Irish Lad goes fast at Awapuni

Press, 9 June 1978, Page 9

Irish Lad goes fast at Awapuni

Special correspondent j c Palmerston North. |a I The Takanini visitor, Irish S Lad, along with the first-leg ' candidates, Stylish Sovereign 4 and Garfield, and the jump- , er, Young John, all came I through final trials well at f' Awapuni yesterday. Irish lad ran a fast 1200 m on the j course proper, while Young I John was brilliant over five a fences. 1 The course was only 1 slightly easy but it would not need much rain to soft- i en the ground for tomorrow. Irish Lad reeled off his i 1200 with Peter Harris up in | Imin 17.45, the last 600 in I 39.4. He pulled up well and ; has thrived on the trip. He i won well at his last start at 1 Whangarei and is so far the i only mount for his promising young apprentice, Neil Williams. Merv Ritchie is not sure i how Irish Lad will go if the track gets very, soft, though he is hopeful. Garfield, as expected, ran right away from the maiden, Sabuto, at the end of 1200 m in Imin 20.6 s the last 600 in 40.6. The shifty ground and turning track beat Garfield at Wanganui. The Vicar and Silver Strike ran 1000 m in Imin 6s, the last 600 in 38.6. They finished together. The Vicar

could be close to good form again. On the plough Stylish Sovereign and Sir Desmond worked their last 1200 m in Imin 19.65, the last 600 in 40.2. Stylish Sovereign is well, and will be hard to beat in the Palmerston North Handicap. Young Margot worked with Gold Reign over 1200 m in Imin 21s. Young Margot had trained on since winning at Foxton, and what beats her should win the June Handicap. Gavade was impressive running 100 m in Imin 3s, the last 600 in 38. He has missed in recent starts but luck has been against him. He is very well in himself and could show improvement in the Stewards’ Handicap, especially if there is any further rain. Charger worked easily over 1000 m in Imin Ils. He took no harm from his northern trip and could switch back to flat racing successfully if the ground gets wet and loose. Young John was,clear of Mateus and Dandy Andy over the three permanent steeples fences. Young John jumping brilliantly. He went on to take two more in great style. He has taken to the big’ fences competently and he will be the one to beat in the Melford Steeplechase.