Athos close to his best to resume on Monday

Press, 28 March 1980, Page 19

Athos close to his best to resume on Monday

By

J. J. BOYLE

Athos came up with a dashing 1000 m gallop at Riccarton yesterday, a run that held high promise for his prospects in the race for two-year-olds at the North Canterbury Racing Club’s meeting on Monday.

He was easing down, yet stayed clear of Aquarius, finishing 1000 m on the No. 1 grass in 61, the last 800 in 48.4. Athos has not raced since] November and came back! into training carrying lots of condition. His programme: has been shaped as a lead-] up to the Champagne Stakes: at the Canterbury Jockey] Club’s meeting, but his re-] cent gallops should have fit-1 ted him for a bold run at!

t Rangiora. Jim Collett will be l his race rider. ' I The No. 1 . grass was in, use yesterday for the first time since last spring * the ■footing was excellent and times flattered the efforts of |some of the moderates. Our Silver, which will op'■pose Athos in the Chamhpagne Stakes, but is not ini •lat Rangiora. managed to rectum 46.5 for 800. . Earlier his stablemate Bil-j •]berry, returned 49.2 in her] ■]semi-final trial for the two-] ;! year-old race at Rangiora. i

i Fantan and Deceiver were ion terms three lengths ahead , of Royal Princess ending 1200 in Imin 16.45, the last 600 "in 36.6. Fantan and Deceiver will meet in the Inglewood Stakes, for three-year-old fillies, at Rangiora. Dolmar led Caviba by two lengths finishing 1600 m in i lmin 43.65, the last 800 in ! 52.45. I Rockford and II Piccolo i ran in from the 1400 ini ;lmin 29.65, the last 800 in |49.4. i i Early Dawn was three 1

lengths better than Double Yoke over 800 m, run in 51.6. Other gallops:— 800m.—Just a Rebel and Damazaan 49.2; Five Over Five, Always and Spy Castle 48.2; Indian Summer 50.2; Longsin (finishing 1600) 50.2; Another Story 50.6: Aramis 47.2: Pennianne 49, last 600 in 36.5; War Knight and Linda Rondstadt 48.2; Tai Noon 49.6; Aegean Sea ]49; Bijou Lad and Beach Bird 48.8; Sea Devil and Admiral’s Cup 48; Palais Glide 48.8.