Highlights From Tracks

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31255, 30 December 1966, Page 4

Highlights From Tracks

Highlights from track-work at other centres yesterday morning were:— HASTINGS

There was very heavy rain overnight at Hastings and it continued in showers through the training session. As a result the course proper was cutting out. though still offering safe footing. On the course proper, which carried most of the work, Sir Barton (J. T. Anderson) took Imm 31 2-ssec for seven furlongs, the last six furlongs in Imin IS 3-ssec and the last three furlongs in 39 l-ssec. This was an outstanding solo effort and it indicated that Sir Barton would be hard to beat In the Gold Cup. Matawera (M. Donoghue) and Watchet (J. Lundy) impressed running six furlongs in Imin 18 3-ssec, the last three in 39 3-ssec. They were both travelling well and did not appear to be inconvenienced by the ground. They might run good races in the Gold Cup. Lucky Rebel <R. Grantham) was doing better than Fon (J. T. Anderson) at the end of a mile In Imin 49 2-ssec, the last six in Imin llsec and the last three In 40 2-ssec. Lucky Rebel could be very hard to beat In the Hastings Gold Cup. AWAPUNI

All tracks at Awapunl were wet after a dally soaking over the last week. The weather is still unsettled. On the inside trial Bywon gave Fair Fury several lengths start over five furlongs and finished ahead in Imin Osec. the last three in 39sec. The time was slow, but Bywon looked impressive when he picked up his rival near the finish. Bandon was shading Taxsonia over seven furlongs in Imin 34sec. the last three in 38 3-ssec. Bandon did bis work in good style and should start favourite tn the Wairarapa Challenge Cup. On the course proper Dervish beat Plantation by a length over half a mile in 52 2-ssec, the last three in 39 2-ssec. Dervish worked in his best style and both horses look winning prospects at New Year.

Ichtar surprised by running the best half-mile. He beat Romanella in 51 4-ssec, the last three furlongs in 38 4-ssec. Ichtar has a chance in the sprint at Wairarapa on this gallop. TRENTHAM

Work at Trentham was done on the inside trial grass, which was heavy. Kintyre (Stokes) started before the three furlongs and galloped boldly to the line. He appeared keen to go faster and further yet the final three furlongs of the trial were run in 35 3-ssec.

Merrick (Stokes) worked keenly throughout three furlongs in 37 l-ssec. He was galloping evenly on the line and pulled up well. Merrick is a candidate for the Tawaha Hack Handicap and his chance in this event is good. ELLERSLIE

Working on the No. 1 grass at Ellerslie which was in excellent order following overnight rain, Apa (Reggett) worked very keenly to run the last six fur-

longs in Imin lOsec, four in Slsec and three in 39 2-ssec, a fine gallop considering the ease with which he worked.

The two-year-old, Rego Star (Reggett) strode over three furlongs in 38sec without being asked for his best. He is a candidate for the Great Northern Foal Stakes. RIVERTON The novices, Sandune and Coronet Peak, took the training honours with a dashing half mile at Riverton. After running the first furlong in 12 2-ssec they finished together in 49sec. The rails on the course proper were open and the track was fast. Eiffel Tower, Golden Disc and White Wine finished abreast at the end of a mile in Imin 46sec, the last five in Imin 4 l-ssec and the last half in 50 3-ssec.

Alpine Light, Rich Light and Urban were on terms after completing five furlongs the first two in 25 2-ssec, and the last half in 50 4-ssec.