Enterprise confirmed as top three-year-old pacer

Press, 21 January 1982, Page 18

Enterprise confirmed as top three-year-old pacer

By

G. K. YULE

Enterprise confirmed his premier position among the three-year-old pacers of the season when he trounced his nine rivals in tlie Metropolitan Three-year-old Championship at Addington Raceway last evening.

Enterprise received a perfect trail behind the lone filly in the race. Hilarious Guest, in a race which developed into an intriguing battle of tactics. Peter Jones dropped the pace sharply with Hilarious Guest in the middle stages, sharpened it again near the 800 m. but it dropped off again on the home turn. Lord Thorpe moved up three wide on the turn, but his challenge was short-lived, as also was the run of Glen Lustre, which was in the open for much of the way. Peter Shand had little dif-

ficulty moving Enterprise off the rails early in the run home, with Mai Mai following him up. Hilarious Guest was mastered more than 100 m out and Enterprise did not have to be driven out to win by a length and a half. ' A colt by Lordship from Universe. Enterprise is trained near' Palmerston by Pat Heffernan, who races him in partnership with his wife. Catherine. Enterprise has the $50,000 New Zealand Derby Stakes on February 17 as his next main mission. "I want to

give him a race before that one. but am finding it hard to get one suitable. There is a C 8 race at Oamaru on February 6 and I might have to start him then." said Heffernan.

An inquiry was held into the incident, which was found to have been caused by Mister Wood Chips, driven by Graham Court, who was found guilty of careless driving. Court's horseman’s licence was suspended until after January 30. Royal Decision followed up a placing at Washdyke last Saturday with a handy win in the Charles S. Thomas Handicap. After leading for a time after 400 m she was shuffled back on the rails when passed first by Angelo Dundee and then by The Sting.

The start of last evening's race was not good. Hilarious Guest swung out and knocked Guest of Honour out of contention. Mel’s Boy was not properly in line when the barrier was released. At the end of 300 m Master Will met with a check and almost came down, causing serious interference to Portfolio.

Once into the home straight The Sting drifted out. allowing Royal Decision a clear run through. She responded gamely and beat The Sting by half a length. Royal Illusion did well to finish third after being checked early, taking that placing by half a head from Angelo Dundee, which was clear of Right Bower. The race was roughly run early, with Right Bower. False Regal and Single Cee to be among those to. suffer checks.