Henlow is developing a reputation for producing competitive open race competitions and with just over three lengths between five of the six heat winners, the Henlow Maiden Gold Cup certainly fits the mould.
Phil Ward’s Bewley Blue – second in four consecutive A1s at Peterborough – set the standard with a 33.56 (-15) run for the 550 metres.
Blue was followed by 33.60-Barefoot Apollo, 33.72-Blackrose Ray, 33.78 –Droopys Kenzo, 33.82-Fifebhoys Dogma and 34.05-Holdem Lee.
Racing manager Paul Mellor said: “With the exception of the slowest heat, where the winner didn’t get a clear run, there is nothing between them.”
Ironically, the fastest time of the night was recorded by Steve Fletcher’s Catsrock Minnie (33.41). Although she had won only twice in her previous 22 races, she was ineligible to contest the maiden event since one of those victories was in a Harlow open.
The track have confirmed that they will stage two extra Friday meetings in December on the 11th and 18th of the month.
Mellor said: “Our numbers of dogs are down and it will be a struggle to stage the extra meetings, but we say that every year.”
