CADIZ IN BRILLIANT SPRINT AT TRENTHAM

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29101, 13 January 1960, Page 4

CADIZ IN BRILLIANT SPRINT AT TRENTHAM

“The Press' Special Service

WELLINGTON,January 12. Before winning the Wellington Stakes in 1957, Yahabeebe recorded a sensational half-mile in 45 2-ssec in training at Trentham, a time which had not been approached on the track till Cadiz recorded only a second slower today in preparation for this year’s contest. Before Yahabeebe’s brilliant display the best time for 12 years was half a mile by Niloch, as a two-year-old in the autumn of 1947. Niloch recorded 46 l-ssec. Niloch completed a double at that meeting. On this morning’s performance Cadiz can be expected to follow in the steps of the earlier brilliant workers and top off his outstanding effort with success on Saturday. The Wellington Stakes this year appears virtually a match race between Cadiz and Karina. The latter held the upper hand in their contests at Ellerslie and she will meet him favourably in the weights on Saturday, considering she has beaten him in their last two clashes, in handicap events. The Wellington Stakes is a set weight event for two and three-year-olds, with allowances for fillies. Cadiz will again be ridden by his usual jockey A. J. Stokes and Karina will have the services of W. J. Mudford, who was successful on her at Ellerslie. Fast work at Trentham this morning took place on the outside of the course proper, which carries a good sole of grass, but provides fast footing. . . • Brilliant Start Cadiz (W. L. Aitken) began brilliantly from the half-mile, but gathered more speed in the next furlong. He ran the distance in 46 2-ssec. the last three furlongs taking 33 3-ssec. It was tile first time Cadiz had been set a serious task since arriving from Ellerslie, but he hardly blew and pulled up well. With the benefit of training on Thursday he will be at his peak to settle a good portion of the account with Karina.

Blotter (J. J. Dixon) made a good impression when he shaded the Wellington Cup candidate Motueka (W. L. Aitken) at the end of seven furlongs in Imin 31sec, the last half-mile in 51 3-ssec and the last three furlongs in 39 3-ssec. Blotter ran two good races at the Wairarapa meeting and is not without prospects in the Camp Hack Handicap. Motueka has not looked better. He, too, had good form at Tauherenikau, winning the Wairarapa Cup and running third in the President’s Handicap He. has failed when tried at two miles In the past, but he will not lack in condition when he contests the Wellington Cup. Ruve (J. A. McFarlane) left seven furlongs behind in Imin 31 2-ssec, the last half-mile in 51 2-ssec and the last three furlongs in 38sec. She looked well after her exertions in the north, but is an unlikely starter in the Anniversary Handicap on Saturday. She will be reserved for engagements on the latter days. (L. W. Hare), which ha|-

done exceptionally well since he arrived at Trentham from Ellerslie, was two lengths in front of Libel (J. J. Dixon) after running seven furlongs in Imin 31sec, the last four taking 51sec and the last three 37 4-ssec. Sparkler was the unlucky runner in the Auckland Cup, when finishing fourth, and he should be hard to beat in the Wellington Cup. For a horse of his class Libel did well. His disappointing effort at Tauherenikau should be overlooked when assessing his chance in the Te Marua High-weight. He looks better-seasoned to run out a middle distance now.

Kirklea (W. L. Aitken) ran three furlongs comfortably in 36sec. She has missed some work lately after getting down on her heels, but preventive measures have been taken and she pulled up well this morning. Down the six furlongs chute Fine Gold (W. T. Day) and Ruscoe (J. J. Dixon) were companions over half a mile in 49 4-ssec, Fine Gold doing the better at the finish. On the plough, which was fast, Royal Howe (W. T. Day) and Sir Gallant (J. J. Dixon) completed pacework by running the last three furlongs in 40 l-ssec.