All eyes on Leyland at Auckland today

Press, 13 August 1980, Page 22

All eyes on Leyland at Auckland today

Special correspondent Auckland With the Pakuranga Hunt Cup coming up. the jumpers will attract most attention at the Auckland Racing Club’s August meeting todav. and the way Leyland manages the steeplechase course will be most interesting. Levland is already in the forefront of discussions for the Hunt Cup. run over 4900 m on Saturday week. A win or a good performance today would almost certainly make him a warm favourite for the bigger one on August 23. A Great Northern Hurdles winner, Leyland first tried a Steeplechase on June 21, at Tauranga. It was not his fault that he fell. Then he made no mistake about winning his one attempt meanwhile, out in front nearly all the way. Since then Leyland has had one further race, over 1600 m at Matamata last Saturday, when he exceeded all expectations by finishing third. Leyland carried 60kg in his Matamata Steeplechase

and for his first try at the Ellerslie country, in the Winter Steeplechase, he hasj been given 62.5 kg. Continuing fine weather would be a help to Leyland which is not too comfortable when the going is heavy. With the conditions to suit, it is easy to imagine his being too quick for his opponents. Next to Leyland the main prospects seem to be Denby Fox. Le Roy and Black Arch. Denby Fox, for second, ran creditably last time at Ellerslie, over this very same course in the Clarkin Steeplechase on July 23. Le Roy is in good form and along with Black Arch, certainly deserves a win. Denby Fox carried 61.5 kg when finishing strongly behind Rock Hunter in the' Clarkin Steeplechase. With the scale down he has a lesser amount this time, by 4.5 kg. Le Roy was runner-up to Leyland in the Tims Memorial Steeplecase at Matamata. That was his third second placing on end and he has since gained another,

.behind Dual Purpose at Pukekohe on August 2. Merman, for all his 61kg. 'has to be allowed a good chance in the August Handicap. first leg of the double. The Broadway Handicap looks interesting, with Hotsand being opposed by up and comers like County Cork and Orchid Gold, both three-year olds, and. Bold Getty.

11.30 a.m.—Glenfield Hurdles: Dual Purpose, Knight Errant, Ngai O'Dee. U. 5 p.m.—Carbine Plate: Dave's Pride, Fire God, Caballero.

12.40 p.m.—First Brookby Maiden: Tropic Star, Victory Chant, Almerindo. 1.15 p.m.—Second Brookby Maiden: Adianta, Sovereign's Wings, Concentration. 1.45 p.m.—Winter Steeplechase: Leyland, Denby Fox, Le Roy.

2.20 p.m.—August Handicap: Merman, Stevie Wonder, Rubicon. 2.55 p.m.—Provincial Handicap: Herlena Heights, Technician, Big Mike. 3.30 p.m.—Broadway Handicap: County Cork, Hotsand, Bold Getty. 4 p.m.—Metropolitan Handicap: Piston, Selando, Little Vic.

4.35 p,m.—Westminster Handicap: Exactor, Mimic, Top Ruler.