I often feel like I'm quick enough to complete the circuit whilst getting every gem, and I can get to Gnasty's platform before he's firing his 2nd attack. But Gnasty always does his 2nd cycle for me. He seems to run down when Spyro gets too close. Is there some trick to flaming him when he's on his platform, or is it just down to a quick circuit?

honestly it's mainly just not ever slowing down and missing gems (the first 10 spring chest is the biggest offender). But at the end you can also flame before you reach Gnasty instead of waiting until you're closer.

Thank you. I'll just keep practicing I guess