GREMLINS STRIKE AGAIN AT TOWCESTER AS COORDINATION PROGRESSES

Ian Fortune

When Lemony Snicket titled his well-known children’s book “A Series of Unfortunate Events”, one could be forgiven for thinking he was referring to the December schedule in Towcester.

The weather gods were certainly not shining on the Northamptonshire venue in recent weeks, forcing the postponement of numerous meetings including many featuring the RPGTV Puppy Derby.

Incredibly, after getting the better of the weather, the gremlins got into the works on Tuesday as the opening semi-final of the classic had to be declared void after a malfunction with the traps had seen My Girl Mia badly hampered at the start.

After a delay the second semi-final did take place and competition favourite Romeo Commend produced another tremendous display for Patrick Janssens, while the Brendan Matthews trained Coordination ran an incredible race to qualify in third.

Makeit The Bear broke fastest to set a strong pace to the final turn, at which point the always second Romeo Command took over. From there he eased on to score by an ever-widening three and a quarter lengths in 29.27. In contrast to the front two, Coordination, who was having just his third start, walked from traps, found traffic on the bend and was last into the back straight.

The son of Soul was not going to give up, however, and he displayed big pace into the third turn to move fourth before going third between the last two bends. From there he stormed home to finish just a length and three parts behind the runner-up.

It isn’t yet known what will happen as regards the opening semi-final and the final line-up but those in power suggested they will today be talking to those with a runner in the opening heat and decide from there. Watch this space.