TRACK WORK AT RICCARTON

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27427, 13 August 1954, Page 4

TRACK WORK AT RICCARTON

BATTLE ENSIGN RUNS SOUND MILE GOOD SPRINT BY FLYING FEET Battle Ensign worked keenly to beat Maritea over a mile on the No. 1 grass at Riccarton yesterday. This was one of few trials of any interest over a longer distance. Battle Ensign is a light-weight candidate for the Islington Handicap on the third day of the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Grand National meeting tomorrow. Fast times were recorded for half a mile. Several horses were helped by the wind in the straight. The track was in good order. Battle Ensign (N. Eastwood) beat Maritea (W. F. Ellis) home from the mile by three lengths in lmin 46 3-ssec. They galloped strongly early and the pace slackened in the straight. The last half-mile took 54sec. Battle Ensign did his work well. There were no other fast trials over that distance. Field Chief (J. Didham) and Sir Zin (R. J. Bain) were three lengths clear of the novice. Locksmith (R. Blair). Field Chief ran seven furlongs in Imin 30 4-ssec, and the last half-mile in 52 2-ssec. Sir Zin joined in for the last half-mile. Field Chief finished his work keenly. He may be the improver in the field in the Islington Handicap. Cullen (F. H. Skelton) was a neck in front of Leofa (A. Darling), ending seven furlongs in Imin 34 2-ssec, the last halfmile in 51 2-ssec. A wide barrier position may have put an end to Cullen's chance in the Longbeach Handicap. Radiant Lad (W. Hanlin) beat Bon Soir (B Lake) home from the seven furlongs by two lengths in Imin 33 4-ssec. and also recorded 51 2-ssec for the last half-mne Radiant Lad shaped well for a novice against the hacks at the Christchurch Hunt meeting, and made up ground for seventh. Tarantella (L. Woodhouse) sprinted home from the seven furlongs in Imin 33sec. and recorded 50 3-ssec for the last half-mile. Sprinted Keenly Modern Times (C. T. Wilson) did well to record Imin 17 3-ssec for six furlongs. He sprinted his last half-mile in 50 2-ssec. and had something in reserve. - The Boss (J. Didham), Strada (C. T. Wilson), and Solstice (K. Nuttall) were companions over six furlongs, and finished together in Imin 19 2-ssec. They recorded 51 3-ssec for the last half-mile.

Wayren (J Didham) was too good for Fairy Whispers (N. East wood) over six furlongs. The Invercargill-trained hack finished four lengths clear and recorded Imin 20sec, the last half-mile taking 54sec.

Flying Feet (K. R. Belsham) took the honour of the morning for half a mile, dashing over the distance in 49 l-ssec This small but smart White Heath, r filly has not raced for J. F. Kerr since she won at Wingatui in June, but she is fit and capabl of running well in the Aylesburv Handicap. Suner Corn (L. Woodhouse) and Dixie Leigh (F H Skelton) ended their halfmile on terms in 52 2-ssec, time equalled by Dissenter (B S. Finlayson). Courant (L. W Hare), and Adaris (G. Lee). Lady Defaulter (D. F. Coombe) beat Gold Flame home from the half-mile by, three lengths in 50 4-ssec, time equalled by Thi» Poacher (A. Cowan) and Major Nentune (G. Ridgway) Cristatus (B S. Fimayson» sprinted his half-mile in 51 2-ssec

Russleigh (D. Finnie) was galloping keenly half a length in front of Viewmaster (F. H. Skelton) ending half a mile in 50 3-ssec. Russleigh is at her best for her attempt to win the Aylesbury Handicap. She has not raced since her easy win against the novices a< Trentham. Scuppered (J. Meikle) and Assembly (B. Gordon) edvered half a mile in 49 2-ssec. Scuppered has shown speed in her two races at Riccarton, but will have to jump out smartly to have a chance against the best of her opponents in the Aylesbury Handicap. Royal Warrant 'A. J. Williams) joined Ocean Flight (H. Shannon) to run half a mile in 50 l-ssec. Ocean Flight is an improved horse for his tw6 races at» Riccarton. and should take beating in the Aylesbury Handicap. Wait-a-Bit (A. I. Powell) and Nuclear (L. W. Hare) were keen to increase their speed over the final stages of their halfmile trial. They recorded 52sec.

Gold Trend (G. H. Styles) was going easily just in front of Detection (L. J. Ellis) after running six furlongs, the last four in 52 2-ssec. Belgravia (B. R. Thomas) failed to go a round of the schooling fences without making a mistake. He jumped the first three fences safely, but nearly dropped his rider at the first of the brush double, and ran outside the wing of the second of the double. He was taken back to jump three fences. Including the double Navy Chief (J. P. Carter) jumped two hurdles safely. , Culton (R. O. Cairns) led Midas (L. O. Jarvis) over four hurdles. Midas gave a weak display. The good Washdyke galloper, Lord Fort (C. G. Low) jumped a pony hurdle twice. His jumping was neat.