Blue Sage goes well

Press, 23 October 1981, Page 1 (Supplement)

Blue Sage goes well

Blue Sage, winner of the North Canterbury Cup a year ago, firmed in favour for that race next Monday by beating Star Order in one of the best gallops of the training at Riccarton yesterday. Star Order broke away in front at the 1200 m on the trial grass, but Blue Sage drew up easily and beat him by a length and a half.

Blue Sage ran the distance in Imin 17.65, the last 800 in 49.2, and the final 600 in 36.4. Row of Waves, favourite for the Canterbury Stakes, was only at three-quarter pace starting from the 1200 m yet he finished the task in Imin 18.65, hurrying over the final 800 in 48.6. It was one of his best solo efforts. Dolmar led Debonaire

over 1200 m in Imin 17.45, the last 800 in 51s. Aramis, an expensive failure at Orari last Saturday, renewed interest in his North Canterbury Cup prospects by reeling off 1400 m in Imin 26.85, the opening 600 in 36.4. The Crofter took the honours for 1000 m on the grass by returning 60.8 s in beating Retep by a neck. They ran

the last 800 in 47.55, and the final 600 m in 36.25. Just A Honey, a promising two-year-old in the Dave Kerr team, hurried over 800 m in 48s. Treacle, a rival candidate for Just A Honey in the Morwenstow Stakes at Rangiora, returned 49s in finishing clear of Dark Princess.