HAVANA CLASS began the defence of his Laurels title with an impressive success in heat five of the Arc-backed GBGB Category One annual at Perry Barr.

The Liz McNair-trained runner paced up well into the turn and, riding a bump at the first bend, kicked on to score by three and a quarter lengths from Zari Rosie (Paul Burr) and Chelms Yes (John Mullins) in 28.24sec (+10) for the 480m.

Fastest of the round was posted by the Ernie Skeech-trained Trionas Travel as he raced away off the back of a fast start to win by almost seven lengths in 27.96sec (+10) from Swift Cope (Paul Burr) and Droopys Flight (Nathan Hunt).

Trionas Travel’s winning time was just three spots off the clock for the distance.

The event kicked off with victory for the Patrick Janssens-trained Aussie Captain who showed all-round speed before edging out Headford Flash (Kevin Hutton) by half a length with a Janssens kennelmate Romeo De Niro third. The winning time was 28.34sec (+10).

Candy Man, the Birmingham Cup champion over C&D, showed his liking for Perry Barr again with a powerful all-round effort in heat three.

Carol Weatherall’s runner was always handy and came home the stronger to catch early pacesetter Antigua Woofwoof (Mark Wallis) and win by almost three lengths from that rival with Frankies Jet third (Gary Ferguson) third. The winning time was 28.05sec (+10).

British-bred star Shockwave Onyx (28.13sec +10) struck in heat four as a fast start helped Kim Gooding’s runner score an all-the-way victory, albeit holding on by only a short-head from fast-finishing Drumdoit Bomber (Paul Burr) and Gymstar Elusive (John Mullins).

Lautaro (28.16sec +10) helped Patrick Janssens to a double on the night as he produced a strong-running effort in heat six, overcoming early crowding to finish best and score by one and a lengths from Signet Denver (Kevin Hutton) and Feora Noel (Liz McNair).

Perry Barr racing manager Martin Seal said: “It’s fantastic to once again stage the Laurels, which is one of the great competitions in the sport.

“As expected the first round produced high-quality racing which always looked likely given the quality of our trial stakes the week before – and looking at each of the semi-finals they really are superb contests. Places in the final will not be easily won.

“Patrick Janssens holds a strong hand in the first semi with both Aussie Captain and Lautaro two from two at Perry Barr, but both will be tested to the max by the flying Havana Class, who absolutely loves it round here. Of course, Feora Noel gives the McNairs a strong hand here, too. He’s a really likeable sort whose future may lie over further.

“The second semi-final could see Zari Rosie ping the lids and head for the rail on the run to the first turn, which might mean space is at a premium on the inside. Drumdoit Bomber and Frankies Jet will not shirk the issue, whilst Headford Flash will try to slip the field early on. Trionas Travel went within three spots of the clock when running riot in his heat and is a credit to the Skeech family.

“As for the third semi, Shockwave Onyx laid down a serious marker for outright honours in the heats but in Signet Denver and Candy Man, the apple of Kim Gooding’s eye meets two professionals of the highest order. Antigua Woofwoof is all action from the boxes and will look to blast clear early on.

“The stage is set for three super semi-finals of the Arena Racing Company Arc here at Perry Barr on Thursday.”

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=384109&raceId=832271

 

Form for Thursday’s semi-finals:-

First semi: 1 Swift Cope, 2 Aussie Captain, 3 Havana Class, 4 Lautaro (m), 5 Droopys Flight (m), 6 Feora Noel (w).

Second semi: 1 Drumdoit Bomber, 2 Romeo De Niro, 3 Zari Rosie, 4 Frankies Jet (m), 5 Trionas Travel (m), 6 Headford Flash (w).

Third semi: 1 Shockwave Onyx, 2 Signet Denver, 3 Gymstar Elusive, 4 Antigua Woofwoof (m), 6 Chelms Yes (m), 6 Candy Man (w).