Impressive work by River Lad

Press, 22 October 1981, Page 23

Impressive work by River Lad

Special correspondent Invercargill

River Lad. which will contest the $lO,OOO Gore Guineas on Saturday worked impressively at ’ Invercargill on Tuesday morning. Ridden by John Laidlaw (65,kg). the big Riverton colt worked strongly over a round and had the pace on over the last 800 m in 52.625.

Travelling easily down the straight. River Lad reeled off his closing 600 m in 37.365. The markers were 8m out on a holding course proper.

River Lad missed some work after running second to Row of Waves in the John Grigg Stakes at Ashburton and should be improved with his fourth behind Dig In and company in the 100 Pipers Stakes at Winton, when-he was wide all the way. He has drawn the outside on Saturday, but should be prominent in a strong field. Ernest, the top weight in the first leg of the T.A.B. double at Gore, recorded 56.27 s for his 800 m. He showed dash over the first

200 m in 13.23 s but eased up near the end. His Riccarton trainer, Mrs Helen Preston, said the trip south has taken more out of her charge this year, but she will be hoping for an improvement on his Winton effort.

Bopepa, was working well on the outside of River Town near the finish of their gallop. They were sent over 1800 m and quickened over the last 800 m in 53.23 s and the closing 600 m in 38.525. They finished on terms. Abdicator. which will be one of the favourites for the Otaraia Handicap, worked solidly solo over a round, coming home the last 800 m in 54.745. Colohed Proctor and Avalso worked over 2100 m. quickening over the last 600 m in 40.745. Colonel Proctor willl have his first start in open company on Saturday.

Lady Cop was not asked for top speed when she worked solo over 600 m in 42.25. Brimarg and Gallant Ace had a good working gallop over the same distance in 38.85.