WILDWOOD CHIEF

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30287, 13 November 1963, Page 4

WILDWOOD CHIEF

Fine Derby Trial

Wildwood Chief recorded a splendid trial for the New Zealand Denby Stakes on November 20 when he outstayed his rivals in the Riccarton Stakes yesterday. Wildwood Chief, which is trained by W. R. Butt at Templeton for Mr W. A. Prendergast, of Hyde, was having his first race since he won the New Zealand Sapling Stakes at Ashburton last May. Wildwood Chief had made a bold showing at the recent trials and he was at surprisingly long odds, paying £ll 5s 6d for a win. Falstaff. Peerswick, Sooty. Forbid, La Scala and Meadowmac lost ground at the start. Lottery Song made a splendid beginning and set a strong pace. Forbid tangled at the end of two furlongs and checked Falstaff. Wildwood Chief was about sixth early, not far from the pacemaker. Lochgair improved racing through the straight at the end of three furlongs and with Lottery Song he drew ont by five lengths from Grande Garnison racing to the straight. Wildwood Chief, Lady Luronne, Peerswick. Bellajily and Full Sovereign were handiest of the others.

Lochgair and Lottery Song were joined by Wildwood Chief and Grande Garnison inside the furlong. Wildwood Chief was too good over the last 59 yards and drew out to win by a length. Lochgair made a bold showing for second, a nose in front of a determined Grande Garnison, which shaded Lottery Song by half a head. Peerswick was five lengths back, just ahead of Bellajily, with another gap to Full Sovereign and Lady Luronne.