When Calco Flyer (Blonde Snapper-Blonde Fern, Sep 12) was laid off with a spike injury recently, trainer Mark Wallis warned his was looking for the first sign that the veteran was losing his enthusiasm for racing. On the evidence of Friday night’s performance at Romford, that place on the sofa will remain unoccupied for the near future.
Contesting his 127th race, the British bred runner rattled off his 13th win of 2017 in a magnificent 23.88 for Romford’s 400 metres. It was ten spots off his best ever time over course and distance – though that was only recorded three months ago. It was the fastest of the three qualifiers of a 400m competition with kennelmate Swift Dartmoor and Courts Ad Peter taking the other two in 24.28 and 24.22 respectively (all races normal going).
The fastest time of the night went to puppy Dower For Gold (Zero Ten-Brickfield Lee, Jul 15) who clocked 23.85 as part of a Phil Simmonds treble, supported by Newlawn Victor (24.35) and Courts Ad Peter.
Patrick Janssens’ 4-7f Barricane Tommy (Makeshift-Mrs Bouquet, Jan 15) confirmed that he will be a major player in the track’s ‘Cat 1′ events when landing the Maidens Stayers Final in the fastest time of the night – 35.55. The other two events went to Mark Wallis’ Garryglass Teddy (35.66) and Whatugonnado (35.67).
