Ashley Knight breaks through for success

Press, 21 January 1982, Page 18

Ashley Knight breaks through for success

Ashley Knight broke through for an overdue first win when he made most of the pace in the . Cashmere Stakes at Addington Raceway last evening.

The colt by Timely Knight and Ashley Star, had not been lucky in the barrier draw in most of his earlier racing, but last evening he began from No. 3. He tangled out. but recovered quickly and soon took the lead from Bill's Lord.

Although Glamour Chief made a game effort to overhaul him in the straight, Ashley Knight was always in command and won comfortably by two lengths.

Glamour Chief held second by a neck from Monfort, with Ferrari pacing an improved race to finish fourth, clear of the remainder.

Ashley Knight is raced by his Rangiora trainer, Frank Murfitt, in partnership with Dr C. R. and Mr R. G. Moody, of Christchurch.

Betta Class, placed on the course last Friday, failed at Washdyke on Saturday. Back to Addington, he came from near the tail of the field racing to the 800 m to win the Gammalite Stakes by two lengths from Icenic,. which made a late bid for his placing after losing his position in the middle stages. Leigh Marie, close up throughout, was third, ahead of Golden Casanova. Lumber Jack made no race of the Visitors’ Stakes. He was back beyond midfield for most of the way, but was always pacing comfortably. Richard Brosnan did not have to drive him out to win by a length and a half from Royal Lopez, which shaped like an early winner. Shabby Tiger fought on for a close third, ahead of Vienna Charm and Young Beau.

Lord Legend had to pace his mile in only 2min 4s to come out on top in the

Papanui Stakes. He had three-parts -of a length to spare over Camelot, with Capri coming on late for third, just ahead of Trendy Tryax and Monte Casino. About Now advanced her record to three wins from her last four starts when she held the favourite, Sir Castleton. out by a neck at the end of the Heathcote Handicap.

About Now and Sir Castleton started from 30m and raced towards the tail of the field until about the 900 m. About Now started to improve and Sir Castleton followed her up. Sir Castleton was pulled out inside the last 200 m, but he could not quite get to About Now. Strydom trotted his best race for the season when he held third a length and a half back, half a head in front of a solid finisher in General Link. Sid was a sound fifth, ahead of Kate’s Return, which did well after drifting earlv.