Gymkhana’s Fast Awapuni Trial

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30738, 30 April 1965, Page 4

Gymkhana’s Fast Awapuni Trial

“The Press” Special Service PALMERSTON NORTH. Gymkhana galloped so well at Awapuni yesterday that he must come strongly into calculations for the Telegraph Handicap, the second leg of the Woodville Jockey Club’s double here tomorrow.

Gymkhana was bolting at the finish of five furlongs with a rival sprint candidate, Plantation.

On the inside trial, Gymkhana and Plantation got to the end of five furlongs in train 2sec. the last three furlongs in 38 3-ssec. Gymkhana appeared to be travelling with a lot in reserve. He is fit for the second leg on Saturday and on today’s gallop he will be hard to beat if there is no further rain. Plantation is in the same race but he needs firm ground.

Flounce covered five furlongs in lmin 3Jsec, the last three in 39sec. She was unlucky at Feilding and as she had done well since she may be hard to beat in the Maharahara Hack Handicap. Gallant Knight and Authentic jumped four hurdles but not well enough for Gallant Knight to gain a qualifying ticket to start on Saturday.

Starloch and The Bandit gave a fine display over a round of country (five fences). Starloch looks well and he could go a bold race in the Gaisford Steeplechase. Laramie, which won easily on Wednesday is in the President’s Handicap tomorrow but he is not a certain starter according to his trainer, H. J. Waller. He may be reserved for either Otaki or Foxton but if he does start on Saturday T. J. Rudd will ride him again.

The useful mare. Emba, has been retired to the stud. She will be mated with Maquario.