Volare in brilliant form for Classic

Press, 17 November 1981, Page 31

Volare in brilliant form for Classic

Special correspondent Palmerston North A brilliant 1000 m gallop by Volare at Awapuni yesterday morning confirmed a start for the horse in tomorrow’s $lOO,OOO Levin Turf Classic. Volare broke a minute for his gallop and it came on top of- an impressive run between races with Drum at Woodville on Saturday. Volare has had his trainer, Malcolm Smith, worried since he had to be scratched from . his first-day engagement at Woodville. It was thought that Volare had been stung by an insect as a lump came up on his neck on the morning of the races. The swelling has subsided, though Sith confessed yesterday morning that had Volare not worked well hfc would have considered scratching

him from the big race. But the three-year-old left no doubts as to his fitness as with Gus Clutterbuck up he scorched over 1000 m on the inside trial in 59.45, the last 600 m in 36.4 s and he did it with something in hand. Volare has not raced since he won at the Marton meeting on Labour Day. Regal Corinda was in dashing form over 800 m which took 48s, the last 600 m in 35.65. Regal Corinda has not raced since an impressive win at the Rangitikei meeting last month but on strength of this gallop the promising horse must be hard to beat in the Bonner Memorial.

Perpetuate ran from the 800 m in 50s, the last 600 m in 38s, good work for a stayer. Earlier he schooled over a

couple of pony hurdles. This was part of his preparation before he won on the first day at Napier Park. David Peake will ride Perpetuate in the Modern Freighter’s Handicap. Torquay sprinted well over 600 m in 365. She has been kept fresh since failing at Hawera last month. Earlier she won at Mastertori. She is a talented mare with a good chance in the Levin Cup Stakes. Regal Bijou hit out well over 800 m in 50.85, the last 600 m in 37.2 s and he is in good fettle for his Bonner Memorial engagement. Grand Command went smartly over J 000 m in Imm 2s, the last 600 m in 38s. He ran a bold race on Saturday and is still improving. He is another engaged in the Levin Cup Stakes.