Kibble-trained Spencers Lad finished second in heat two to reach next Thursday’s £1,000 final.

Earlier, Norah McEllistrim’s Wimbledon entry Zodiac Zeus (5-2) set a hot pace in heat one.

The black dog set out his stall early, as evens favourite Droopys Tsonga found in trouble after crowding at the first bend.

He was always chasing the leader who came home three lengths clear in 27.28.

Spencers Lad (9-4 fav) was beaten a neck behind Dynamo Joe Joe (5-1), but the times in a troubled affair were way behind the opening heat victor.

Fairview Kennels Trafalgar Cup final draw

Trap 1: Spencers Lad. Trap 2: Zodiac Zeus. Trap 3: Champagne Perry. Trap 4: Poirot. Trap 5: Droopys Tsonga. Trap 6: Dynamo Joe.