With the Lol Jones Memorial meeting only a month away, the Monmore minor opens are already looking competitive and each of Thursday’s four winners has their own interesting angle.
Fastest over the standard was Corrin Boyshane (Shaneboy Lee-Corrin Minnie, Aug 14). Dave Lee’s 5-2 chance, who won a Lol Jones event last year in a 28.79 (-50), returned to the scene of his plunder to record 28.32 (-10).
Kim Billingham’s Borna Torpedo (Tyrur Big Mike-Borna Del, Oct 15) who was flagged up by the racing office as ‘one to follow’ earlier in the week, returned at 10-11f when overcoming a slow break to win the maiden 480 in 28.87 (-40).
Over six bends there was a successful return to Monmore for a bitch who featured on this site last September. Townspark Gem (Head Bound-Miss Bright, Apr 15) became the first owner trained winner at the track for young handler James Reynolds.
Gem was back in a 630m maiden and the 3-1 chance led at the fourth bend to win by six in 38.66 (-40). (There doesn’t appear to be much wrong with that sofa preparation-Ed)
Finally, a win for one of the country’s top marathoners, Inch Forward (Hondo Black-Supreme French, Aug 14).
Stuart Buckland’s home bred, who would relish at least another half a lap, covered the 630m in a decent 38.21 (-30) -just 14 spots off her ‘PB’.
Reminder: The Lol Jones Memorial meeting is set for Wednesday February 7
