David Walsh to ride at Ashburton meeting

Press, 12 March 1982, Page 1 (Supplement)

David Walsh to ride at Ashburton meeting

By J. J. BOYLE The successful North Island jockey, David Walsh, will come south to ride at Ashburton next Monday. He is in an “either or" situation for the Ashburton County Handicap — John Peel if there is any easing in the ground or Timax if the Canterbury drought continues.

Both are trained by Jim Lalor, who has also engaged Walsh for Frontline, Jimo, Sutch Montana Star and Julie’s Boy. The Crofter left the impression that he could be a strong lightweight contender for the Ashburton County Handicap when he beat Blue Sage comfortably in a spirit trial on the plough at Riccarton yesterday. Although he was being

eased near the end. The Crofters still finished with a lead of three lengths over Blue Sage, and returned 38.2 s for his last 600 m. Blue Sage is another acceptor for the first leg of the Ashburton T.A.B. double. Ashburton will briefly be Blue Sage’s home track after Easter. Her trainer, Peter Williams is to move there to occupy the stable on the racecourse property. .Blue Sage is eight, and in her last season of racing, but she will probably racce at the Marlborough meeting before she goes into retirement. She has also been entered for the Nelson Cup. Last Surge another member of the Peter Williams team, will resume after a freshener in the Alford Handicap at Ashburton. He was not bustled for his 600 m on

the plough yesterday and finished in 40.45. Earlier Play Back, a form runner for the Trial Stakes at Ashburton hurried over 600 to 37.2. The stablemates, Mon Anchor and Primate, were two of the best over more ground. They finished 1400 m on terms in Imin 30.65, the last 600 in 39.6. Haughty Look and Five Over Five followed in Imin 33.65, the last 600 in 39.8. King’s Robe beat Careful Thought from the 600 by three lengths in 41.4. Noble Hold one of few tried on the trial grass, completed 800 attractively in 50.2. This five-year-old sister to Auditory raced without success in Australia. She will have her first start from Brydon Mills’s team in the Trial Stakes at Ashburton.