Riccarton Candidates Faultless

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

Riccarton Candidates Faultless

**The Press” Special Service PALMERSTON NORTH. The Riccarton candidates. Sail Away, Royal Chase and Min Flicka, were in fautless order at Woodville yesterday I when they completed their semi-final trials for the first I day of the C.J.C. meeting on [ soft footing. Royal Chase attracted most and he looks certain to make a bold bid in the Great Easter Handicap. Horses to train for local engagements impressively included Far Cry, which could win at Tauherenikau, and Coalseam, which is an improver for the Feilding fixture. Overnight rain spoilt the footing for fast times and most horses were allowed to work easily at this stage of

Although Royal Chase’s gallop was not the fastest,, it was the best. He was sent five furlongs with Ben Bella and he ran the distance right out in limn 7 2-ssec, clocking 40 4-ssec for his final three. Peak of Fitness It was not so much the time but the manner in which he worked that drew attention to his Riccarton chance. His trainer, S. Brown, has him at a high peak of fitness and he will leave Woodville in the right order to extend his record. N. Eastwood will ride him in next Monday’s second leg. Royal Chase will be accompanied south by Sail Away and Min Flicka, both of which will be ridden by W. D. Skelton. Each worked faultlessly this morning. Sail Away was sent a mile

and three furlongs with Jen Hai and they sped up to cover the last six in Imin 23 l-osec. They were not after time, their riders having been told to work them easily. Even so, they came from the three in 40 4-ssec. time which was not far outside the morning’s best. Sail Away, second to Empyreal last week, looks the main rival for Royal Duty in Monday’s first leg. Jen Hai, in great order still, probably will race at Tauherenikau rather than Feilding. W. T. Day will ride him if he contests the Queen Elizabeth Handicap. Had Easy Run Min Flicka was let off with an easy run over half a mile alongside her stablemate, Dark Smudge. They covered the in 57sac without

doing anywhere near their best. Another two-year-old to impress was Royal Red, which was held tightly throughout three furlongs in 41jsec. He hit out splendidly and pulled up well. It is likely that he will make a forward showing against juvenile company at Tauherenikau. A rousing gallop by Far Cry drew pointed attention to his Tauherenikau chance. He worked every bit as well as Iranui over seven furlongs in Imin 37sec, the last three furlongs in 42 2-ssec. It was good enough to win in hack company. Coalseam was in his best form during a run over half a mile in 52sec with Rippahucki. Coalseam looks a likely type for the Kawa Kawa High-weight at FeildiD«-