Loretto will be star attraction

Press, 6 May 1980, Page 38

Loretto will be star attraction

Special correspondent Wellington Loretto’s performance in a good day of racing at Trentham on Saturday was one of the highlights and the mare seems likely to attract attention again when she parades in the Houghton Handicap tomorrow. A field of nine accepted for the Houghton on Saturday evening and yesterday trainer Noel Eales, had every intention of starting the mare.

“At this stage I’ll run,” he said.

Loretto has no rider booked so far but her trainer is not that concerned and may not finalise a rider until this evening. Trentham yesterday was quiet, though a good many visitors have stayed over. There was little fast work, but the Bulls visitor, Uncommon, turned in an impressive trial.

Galloping was on the outside of the course proper, and the going was easy. Uncommon working late in

the session, ran a brisk 800 m in 495, the last 600 m in 376. Uncommon is in the Discovery Handicap, a race for apprentice riders. Uncommon, even with the book top-weight, will be hard to beat. He was twelfth in the Wadestown Handicap on Saturday, but that was a Cl race. On good ground at Tauherenikau the time before he shared third with Toralis, just a nose and a long neck from On Show and Coober’s Queen. Balkan Road galloped on the plough with Tallow girl. Balkan Road is to have his first run in the Lyall Handicap, if he gets back on the field. The big juvenile was far too strong for his rival, a local Makor filly having her first gallop. There was at least 10 lengths between the two and Balkan Road took 52s for his 800 m, the last 600 m impressively in 38 l/ss.

Sulajay sprinted 600 m on the trial and was not really after time, but still returned 40s.

There was an impressive effort as well by Parfum. The Verner-trained filly worked down the chute, running 800 m in 545, though she only started to really hit out well inside the 700 m. She looks well and is a recent trial winner. She is by Copenhagen II from Habanita.

The Verner newcomers, Givenchy and Ocean Island were given light tasks. Luck Roona, going for his fifth win on Trentham, did pace work. He will have a change of rider with his regular Tony Williams back on.

Luck Roona is to attempt the adventure handicap, but his trainer, Ted Skinner, would dearly love to win the Captain Cook stakes. He was ■second in Prince Lee last year and second the year before than behind the recently retired My Binnie. Gay Sharon was another let off with an easy task. She is in the Galaxy, and Jim Walker has been engaged as the rider.