TANG READY FOR NEXT CLASH

Press, 8 November 1978, Page 21

TANG READY FOR NEXT CLASH

Special correspondent |i Hastings' The class Hastings filly Tang is in splendid order for her next clash with the country’s leading three-year-old Springtide in the $20,000; N.Z. 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on Saturday. Because the markers were ; too far in, reliable times*

could not be taken for her 800 m gallop on the hard and fast number one grass at Hastings yesterday morning. But the Taipan 11-Agricolet filly worked soundly, and she pulled up well after the gallop. In their two encounters so far, Springtide has beaten Tang into second place, but there is confidence the Hast-

lings filly will severely test! [Springtide in Saturday’s! 1600 m event. Tang is at her very best on fast going, while there is some reason for doubt about’ Springtide’s ability to handle [such footing, which is ex-1 pected on Saturday. 1 A slow beginning and a [rocky run afterwards were: [probably the main reasons; for Springtide’s defeat —her; ' first this season—in last. ■Saturday’s 2000 Guineas at [Riccarton. But she failed to; kick on when the gaps came,; ! which gives rise to the question of her hard-track ability.! Her other wins were on tracks rain-affected to some, degree.

' Springtide is more racehardened than Tang, the latter not having raced; since the Desert Gold Stakes. But Tang is fit. and her preparation helped no end by her [strong gallop between races [at, the Napier Park races on Saturday.