JOHN Howorth admits he is enjoying a dream season – yet he could really hit the jackpot this weekend in Bedford.

The 21-year-old from Hilperton has just moved to second on the Wiltshire all-time rankings with a sparkling personal best and Team Bath club record of 3mins 39.85secs in the British Milers’ Club Grand Prix at Watford.

That time puts him in contention at this weekend’s trials for one of three available places in the Great Britain team for the European Under 23 Championships next month, and in previous years he would be among the favourites.

But such is the standard in the event this summer that Howorth will go into the England Championships, which incorporate the trials, as only seventh fastest on paper while another two runners behind him have also run inside the 3:41 qualifying standard.

So that ensures the 1500m will be one of the most hotly contested and eagerly anticipated events of the weekend.

“If I’m honest, that will be it for this year in terms of personal bests but I think there is more to come in the future,” said Howorth.

“For now, I just cannot believe this year so far. It has been a bit of a dream to enjoy this continuous improvement.

“But next weekend will be different as I’m racing in the England Under 23 Championships. That will be heats and hopefully a final on consecutive days, so you’re unlikely to be running 3:30 something on both days.

“That is a totally different challenge and first of all it is about making sure I reach the final. I am going to Bedford as only the seventh quickest which is unbelievable really.

“The standard is so strong at the moment but I don’t feel there is any pressure on me.

“I just have to make sure I am in the right position at the bell, in the top three of four, to give myself a chance. It will be one hell of a race for sure.”

In boxing parlance, Howorth has a puncher’s chance and could yet pull off one of the surprises of the weekend.

As for last weekend, it is worth recounting that it was the first time Howorth had run under the benchmark time of 3mins 40secs that marks him out as a top class British middle distance runner.

The time also makes Howorth the second fastest ever in Wiltshire – behind Chippenham international David Bishop with 3:37.51 – and elevates him to ninth on the all-time rankings for the South West.

Remarkably, in all three of Howorth’s 1500m races this season he has notched up personal bests, opening up with 3:44.53 on May 12 – smashing his 2020 best of 3:51.38 – then moving to 3:41.13 on May 29 before finally breaking that magical 3:40 barrier to finish fourth in a strong race at Watford.