Fleeting Moment Shapes Well

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31723, 5 July 1968, Page 4

Fleeting Moment Shapes Well

"Ths Press" Special Service PALMERSTON NORTH. Fleeting Moment emerged from bls final training a clearcut favourite lor the Wellington Steeplechase. A splendid mile gallop with Comrade consolidated his position, for he galloped strongly and pulled up looking very close to his peak. The ground at Woodville was heavy after a light frost, and Fleeting Moment revelled in it. Carrying a solid weight, he measured strides with Comrade, then shaded his companion at the line to clock Imln 55 4-Ssec for the distance, tbe last six in Imln 25 2-Ssec and the final three tn 42 1-Ssee. Earlier this week Fleeting Moment had schooled well. J. W. Harris seems to have got him right back to his best after a strenuous northern campaign at Ellerslie. Comrade's work was good also. He is in great heart for the Trentham Hurdles. He could have had trouble with the ground in his last start at Hastings, for he showed little of Ms former dash. Already a winner at Trentham, he seems sure to make rapid improvement there tbls week-end. Of the flat horses to work none Impressed more than Royal Theme, which had the edge on General Myth at the end of a six-furlong gallop. He clocked Imln 20 4-Ssec and pulled up well. So, too, did General Myth. But Hyfort, which accompanied them early, dropped right out' before the turn, and it is doubtful whether she will be taken to Trentham. She is not at ease in heavy ground. Free Pass was brilliant In his final trial for the Whyte Handicap. He gained an early lead on Ms stablemates. Blue Turtle and Glasgee, then Increased it steadily to beat them by about five lengths In Imln

21 4-ssec, the final three in 42 4-ssc.

Both Royal Theme and Free rasa have Improved rapidly with their Hastings racing. If they can handle the heavy ground at Trentham both should run well.

Kurrajong, which will prob* ably contest the Wellington Steeplechsse, shaded Kalkohe at the end of six furlongs in Imin 25 2-ssec. He will be the most sessoned horse in the big race tomorrow.

Stablemates Are Fit

Royal Blue and Billy Joe showed a high standard of fitness for their engagement* at Oamaru next Monday when they were paired in a six-furlong gallop on a rain-soaked No. 6 grass at Rlccarton yesterday. Royal Blue, the likely favourite for the Oamaru Winter Cup, and Billy Joe, top-weight in the open sprint, reeled off their first three furlongs in 40 4-Ssec, and completed the dletanco tn Imln 22 3-Ssec. Billy Joe (Jackson) was slightly ahead at the start of the trial, but Royal Blue (Stammere) quickly drew level.

J. R. Dowling will ride both horses at Oamaru.

Takatua (Sanderson) was not out for time in his solo six furlongs. The Oamaru Winter Cup light-weight dawdled in the early etagee of hie work, but quickened to run the laet three furlongs In 44 l-seec.

According to D. J. Thlstoll, Silver Kingdom, which raced disappointingly over country at Wasndyke on Wednesday, is unlikely to contest the E. H. Aubrey Steeplechase on Monday.

P. H. Jones will make a late decision about a rider for Allegretto In the Vittoria Hurdles at Trentham tomorrow. He had D. J. Strawbridge engaged, but Strawbridge was suspended until July 10 at Wanganui on Wednesday.

Allegretto. Bigoted, and the two-year-old, Crepe de Chine, went north last night. >

Useful Run By Langelinie "The Press’’ Special Service PALMERSTON NORTH. Langelinie and Banagh both ran ueeful trials at Awapuni yesterday morning in preparation for racing at Trentham tomorrow. On tbe course proper, which was heavy. Hindi ran away from Orinoco and Caruso over five furlongs, the loot half mile in 57*ec and the three furlong* in 43sec. On the inside trial. Banagh finished alongside Jarnac at the end of five furlongs in Imln 6 3-saec, the last three in 39 1-Ssec. Banagh was disappointing at Hawera but was not happy In ths ground. Langelinie Mt out well throughout five furlongs In Imln 5 l-s*ec. the last three In 38 3-ssoc. She has been working well enough to bo given a chance in the Woburn Handicap. Heavy ground could prevent a start for Gymkhana at Trentham but be has been galloping well. He ran five furlongs yesterday in imln 4ooc, the last three in 38 l-ssec.

Synthetic showed a good turn of speed in running half a mile in 50 4-ssec, the last three furlongs in 32 l-ssec. He has been working in good style lately. He may accompany E. Temperton’s jumpers to Rlccarton next month. Lordtuckey, Might, Grand Coeur and Malibar are likely to make the trip.