BOCKOS JON JO again set the standard with a fastest-of-the-round 15.83sec in the first semi-final of the TRC Health & Hygiene Northamptonshire Sprint over 270m at Towcester on Tuesday.

Representing champion trainer Patrick Janssens, the August 2018 son of Droopys Jet and Moanteen Beauty was only moderately away as market rival Ballymac Micko (Jim Reynolds) trapped in front and led into the turn.

However, unleashing his trademark early pace, the Coral Golden Sprint winner hit the front between the first and second bends, saving ground with his tight-railing running style, to be in command on the run for home.

Bockos Jon Jo crossed the line two and a half lengths clear of Ballymac Micko, the pair securing places in Tuesday’s final – much to the delight of winning trainer Janssens, especially when learning his star had drawn trap one in the final.

“It’s a massive help for him, but it’s a quality final so needs to do things right. He’s not the most natural of trappers but hits top gear quickly and clearly loves Towcester. He’s running the track really well and is good this morning,” said the now Towcester-based handler.

The second semi-final saw an impressive effort from the John Mullins-trained Knocknaseed Gem who broke smartly from the midfield and was always in command, posting 15.88sec when leading home Mr Roo (Lee Field) by one and a half lengths.

The third semi saw Monmore’s Skipalong Sarge get the better of GBGB Sprinter of the Year Shrewd Call. David Mullins’ star led from the boxes but Patricia Cowdrill’s railer kept inside and drew clear on the run for home to win by almost two lengths in 15.90sec.

Towcester spokesman Nathan Corden said: “We had three excellent semi-finals again and this new event for Towcester has certainly produced some excellent races and we have a tremendous final to look forward to next week.

“I thought Bockos Jon Jo produced an excellent display again and now renews rivalry with Shrewd Call, who’s through to another sprint final. But connections of both will know they’ll have to be at their best to beat not just each other but four other classy rivals.

“Well done to the connections of all our finalists in what is the first TRC Health & Hygiene Northamptonshire Sprint Final – and Tuesday promises to be another top night’s racing. We’ve a number of supporting opens to make a decent card up.

“These close at noon on Thursday and include another marathon here over 942m.”

“And, of course, this will be the first meeting of ours where owners are welcome back. They need to book spaces via their trainers if possible which gives them a chance to watch the live action here at Towcester.”

Trap draw for Tuesday’s TRC Health & Hygiene Northamptonshire Sprint Final: 1 Bockos Jon Jo, 2 Mr Roo, 3 Skipalong Sarge, 4 Knocknaseed Gem, 5 Ballymac Micko (m), 6 Shrewd Call (m).