Spy Force clear sprint winner

Press, 10 February 1982, Page 25

Spy Force clear sprint winner

By

J. J. BOYLE

David Walsh made one mistake when he turned down the ride on Spy Force before that gelding won his first race- for Mr and Mrs G. H. (Mick) Murfitt.

But he seized the opportunity to ride the King's Troop gelding in the Canterbury Jockey Club's Craven Plate yesterdav, and he

brought him home for a decisive top weight's victory in the second leg of the T.A.B. double.

Walsh, who rode five winners at Wanganui last Saturday, came south to ride al Riccarton yesterday with engagements tor several members of the Ashburton team prepared by his former employer. Jim Lalor.

Lalor had Timax in the line-up against Spy Force yesterday, and in tile hands of another northerner. Phillip Aiderman. the grey finished List for second to Spy Force.

But Walsh said he ' liad nothing to concern him from the home turn. He had Spy Force following Napiat coming to the straight, and when horses inside pushed him out he decided to go through with his run. "He was boiling

at the 60Um." Walsh said iater.

"Mick" Murfitt said he wondered if Walsh had made his bid lor the lead too soon, but his doughty colourbearer. a Riccarton 140(Jm specialist, had the race won at every stride in the last 4.00 m.

Spy Force will probably have his next race at the Hororata meeting at Riccarton on March 6. and will then be prepared for Easter racing on his Imme track. Timax's second yesterday held out promise for an early win.

Darnley Flight, backed down lo favouritism after an unlucky fifth on the first day of the meeting, made good headway for her third and Country Scene, close by lourth. was another dogged finisher.