Week-end decision on Balmerino

Press, 16 September 1976, Page 24

Week-end decision on Balmerino

NZPA Melbourne A decision on whether the glamour New Zealand stayer, Balmerino, races in the Melbourne Cup or goes to the United States will be made after his run in the 525.000 Feehan Stakes on Saturday.

His trainer, Brian Smith, who arrived with the four-year-old from Sydney on Tuesday night, said he would confer with the

horse s owner, Mr Ralph Stuart, about the American trip after Saturday. "Balmerino has been invited to run in three big races in the United States including the Washington International.” Smith said. “If we accept the invitation it will mean missing the Melbourne Cup. "But it all depends on how he goes in the Feehan Stakes, and how he pulls up after.” Balmerino is currently 8 to 1 equal favourite with Think Big for the $155,800 Melbourne Cup on November 2, and has been heavily backed in Cups doubles. Balmerino has not raced since winning the $65,000 Brisbane Cup on June 14. “At the moment I ma veryhappy with his condition and very pleased that he has arrived in Melbourne without anv mishaps,” said Smith. Balmerino is staying at Pat Courtney’s Flemington stables. “I will ring Mr Stuart and tell him to come over to watch the Feehan Stakes, so he can decide whether Balmerino stays or goes to America, ’’Smith said. His regular jockey, Maurice Campbell will ride the four-year-old in trackwork tomorrow . “Campbell will then return home on Sunday until Balmerino’s next run here,” Smith said. •Balmerino has ben spelling at Coif’s Harbour since his trip north, and ran in a 1000 m trial at Rosehill last Fridav. “Balmerino won easily running Imin 2sec. and jockey Larry pressed,’’. Smith said. “Current plans are for him to run in the 820.000 Turnbull Stakes, for four-year-olds over 2000 m at Flemington on October 2. “We had also planned to run him in the $127,000 Cox Plate at Mnonee Valiev on October 23, but will bn forced to miss this if we go to America,” Smith Mid.