Fine Run By Claudius

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31726, 9 July 1968, Page 4

Fine Run By Claudius

“The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON. The biggest surprise at Trentham yesterday morning was the appearance of the top northern rider, R. J. Skelton. Skelton drove from Levin, where he is staying with his brother, W. D. Skelton, and he rode the two-year-old, Claudius, in the outstanding gallop of the morning. After being jogged around the middle of the course, Clatidius increased his speed from the seven furlongs and he was moving well just outside the three furlongs. He was timed over half a mile in 53 4-ssec, the last three furlongs in 37sec. A rangy bay colt by Alcimedes from Lendaum, Claudius looks certain to be favourite for the Juvenile Handicap tomorrow. His present record is two wins from two starts. In a morning of very few gallops, another good effort was recorded by the two-year-old, Ardfern, also to start in the .Juvenile Handicap Partnered by yet another two-year-old, the Riccarton horse. Crepe de Chine (L. Jackson) Ardfern <R B. Marsh) was always going well and beat her rival by four lengths The half mile was covered in 52 l-ssec, the last three furlongs in 38 l-ssec. Tha Hawera three-year-old, Fair Terms, trained by W McEwan, was another to gallop well. The gelding looks in good order for the Seatoun Handicap tomorrow.

Ridden by his raceday jockey, J. F. Harris, Fair Terms turned a length advantage at the top of the straight, to a four-length one at the expense of the two-vear-old, Denigh (R. B. Marsh). The half mile was covered in 53 4 ssec, the last three furlongs in 39 4-ssec Two other two-year-olds. Percy (K. Mauriri) and Little King (R. Leggett), were timed

to run three furlong. In 39sec. A disappointing last in the Woburn Handicap on the first day of the meeting. Bigoted <R. Skelton) galloped over three furlongs in 40 1-Ssec. For the remainder at Trentham. it was mainly pacework. The newcomer, Midnight Kiss, and Allegretto, Whiti Te Ra, Dunraven, Monastic, Glaudaub were just a few in this category. The first-day winners, Last Count, Tudor Lad, Jay Ribbon, and Rahunul have all come through their first day engagements well. Last Count will not start until the final day. in the Haywards Hack and Hunters’ Steeples. Smart Gallop By Laramie “The Press” Special Service PALMERSTON NORTH. . Laramie completed his pre paration for tomorrow’s Parliamentary Handicap, by running a good gallop over six furlongs at Awapuni yesterday morning. The New Zealand Cup winner has been working in his best style since the Manawatu meet ing last month. If there is no deterioration in track condi tions for the second day, he could be a threat tn the first leg of the double. Laramie worked on the plough and ran the six furlongs In Imin 20sec. the last three furlongs in 39 2-ssec. He could have done better and it was an excellent trial. Serene Star ran half a mile in 52sec and worked in good style. Facade worked two rounds on the plough then jumped three steeplechase fences in fine style. He will start a fresh cam paign in the Matai Steeplechase.