TRENTHAM TRIALS Imitation In Form

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28541, 21 March 1958, Page 4

TRENTHAM TRIALS Imitation In Form

"The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON., March 20. A well-run seven furlongs by Imitation and a brilliant three by Kirklea were the feature trials of the Awapuni-engaged horses at Trentham today. Both horses\ will be favoured for their races, the Johnston Memorial Handicap and the Lockwood Hack Handicap, because, besides having good recent form, they have both rawn well in large fields.

Fast work took place <on the trial grass, which had been deadened by heavy dew, and on the two-year-old track, which was faster.

On the trial grass. Genre (Barber) was kept up to his work to finish on terms with Imitation (Harris) at the end of an even seven furlongs in Imin 32 l-ssec, the last four in 53 3-ssec, and the last three in 40 sec. They began from almost a standing start and Imitation was being eased in the last two furlongs. The heavy going on the turn into the straight stopped Imitation from doing any better than fourth in the New Zealand St. Leger last week.

Bugle Boy (Barber), with the worse of the weights, set a good pace for Finito (Harris) over a mile in Imin 45 4-ssec, but the latter came on strongly near the end to finish ahead in Imin 45 4-ssec, the last seven furlongs in Imin 32 1-5 sec, and the last three ■’’in 39sec. Bugle Boy is to have his first race over a mile and a quarter in the Adderstone Handicap. Finito is in the King George Handicap and though he raced badly at the Wellington meeting, his work today was good. Regal Dignitary (Harris) was galloping boldly half a length in front of the more heavily-weighted Natricia (Searle) after half a mile in 53sec, the last three furlongs in 39sec.

Regal Dignitary, which has drawn wide in* the Johnston Memorial Handicap, will not be a starter, according to his trainer, P. S. McColl.

Kirklea’s Sprint Kirklea (Singer) easily covered three furlongs in 35 3-ssec. If she can get clear of her field early, she should be hard to beat on Saturday. She will be ridden by P. J. Fanning, who will claim a 71b allowance. King Lear (Woodham) was ahead of Baithen (Dixon) after a smart seven furlongs in Imin 33 l-ssec.

Regal Stuart (Dixon) covered a mile easily in 2min 2sec, the last part at 15sec to the furlong. He should race well in his Easter engagements.

On the two-year-old track Obeyance (Barber) began better than the less experienced Sabaean—Legal Action colt (Dixon) in W. J. Bromby’s stable, and Obeyance was eased to stay with the colt at the end of half a mile in 50 2-ssec, the last three furlongs in 38 l-ssec. Hoya (Barber), which is resuming fast.work, beat Cathkin (Singer) after three furlongs in 37 l-ssec. Hoya has done well with her spell and will be a prospect on the Marl-borough-Nelson circuit after her Tauherenikau races. Cathkin is a half-sister by Dowborough to Misprint and Glenkay. The steeplechaser Sea Front did steady work in the centre. He is to resume racing at th? Great Northern meeting at the end of May. *