Upset result in Randwick feature

Press, 6 October 1980, Page 23

Upset result in Randwick feature

NZPA Sydney The $120,000 Epsom Handicap (1600 m at Randwick on Saturday saw a major upset with the strong 5-to-2 favourite, the New Zealand galloper. Silver Wraith, weakening badly in the closing stages to finish near last. The New Zealand bred Bold Diplomat (Diplomatic Agent-Fairview Park), trainer T. J. Smith’s “second string” entry, led all the way and held off challenges in the last 100 m to win by a neck. The second placegetter, Ariva Landing, nearly caused an even bigger upset as the 250-to-l rank outsider hit the front only strides from the post but was caught by the winner. Third place went to another New Zealand bred, the Rich Gift entire, Prince Pherozshah, which finished strongly only a neck from Ariva Landing. The win by Bold Diplomat was not well received by the Randwick crowd who booed and hooted the jockey, Malcolm Johnston, and Smith. Bold Diplomat has only won ' four races but has amassed $139,000 in Stakes. Smith said Bold Diplomat

would now be a starter in the $205,000 Caulfield Cup (2400 m on October 18 and could also be entered for the Toorak Handicap on Saturday. Peter Cook, rider of the defeated Silver Wraith, said the New Zealand horse was the first beaten. “I hunted him early to clear trouble but got a check at the 300 m and that was the end of him,” he said.

EPSOM HANDICAP $120,000; 1600 m. 4/4 BOLD DIPLOMAT (7) 51 M. Johnston 1 22/22 A R IV A LAN DIN G (20r 47 N. Barker 2 13/14 PRINCE PHEROZSHAH (14) 50.5 N. Campton 3

Others in finishing order: 2/2 Tullmax, 8/7 Wotta Krakka, 20/18 Underproof, 3/4 Star Dancer. 16/16 Lauriat, 6/6 Tolhurst, 20/20 Andynuto, 15/12 Tell Fibs, 7/8 Warmington, 18/19 Khaliran, 17/17 Gondolier. 14/15 Motorman, 11/13 Marjoleo, 5/3 Consenting, 19/21 Sprayette, 10/10 Monkey’s Pride, 171 Silver Wraith, 12/11 Windvale Beau, 8/9 El DufusfNk. 4 len. Time: 1:34.4. Win: $13.20. Places: $3.40, $30.15, $9.05. Quinella: $1903.40.