Bella’s Command very fit

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32836, 9 February 1972, Page 8

Bella’s Command very fit

"The Press’* Special Service AUCKLAND. Bella’s Command is likely to give a better showing on Saturday than on the first night of the Auckland meeting, judging by a bold workout over 13 furlongs at Pukekohe yesterday.

Driven by his trainer, J. K. Hughes, he returned 3mln 31 3-ssec, the last half-mile in Imin isec and quarter in a dashing 29sec. He went very fast early, was then eased and came home full of running. Bella’s Command did not help his chance in the Otahuhu Handicap last week by beginning slowly. Afterwards, he was always well back. Kyamala showed his fitness for the Cardigan Bay Stakes when he led Captain Riddle throughout a mile and a quater in 2min 54sec, the last halfe-mile in Imin 4 l-ssec.

Rossi Gennari went freely over a mile and a half in 3min 23 2-ssec. He was going strongly at the finish, after the last halfmile had been cut out in Imin 3sec, and quarter in 30 l-Saec. Vai’s Rival, a candidate for the Cardigan Bay Stakes, went attractively when he made the pace and held off Gentle Song over a mile and a half in 3min 23 l-ssec. The last half-mile in Imin 3 4-ssec, which was good going for a two-year-old. Sunshine Boy began smartly in a barrier trial at Cambridge yesterday and scored a stylish win at the expense of the Cup class mare. Black Watch. Both are engaged in the Champion Handicap on Saturday. Shannon's Squire provided the other highlight of the trials, Jogging home an easy winner after covering a mile in 2mln 8 2-ssec from a standing start. Sunshine Boy stood quietly on iiie 48-yard mark at the 11 furlong barrier and was quickly into stride when the field was dispatched. He moved easily into third place at the end of half a mile and kept that position until going along the back the last time. At the three furlongs, he dashed to the front and from then on had matters all his own way. He won comfortably by a length from Black Watch, which finished solidly after being fourth into the straight. Glenthome was two lengths

further back, followed by Singh Hal and Hiatus.

Sunshine Boy returned 3mln 30 3-ssec, splendid time for a barrier trial. A severe check at the start cost him all chance at Alexandra Park last Saturday of gaining his sixth successive win If he goes away in the Champion Handicap as well as he did yes terday, he will have a great chance.

Shannon’s Squire was soon in front from a wide barrier draw and his opponents had no chance. Under a good hold, he ■cored by two lengths and a hall from High Return. Mlm Konln! was a fair third, well clear ol Lordy Boy.