Lord Module and Sapling ready for big runs in today’s N.Z. Cup

Press, 7 November 1978, Page 22

Lord Module and Sapling ready for big runs in today’s N.Z. Cup

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G. K. YULE

Three months ago earl> favouritism for today’s 875.000 New Zealand ( up at Addington Raceway was being shared by Lord Module and Sapling. I he latest trials of both horses suggest that they will be two of the principals in the country’s greatest staying test for open-class pacers.

Two wins from four starts by Trusty Scot and a care-fully-timed and searching preparation for Wee Win have elevated them to near the top of prospects in the race in the eyes of most observers. And there are many who are predicting bold runs from the likes of Nimble Yankee. Palestine. Bronze Tail. Scottish Heath and Rocky Tryax. Others are expecting big things from the northern visitor. Rondel, who will be driven by Peter Wolfenden.

Lord Module, the youngest horse in the field, could; hardly have been more impressive when worked in ■ company with two galloping pacemakers on Cecil Devine’s track at Templeion yesterday. He went over 2400 m at a rousing pace and he was not asked to travel at anywhere near top speed except for a brief period inside the last 400 m. One of the pacemakers raced in front of Lord Module. with the other in behind. During the trial they changed positions with one horse dropping back inside

. the talented young pacer and I i later one raced round him. At no stage did Lord Module seem even slightly upset by the movement around him and he completed his run to i the satisfaction of his owner-trainer. i Devine is hopeful that Lord Module will move off ■ smoothly, but he is more i than a little concerned by his inside barrier draw. “If everything goes right for him I’m expecting a really big run,” he said. Felix Newfield, who will be having his fourth drive in the (’up. is pleased with the] condition of Nimble Yankee.;

L “He was troubled by a small .'stone bruise before he ran ;'second at Kaikoura. but is| 'igood now,” he said. Newi; field does not rate Nimble >! Yankee as being as good as •! his half-brother. Royal Ascot, but is hoping for a Nbold run. Newfield had his first Cup '. drive in 1960 behind Audi- , :tor. while he was represent- ' ed by Queen Ngaio a year later. In 1963 he drove Oreti jinto fourth place behind [Cardigan Bay. ■ If handicapping counts for I anything, Bolton Byrd [should be hard to beat in j the second leg of the double,!

I the Canterbury Junior Free i[for-all. Had he secured . ; I start in the New Zealam -jCup. he would have bee: ;[ handicapped on 15m. but h ? I comes into this field on th I [front and is opposed by i field comprising main!’ , horses outside the Cup limit >; Bolton Byrd made no im ■ pression in last week’s Kai ■ koura Cup, his only star Cthis spring, and he brok i; after about. 300 m when bein. i, eased away from anothe horse. However, he look well and could show up. h The form displayed latel; );by Sun Seeker, Miss Per .land Lord Moose suggest that they will be to, chances, while Bad Luck ant Smokey Lopez could alst race prominently. The meeting between N( Response, Spartan Prince Scotch Tar and Framalda it the Worthy Queen Handicar will he another highlight o: the day. while much interes: will centre in the performances of the three-year-olds in the First N.Z. Derby Trial Stakes. Two talented four-year olds. Timely Robin and Locarno. will also be closely watched. Timely Robin is opposed by a strong field of C 6 and C 7 pacers in the Spring Stakes, with Locarnc in the Flying Handicap for C 4 horses. Both are expected to go close to winning.