Watallan sprints in dashing style

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32885, 7 April 1972, Page 2-3 (Supplement)

Watallan sprints in dashing style

Steady rain in Christchurch yesterday afternoon eased the track at Riccarton and might have won tomorrow’s Great Autumn Handicap at Riccarton for the Wingatui-trained Watallan. Watallan has shown marked ability on winter tracks besides winning important middle distance events on firm footing. At Riccarton yesterday he sprinted attractively in training with his stablemate, Lady Mellay. B. J. Anderton’s pair reeled off half a mile on the plough In 50

sec, the last three furlongs in 37 Training was held in warm, threatening weather, but there was not enough rain to affect the tracks until later in the day. After a long spell of dry weather the track was firm, with dust rising In places on the first two days of the Canterbury Jockey Club s autumn meeting. ITie Otakl two-year-old, Ash (D. Ruff), one of few tried on the grass yesterday, sprinted three furlongs keenly in 37sec. He should be one of the brighter chances In the Richmond Handicap, in which he will be ridden by J. R. Dowling. Lovely Honey led Havn by two lengths after running half a mile, the final three in 37 l-ssec. Lovely Honey will come in for solid backing for the Waltham Handicap tomorrow after her third in the Great Easter. Coaster (Miss Rennie) led King’s Club (M. Skelton) by three-quarters of a length, ending seven furlongs in Imin 31 4-5 sec, the last half mile In 51 3-5 sec, the final three in 37 3-ssec. Savoir Faire (Reed) followed in Imin 32 2-sscc, the last three in 38 3-ssec. Ribaldo (G. Mein), one of the stronger Riccarton - trained chances in the Great Autumn Handicap, ran seven furlongs in Imin 35sec, quickening for the final three in 39 2-ssec. Like Watallan, Ribaldo has good form on rain affected tracks. Questioner (Lee) and Barr Bank (Lucas) recorded Imin 34 l-ssec, the last three furlongs In 38 4-5 sec. Joust gave Merrily a start of about three lengths from the six furlongs and finished with a lead of a length and a half to record Imin 18 3-ssec, 50 3-ssec for the last half mile, and 37 l-ssec for the final three furlongs. The Wingatui stablemates. Sliderule and El Shub, dashed over six furlongs in Imin 17sec, Gay Master joining them for the final three furlongs in 38 3-ssec