Easy win for Young Command in ’chase

Press, 28 May 1979, Page 25

Easy win for Young Command in ’chase

Special correspondent Dunedin Young Command, which is booked to fly to Melbourne on June 14, was untroubled to master 69kg when winning the Burnside Steeplechase at Oamaru on Saturday. Young Command dropped back to last in the early stages, about 10 lengths off the pace, then improved steadily over the final lap with sure leaping. He went through on the inside of the pacemaker, Deep South, to lead at the third last fence and won by six lengths. “He felt better today than when he won last week,” said his regular rider, Owen Anning, who is continuing his association with the Tiber seven-year-old in Melbourne. ' .

It will be the sixth trip to Australia for Young Command’s Wingatui trainer, Bob Heasley. He took Baghdad Note four times and

won the Melbourne Cup with him in 1970 on his second visit.

Foxonewa, a member of his team in 1971, was beaten a sho’ half-head by Buckshot in the Australian Steeples at Sandown and ran third to Valgo and Club Spirit in the Australian Grand National Steeplechase. Both races are on the programme of Young Command, which has now won four steeplechases — three at Oamaru and one at Riccarton — and has gained nine minor placings in 14 starts over country. Heasley struck firm tracks with Foxonewa which was at his best in wet ground. But Heasley is hoping to strike firm tracks in Melbourne with Young Command which prefers the going that way. Try Two made a successful first appearance over hurdles when he won on Saturday. He ran clear with 900 m to travel and was in

no danger over the closing stages.

Try Two gave John Parsons, his Amberley trainer, his tenth success for the season. He won two hurdle races with Rosearna in the spring and has also been successful with Good Way (twice), Dark Gypsy and Ashnelle. Try two has had three other wins this season. Try Two was also ridden by the Riccarton jockey, Owen Anning. Ron McCann, also from Riccarton, won on both his mounts, All Smiles and Myownie. Both are trained at Orari by Lionel Pratt. Riccarton’s Kevin Morton achieved a double as a trainer-rider with Napiat and Sweet Brew. Myownie gained an impressive win in the Second Waitaki Handicap. She was slow away then moved up to third at the 800 m, went clear rounding the home turn and drew away to score by six lengths and a half.