Strontian In Good Trial

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30862, 22 September 1965, Page 4

Strontian In Good Trial

•‘The Preet” Special Service PALMERSTON NORTH. Strontian. apparently right back to hi« best form, sprinted in faultless fashion at Woodvrtle yesterdav in preparation for a week-end engagement in the Welter Handicap at Hastings. He appears almost certain to run at the Hawke's Bay meeting rather than the Otaki fixture for which he is also entered. After schooling first over the pony and later the standard hurdles, Strontian ran a brilliant half-mile in 49 l-ssec. running in from the three - under a good hold in 3« J-Ssec . The chestnut struck hi* old . form, the Improvement prob- » ably because of hi* harder con■ition and the firmer tracks. The gallop took place on the o. 1 grass which provided erfect footing. Strontian, al-

ways travelling well, pulled up in splendid order. Now he seems certain to give a good account of himself over a mile on what undoubtedly is his favourite track. Harry Lauder was in brilliant form. He also is best on hard ground and he showed his appreciation of the better conditions by reeling off half a mile in 4«isec. the final three furlongs in 34 4-ssec. This was outstanding and, even though Harry Lauder ts brHUant in training, he must enter calculations for the sprint at Otaki. Among the earliest workers were Automation and Highball, which covered half a mile at speed, but were not timed. With an advantage tn the weights Automation held her better-per-formed companion. Both should race well at Otaki on Saturday. Ka Wlni. another fit mare, ran

five furlongs in Imin lOsec without exerting herself. She has freshened nicely for Hastings. Golden Casket and The Thrush covered the same ground in Imin ssec, taking 38Jsec to sprint in from the three.

David Jeff was not pressed to cover three furlongs in 37 4-ssec. He Is maintaining condition well and on Saturday he could be a dangerous lightweight in the Watties Gold Cup. Magog strode over about six furlongs, covering bis last four in 48 2-ssec, the final three in 364 sec. He is working as well as ever.

Golden Bay was in faultless form. He ran a brilliant trial for Hastings when he sprinted home from the three in 35sec. It was outstanding for a hack. Golden Bay is still improving and the best may not yet have been seen of him.