Smart mile time expected from Gammalite today

Press, 17 November 1981, Page 30

Smart mile time expected from Gammalite today

By

G. K. YULE

“I doubt whether he’ll threaten Lord Module’s record, but I expect a good time of under Imin 57s if conditions are reasonable,” said Gammalite’s owner-trainer, Leo O’Connor, as he went out to jog his horse at Halswell yesterday morning.

O’Connor had been worried that the hard race Gammalite had on Friday in the Benson and Hedges Free-For-All might have “flattened” him, but he had no cause for concern as the horse has thrived since that run. Bruce Clarke, who has enjoyed no luck in his two drives behind Gammalite at Addington, feels that if he can rate, the five-year-old satisfactorily, he should. be capable of a very fast time. Lord Module’s mile record

time is Imin 54.95. Gammalite will be assisted in this evening’s attempt, which will take place shortly after 7.10 p.m., by Sepoti, driven by John Noble, as a galloping prompter. “I would like to think I can keep him to an even pace all the way. He’s such a great stayer, but is inclined to be lazy. He rated better than Imin 57s on Friday and that was over 2000 m after being forced wide for a long way. That suggests he should go really well in that trial,” he

said. The Standardbred Breeders’ Association will pay $250 to O’Connor should Gammalite better Imin 58s, and the Metropolitan club will give the owner a suitable trophy. Another fast time is possible in the Ollivier Stakes in which . two outstanding pacers in Superior Chance arid Melton Monarch will meet. Their rivals include horses capable of bettering the two-minute'barrier by a / substantial margin. ’ ~

Superior Chance has drawn awkwardly, but Melton Monarch will start from the popular No. 3 position’ now that Rocking Berry and Sweet Jessica have been scratched. Superior Chance will start from the outside of the. front line, giving him an extemely difficult assignment. However, his fine placing behind Armalight and Bonnie’s Chance last Friday, suggests' that he will be capable of Overcoming his' draw and going close to winning. ’