GREAT WESTERN STEEPLES

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28551, 2 April 1958, Page 4

GREAT WESTERN STEEPLES

Capet Favourite For Riverton “The Press” Special Service INVERCARGILL, April 1. Practically written off as a racing proposition after he broke down in finishing third behind Yankee Modesta and Ironside in the Riverton Steeplechase last Easter, Capet has returned as favourite for the Great Western Steeplechase, the feature event at the opening of the Riverton Racing Club's Easter Carnival on Saturday. Capet won last year’s Great Western with 10-1, and he has 10-10 in this year's race. Yankee Modesta, runner up to Capet 12 months ago, is again the one most likely to test the favourite. They meet on the same terms as last year. Like Capet, Yankee Modesta has been off the scene since last Easter. The only race they have had since was at the Birchwood Hunt Club’s meeting last month, when they contested the Highweight Handicap. Yankee Modesta finished third and Capet fourth. Much will depend on how the pair come through their final schooling in the next two days. As a six-year-old Capet should be in his prime. He was troubled with a bruised heel last week, but when worked today appeared to have thrown off any signs of it. He has schooled at Invercargill with all his old brilliance and has not been threatened with recurrence of the trouble which put him out of action last autumn. Capet will be ridden by W. J. Hillis, who won on Lisheen in 1949. Sentinel in 1955 and Capet last year. As a five-year-old last season. Capet was the youngest horse ever to win the race.