With the Kent Derby due to start next month, last year’s third Barricane Tiger (Razldazl Jayfkay-Dirt Bird, Dec 13) returned to Central Park and produced a performance of the night on Sunday.
Patrick Janssens’ brindle didn’t lead until the third bend but then pulled away to win by just over four lengths in 28.86 (N) for the 480m, just nine spots off his semi final run last year.
The Belgian handler will be back in Kent next week to see Goldies Hotspur (Aero Majestic-Slick Sapphire, Jan 15) contest an ultra competitive Stayers Final. The 7-4f got home by a short head from Clonbrien Mini in 39.97. Rio San Marino (Droopys Scolari-Droopys Force, Sep 13) landed the other qualifier by half a length from Master Jim in 39.93.
The meeting’s most lucrative event, the £500 Standard Final went to Nina Shine’s 5-1 shot Rahyvira Ming (Ashford Castle-Rahyvira Smurf, Jun 14) in a time of 29.19 (N).
Henlow’s 550 metre distance has proven a valuable stepping stone for Towcester runners, many of whom aren’t ready for the step from 500 to 655 metres.
There were three 550s on Sunday and they all went to Towcester handlers. Quickest of the trio was Hazel Kemp’s Master Kelly (Forest Master-Light Foot Molly, Aug 14) who returned at 5-2 when clocking 33.22 (all +15).
Kevin Hutton’s Lagile Vic (Ballymac Vic-Starwood Bound, Jul 14) – beaten in his previous 13 outings, graded at Romford and Towcester – landed the 550 maiden by 11 lengths in 33.23. Slowest of the trio was Mark Wallis’ hurdler Ninja Storm (Superior Product-Swift Alicia, Mar 15) – also on a 13 race losing sequence – with a 33.96 win.
