Mr Ay Bee fit

Press, 28 April 1978, Page 3 (Supplement)

Mr Ay Bee fit

Special correspondent Dunedin Mr Ay Bee returned an outstanding gallop at Wingatui yesterday. He ran 1000 metres in the middle of a soft course proper in Imin 4.25, the last 800 in 50.6 sec and 600 in 38.2 sec.

The next best gallop timed on the course proper was 52.25ec for 800 metres returned by Bold Design and Selector. They ran the last 600 in 39.25ec.

Bold Mellay led Demelza by three-quarters of a length finishing 600 metres in 40.8 sec and Djinne was a length ahead of Lochhamond and Master Mellay in 40.2 sec.

Spinning Order and Samsmiuncle put dash into theii work when sprinting 600 m in 39.65ec on the sand. Dark River was sore after a fine bout over the steeplechase fences and has been retired. The eight-year-old Harken Red River entire won three races over hurdles, three on the flat and once over country from Hector Anderton jun’s stable.

Dark River and Bronze Boy finished three lengths clear of Five Roads, with four lengths to Melaka and six to It’s Magic, after clearing six fences on the course proper. Richneil dropped his rider at the sod wall, the first on the journey. He later cleared that fence when paired with It’s Magic. It was an encouraging display by the Winton-trained Five Roads, which has his first start over country tomorrow.