Battle Heights fit for Cox Plate

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33675, 26 October 1974, Page 8

Battle Heights fit for Cox Plate

(N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent) MELBOURNE. The New Zealand stayers, Oopik and Battle Heights, are expected to fight out the finish of Australia’s richest weight-for-age race, the 575,060 W. S. Cox Plate at Moonee Valley today. Battle Heights has been in outstanding form on the tracks since arriving in Melbourne and on Tuesday he handled the tight Moonee Valley circuit with ease. G. L. Willetfs said yesterday that he expected to be fit to ride Battle Heights. Willetts was injured in a fall at Geelong on Wednesday and has a sore and swollen hand. He is bathing it constantly in hot and cold water and he expects to get a medical clearance to ride In the race. If he does not the ride will go to L. Olsen, a rider for the S. A. Brown stable in Sydney. Oopik has been taken out of the Melbourne Cup to concentrate on this event and although he has been seen in only one race in Australia he has created a good impression in Melbourne. His one start came in the Coongy Handicap 10 days ago when he attempted to lead all the way on a heavy track which did not suit him. He finished fourth. The prospects are not bright for a firm track today. TRAINER PLEASED A third New Zealand horse, Chelsea Tower, could be the big danger. His trainer, E. Temperton said he was thrilled with Chelsea Tower’s condition, although he would prefer a firm track. "He has never won under welght-for-age conditions, but he can do anything, sprint and stay,” Temperton said. Other big dangers are the New Zealand-bred three-year-olds Taras Bulba and Plush. Three-year-olds have an excellent re. cord In the Cox Plate. The New Zealand stayers, Quick Answer and Mahal will further their Melbourne Cup preparations with a start In the $30,000 Moonee Valley Cup. Quick Answer has not looked completely at home in Moonee Valley trials this week, but his trainer G. Sanders says the distance, a heavy track and the services of R. Skelton will all favour Quick Answer today. Mahal won at Caulfield last Saturday, but the opposition today will be stronger. Nevertheless, he is improving with each run and could rise to the occasion.