PROMISING TRIAL

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30517, 12 August 1964, Page 4

PROMISING TRIAL

Michael At Matamata

"The Press" Special Service MATAMATA, August 11.

At this time of the year racing people are mainly interested in finding a young up-and-coming galloper. All the better if he has shown some form in the lower grades and gives indication of developing into a winner in open class. Judging by the way Michael worked at Matamata this morning he could be the' answer to the spring hopes of a large number. Michael is not normally a good track worker but with his raceday jockey, R. Fisher, up he did the best five furlongs at Matamata this morning. He worked on the inside grass which was heavy and shaded the visitor, Quo Vadis (Lang) in 1:6 2-5. Michael looked to have a lot in reserve at the finish. Last season as a three-year-old Michael, ran nine times. He was unplaced in the first three runs of his career, won his next two, missed, won two more and ended the season with a good second on April 24 at Tauranga at his first start outside the' hack grade. He is in fairly forward condition to resume racing in the Stewards’ Handicap on Saturday. Count One (Willetts), a rival for this event, ran half a mile in 54 1-5. He slowed in the bad ground towards the end. Hardened Up Count One has hardened up a lot with his run at Pukekohe, which will make it more difficult for him to sprint again. In an effort to cut down dead weight, which contributed to his defeat last start, he will be ridden by E. Holloway this week.. If Count One continues to thrive he will go to Australia for spring racing. Saturday’s race is one of the few he could win without incurring a penalty for the Australian races. An approach has been made to get L. G. Coles to take the mount on him. Coles is interested but nothing definite has been arranged. Coles rode Count One in his hack victories.