A rain sodden track slowed up times but did not affect the competitive nature of the Henlow Mini Derby (1st rd) on Sunday night.
The fastest qualifier went to Yorkshire raider Damson Jam (Droopys Soclari-Dalcash Tara, Apr 13). Jim Hayton’s 5-2 chance pursued former record holder Saffrons Anna (6-4f) before getting home by a length in 26.34 (all heats -60) for the 428m.
Performance of the night though was probably the run of new track record holder Blackrose June (Droopys Cain-Dromana Linda, Sep 13). Eric Cantillon’s 4-9f had to overcome a first bend bump before catching Savana Lenny (7-1) close home. It completed a four-timer for the black, the wins having come over 428m, 460m and 550m.
The night saw Westmead Rossi’s (5-4f) six-race winning sequence come to an end. Nick Savva’s home bred missed his break as Evanta Fantasy led up before 4-1 chance Savana Terry (Scolari Me Daddy-Mrs De, Jun 13) sneaked through on the inside and then held on by a length and a half in 26.36.
Steve Anderson made the long trip from the North East and was rewarded with victory for 5-4f Bramble Panther (Ballymac Vic-Galtee Ellie, Apr 14). He led up and won comfortably by almost four lengths in 26.46. Kennelmate Bramble Swift (7-4f) was the only favourite not to qualify when fourth behind Jason Ray’s 26.70 winner Savana Razzle (Droopys Scolari-Move Over Dora, Mar 13) (SP 6-1).
The night’s biggest priced winner was David Mullin’s 12-1 shot Rising Bouncer (Leeview Jet-Rising Pearl, Aug 13). The Romford A1 runner came from last to first to catch Lowgate Mason by a neck in 27.01.
