HAVANA CLASS came through a red-hot heat four of the Stadium Bookmakers Northamptonshire Sprint at Towcester on Sunday with flying colours as Liz McNair’s runner set the fastest time in the second round.

Lining up in the final quarter-final of the 270m GBGB Category One feature, last year’s Laurels champion was up against National Sprint and Scurry Gold Cup winner Crossfield Dusty (Patrick Janssens) and impressive first-round winner Signet Mafia (Kevin Hutton), but a slick exit inside gave McNair’s dog an all-important edge.

Railing well and holding off the challenge of the younger star, Havana Class was always in charge as he crossed the line two and a quarter lengths clear of Crossfield Dusty in 15.74sec, with Signet Mafia back in third and also qualifying for next week’s semis.

The second round kicked off with victory for another red-jacketed runner in Knocknaseed Gem, who paced up well inside and was always dominating his rivals, including kennelmates Russian Blake and Deadly Tornado. Thereafter John Mullins’s dog kept on well to score by a length and a quarter from Across The Field (Kim Billingham) and Deadly Tornado in 15.98sec.

Early Knight confirmed the promise of his first-round second with a fluent and impressive victory in heat two. Mark Wallis’s dog trapped in front and was never headed to score readily by five and a quarter lengths in 15.83sec. Kirabilly Kathy (Jim Hayton) and last year’s runner-up Mr Roo (Barry Johnson) chased him home.

Shrewd Call, the 2020 GBGB Sprinter of the Year, was again faultless in winning heat three as David Mullins’ runner trapped in front and was again never headed as he strode away to win by one and three-quarter lengths from Milldean Quartz (Afzal Ali) and Headford Harry (Kevin Hutton). The winning time was 15.78sec.

Nathan Corden, Towcester consultant and spokesman, said: “We had four superb heats and four cracking winners – not to mention some excellent performances in qualifying. It has set things up for two classy semi-finals next week which will be the feature of our usual Sunday open-race card.

“Looking at the four quarter-finals, Havana Class taking the scalp of Crossfield Dusty was clearly the most eye-catching performance and clash of the round – but connections of both these stars will realise there’s still a long way to go in the competition.

“The ever-present and ultra-consistent Shrewd Call was magnificent again and seems to have got his trapping boots on big-time, while Knocknaseed Gem and Early Knight both ran well to win their respective heats. All three were very professional and faultless in winning their heats and will carry high hopes in the semis.

“Overall it was a lovely day’s racing – and a special one hopefully for those owners who took advantage of Towcester promoter Kevin Boothby’s offer to enjoy a complimentary buffet laid on in the VIP boxes. This went down very well and all we ask is that owners book places each Sunday moving forward.

“Towcester also has a new general manager in Mick Conneely. He brings a huge amount of experience to the role, has plenty of plans, and is really excited about the challenge ahead. This looks a superb step forward for the track.”

Draw for Sunday’s semi-finals:

https://towcester-racecourse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Sunday-20-February-Sprint-Form.pdf