First Wood keen

Press, 16 July 1980, Page 33

First Wood keen

The steeplechaser First Wood showed impressive keenness and fitness in one of the best gallops of the training at Riccarton yesterday. He is being prepared for the Teschemaker Steeplechase at Washdyke on Saturday and has important engagements at Riccarton to follow.

Yesterday he gave his stablemate Dunbeg a start of two lengths from the 1600 m but quickly closed that gap and went to the post strongly, holding a lead of a neck. They galloped on the No. 1 grass, firmed by a frost, and finished the 1600 m in Imin 47.85, the last 800 m in an impressive 50.45.

Keeko, a form horse for the second leg of the T.A.B. double at the South Canterbury Hunt Club’s meeting, did not do his cause any harm when he sprinted 800 m in 48:45, the last 600 m in 36.45. Jim Collett will ride him in the Belmont Handicap. , . El Cossack reeled off his 800 m in 48s. i

Ernest, one of. the fancies for the Claremont Handicap at Washdyke,' started easily at the 1600 m and finished in 1:455, quickening for the last 800 m in 53.6 s and- the 600 m in 38.85.

Pennianne, one of Ernest’s rivals, on Saturday, recorded Imin 32.8 s for 1400 m, 51.4 s

for the last 800 m, and 38.6 s for the final 600 m? Star Order, one of the first tried on the No. 1, was allowed an easy 800 m in 54.35. .

Pompus Prince led his stablemate Afore Ye by a length and a half finishing 800 m in 50.85. Set Saif did well to run 800 m under a good weight in 50.25. ... 'J :

Rebel Star, ridden by his' race rider Maurice Thornley, came up with 51.4 s for his 800 m. .

:■ El Pedro arid Singing Star finished their 800 m on terms in 50.85. Calcutta and Silver Moss ran in from the 600 m in 375.