Enterprise poised for Stakes success

Press, 30 May 1981, Page 24

Enterprise poised for Stakes success

By

G. K. YULE

The stamina displayed by Enterprise and Hilarious Guest suggests that they could dispute the finish to the New Zealand Sapling Stakes, the feature race on the first day of the Ashburton Trotting Club’s winter meeting today.

Enterprise was some distance from his peak when he wen the Methven Two-year-old . Stakes early in April, his effort emphasising that no matter what track conditions prevail at Ashburton, he will handle grass with confidence.

Then, not long afterwards, he established . a New Zealand record for 2000 m by one of his age when he won the final of the Sires’ Produce Stakes at Addington Raceway on May 8 in 2min 33.65.

The 2400 m at Ashburton should be well within his capabilities and Peter Shand will only need to receive a reasonable run with him to

lead the opposition home. Noodlurr.’s half-sister, Olga Korbut, in 1975 was the last filly to win the Sapling Stakes. The fairer sex Will have a big chance today with Hilarious Guest, a stylish winner over 2000 m at Timaru on May 16 at her latest start. She has several wins to her credit over the leading colts and geldings, her racing having been marked by impressive displays of stamina. Capri advanced in favour for this event when last Saturday at Rangior-. she beat a fair field of maiden pacers most convincingly over 2600 m. She, too, is not lack-

ing in stamina and should battle on better than most at the end of what will be a tough slog up-the 500 m-long home ; traight. Mel’s Boy was found wanting the Sires’ Produce Stakes final after having won the Welcome Stakes when the demands on stamina were not quite so great. He must be given another chance to redeem himself.

Ansett, Where Else, Peregrine, Mai Mai and Boulder Creek have all shown promise in their racing and they could add interest to the finish, although they will need luck to prove the master of Enterprise.