Melton Monarch too good

Press, 27 December 1980, Page 15

Melton Monarch too good

By

G. K. YULE

Fouroux and Melton Monarch last May fought out a controversial finish in the Sapling Stakes at Ashburotn. Yesterday the same two horses were first past the post in the Champion Stakes, but' this time there was no doubt about the superior youngster, Melton Monarch. 1

-Jim Dalgety was content to allow Melton Monarch ot coast along towards the tail of the field, which bunched near the straight entrance. He was at the rear with Fouroux, which progressed along the rails. 1 An opening Came when Out to Dream drifted out and Melton Monarch surged through the

middle of the group.- He did not have to be driven out to beat Fouroux by two lengths in 3min 13.2 s for the 2400 m. The pace was hot over the final 800 m in 58.75.

A gelding by Out to Win from Nikellora, Melton Monarch will be raced about Canterbury in the next few weeks, and it is possible he will be taken forth for the Great Northern Derby in the Autumn.

Secret Knigh,t a maiden pacer, was given every chance by Bob Nyhan and he held on for. third,, half a length from Fouroux. Three lengths < back came the tiring pacemaker, Graham Brown, which shaded the favourite. Vita Man.

Then came Out to Dream and Gingre Creek. Vita Man broke at the

[start and lost at least 25m, while Winning Double lost I even more ground.