Lord Brandon enhances his Derby prospects

Press, 28 August 1979, Page 24

Lord Brandon enhances his Derby prospects

Lord Brandon emerged as a leading contender fori honours in the $30,000 N.Z. Derby Stakes in November when he held off a determined challenge from Game Adios in the Canterbury Stakes at Addington Raceway last evening. He forced most of the pace and fought back gamely | when challenged to win byj half a length. It was only his second race start and before!

> I that he had six starts ini '[trials. .’ According to his trainer, i Russel Kennedy, who races • him in partnership with hisj ■{brother Archie, “he is a veryli brainy colt, but he still lacks!: • ■ experience.” A $4OOO purchase at the i ■ yearling sales, the Armbro 1 Del colt missed the start last 1 •I evening, but recovered 1 ..quickly to take the lead, i J Game Adios, which beat him

i nine nights earlier, sprinted I up from near the rear racing [to the 800 m and cut rapidly into his advantage in the run home. However, Lord Brandon still had half a length to spare at the finish. Lord Brandon will continue his preparation for the Derby with racing at Addington. “I don’t intend travelling far with him at present,” said Kennedy. Tongue Twister had his

[chance just ahead of Braemar, which paced an improved race. Then came I Chantilly Belle and Armbro Star, which was forced wide early and dropped away in the straight. The first on-course treble was worth only $57.55, favourites. Stormy Morn and Loyal Wave, winning the first two legs with the final leg going to the second favourite, Wing Commander. Stormy Morn gave his young driver, Ewan Pyecroft, a win at his first race drive but it was not an easy one. Stormy Morn was inclined to run in over the last 200 m and Pyecroft had. to straighten him on two occasions. He lasted it out well to beat Sam Roday and Fair Alda, which lost a handy position on the turn. Loyal Wave missed the start in the Visitors’ Handicap but he responded well for Jim Curtin to hold out Spartan Queen, well back until late, by a length and a half.