Sobig Goes Fast On Grass At Takanini

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30725, 14 April 1965, Page 4

Sobig Goes Fast On Grass At Takanini

“The Press” Special Service |

AUCKLAND.

Sobig, one of the problem horses of the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie on Saturday, was “stretched out” to go a very fast five furlongs on the inside of the No. 1 grass at Takanini yesterday morning.

There seems no doubt that Sobig is coming to his best again. The question is whether he will regain his peak in time for the Easter.

Ridden by G. F. Hughes, Sobig began quickly and ran five furlongs in 60 2-ssec. In the second and third furlongs he travelled at a great rate and he was all out to run the last three in 37 3-ssec. The going was excellent. Dark Intrigue (Fergus), a candidate for the President’s Handicap at Rotorua on Saturday, ran a mile in Imin 46 4-ssec, and was led by Miss Eunice (Andrews) for the last six furlongs. Miss Eunice was timed to go the last six furlongs in Imin 16 2-ssec and Dark Intrigue returned Imin 17 l-ssec.

Miss Eunice seems to be thriving in her Easter preparation. Dark Intrigue is not in the habit of going hard in his training, so he performed satisfactorily. Nassau Trust (Blarney),

Fontaine (Heaslip), which began a length or two behind, and Miss Misty (McDonald) were clear of Corumba (Hughes) finishing half a mile in 49sec. Nassau Trust looked promising in the spring, and after a rest from racing, he seems just about ready to show form. Nassau Trust and Corumba are both in the Onslow Stakes, but because of his wide barrier position Corumba is unlikely to run, Beau Seant (Sutherland), a prospect for the Papakura Handicap, covered five furlongs in Imin 4 2-ssec. Bandstand (Cotter) led New Tiki (Caldwell) after running five furlongs in Imin 1 l-ssec, a solid effort. Bandstand has shown sufficient promise to

be a good chance for the second division of the Onslow Stakes. The Great Northern Champagne Stakes favourite, Farmer’s Boy (Hughes) ran five furlongs with Ocean Mist (Wyatt) In Imin 2 3-ssec. Ocean Mist, which is in great heart, was keen to put on speedRainfall (Mudford), a doubtful starter in the Huia Handicap, sprinted three-furlongs in 37sec.

Jota (Andrews) led Claraboa (Wyatt). Hi Court (Andrews) and Queen’s Pride (Mudford) after travelling five furlongs in Imin 2 2-ssec. Miss Angel (Silva), with a light weight, went freely over the same ground in Imin 2sec.