TRIAL FOR CUP

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30339, 15 January 1964, Page 4

TRIAL FOR CUP

Apa Gallops Well “The Press" Special Service PALMERSTON NORTH, January 14. Apa, which will be Awapuni’s main hope in the Wellington Cup, came through his semi-final trial in good style today. Apa was too good for his stablemate, Teneriffe, at the end of their mile gallop. Copper King worked pleasingly in his gallop for the Anniversary Handicap, and Narbada, Tilly Light, and Economic were other Trentham candidates to acquit themselves well. The trestles were out 35ft on the course proper and the going was fast. Apa and Teneriffe set a good pace all the way in their mile gallop. At the finish Apa was doing it very easily just under a length in front. The mile took Imin 50 and 2-ssec, and the final three in 40 2-ssec. Apa may find two miles a shade far in the cup, but he looks very fit and has good form to back up his chance. Teneriffe is a form runner for the Te Marua Highweight. He has a big weight but it is expected that he will be hard to beat. Working on the outer, Copper King was going freely alongside Damselle, which also worked solidly, at the end of half a mile in 50 2-ssec, the final three furlongs in 37 2-ssec. It was easily the best half of the morning. Copper King ran well over the holidays and he will add interest to the Anniversary Handicap. Damselle is in the same race, but she will hardly appeal as much as her stablemate.

Grand Coeur, which is in the Wellington Cup, ran from the half-mile easily in 52 2-ssec, the last three furlongs in 38 2-ssec. He ran a fair race at Woodville on Saturday, but hardly good enough to be conceded a chance in the two-miler. Narbada, which does not usually excel in training, ran away to beat Sapphire Ring easily over half a mile in 51 3-ssec, the final three furlongs in 39sec. Narbada looks much improved with her recent race at Woodville. She should acquit herself well in the Fitzherbert Handicap. On the inside trial, the Wellington Cup candidate, Tilly Light, worked over two rounds. He sprinted his last half-mile in 49 4-ssec, the final three furlongs in 36 2-ssec, a good effort for a stayer. Tilly Light is well seasoned and there should be no fears about his running out the two miles. N. Eastwood will ride him.