Tight finish to open sprint

Press, 14 August 1982, Page 17

Tight finish to open sprint

Soaring High, the honest Washdyke gelding, came out on top to a thrilling three way finish to the open sprint, the August Handicap. In spite of the small field (nine, runners), the August the best finish of the day. with noses separating Soaring High. Bilberry and Nottingham Note, at the end of the 1400 metres. Soaring High, better suited by wet ground, showed his stout fighting qualities in ■ spite of the firm ground. In the second line early, he was steadied to fifth until round--ing the home turn. His rider, Ali Robinson, kept his mount up to his work from the top of the straight to gain the .decision. . The son of Sovereign Eagle and Khurasan recorded .his eighth win for Mrs Col- ' —' ” T

leen Corboy, wife of the trainer, Pat Corboy. "We’ll go anywhere next year with him when it's wet," Corboy said. “I think he'll get up to 2000 metres next year, too," he added. The Riccarton mare. Bilberry, having her first start in blinkers, settled fourth, and after dashing clear at the 200 metres,/appeared to have the race won. Headed in the last stride, Bilberry saved second from Nottingham Note, which lost valuable ground when forced wide on the home turn and produced a determined late bid

The favourite. Turf Ruler, after reaching the lead momentarily 250 metres out. only battled over the closing stages to finish fourth.