Fine solo training run by Just Tops

Press, 28 July 1976, Page 20

Fine solo training run by Just Tops

The keen North Island sprinter. Just Tops, slammed a field of metric milers by four lengths in the August Handicap at the 1974 Grand National meeting. He has not raced at Riccarton in the meantime, but he is back for another campaign, stan ing with the Brabazon Handicap on Saturday. Yesterday, he showed characteristic dash in a solo training sprint on the No. 1 grass. Ridden by Graeme Mein. Just Tops sprinted 800 m in 49 4. The track had been left firm by a stiff frost, and times flattered the ability of some of the trialists, but it was clear from Just Tops’s effort that he has retained his sharp edge since he last raced at Riccarton. Zebak, one of Just Tops’s rival candidates for the Bra-

bazon Handicap, outsprintedl Te Pango Nui and Bennelongl over 800 metres. Zebak finished four lengths clear of Te Pango Nui, which was clear of Bennelong, and recorded 49sec. i Caste Hill, although easing close to home, finished 1400 m in 1:31, the last 800 m in 53sec. First Tuesday ran his 1400 metres in 1:30.7, and the last 800 m in 50.1. The Richmond stablemates, Mr Richmond and Battle Joy, dashed over 800 m on terms in 48.4. Lignum Vitae was clear of Jolt after running 800 m in 48.8. Karnak and Jan’s Lady followed in 49.3. Karnak has thrived on her absence from racing in the last few weeks. The distance of the Brabazon Handicap is short of her best, but she might sprint well fresh. Lycus and Honey Lea were

on terms two lengths clear of Cherimedes finishing 800 m in 50.4. Cherimedes. a filly by Alcimedes from the good winner Ma Cherie, is one of the reserves for the second division of the Haldon Stakes. I The three-year-old Lycus. jwhich has placed form, is in the Montgomery Maiden and will be ridden by Michael IMein.

Other gallops:— 800 metres; Bar and Streaky Bay 53.6; Silver Coat, 52.8; Lord Lemington, 51.2; Kew, 50.4; Town and Country and Karamea Lad, 51.4; Our Emma and Sparrowhawk, 49.6; Country Baron, Salonika, and Tiberina, 51.8; Falcon Lass and Stoney Topaz, 151.8; Leroy Brown and Sharon Rae, 50.4; Rockford and Ribadire 52; Glorious Game two lengths, Banacek 51; Master Mellay and Ruby Tuesdav 50.