Top-class field for Wanganui

Press, 4 September 1982, Page 22

Top-class field for Wanganui

Special correspondent Wellington

One of the best Central Districts •• weight-for-age fields for years has been drawn for the Tim Rogers Stakes, first leg of the T.A.B. double, at the Wanganui Jockey Club's meeting at •Wanganui today. Axeman, Prince Majestic, Shamrock, Speculation, Alley Oop. Bound To Honour and Noble Heights are all included in the strong line-up but it could be Axeman and Prince Majestic that again battle out the finish.

Axeman and Prince Majestic had the finish of the Jackson Stakes — renamed the Rogers Stakes this year — to themselves last season. Axeman won with half a length back to Prince Majestic and Anderil a further four and a half lengths back, third.

This year though, the first and second placings could be reversed. Axeman has the benefit of two races this season — both impressive wins. The first, at Pukekohe, was easily won by four lengths and he was just as impressive taking the Foxbridge Plate by three lengths. Prince Majestic, on the other hand, has not raced since finishing third behind Deb’s Mate in the Founders’ Plate at Avondale on July 10. He has, however, always raced boldly fresh.

Prince Majestic carried all before him in a trip to Australia last season. He backed that up with an impressive record in his New Zealand racing as well.

He won five races — the Harcourt Stakes and the Taranaki Stakes, both over 1600 m, the D.B. Galaxy Stakes (2000 m at Trentham. and two handicap events over middle distances.

Prince Majestic’s work at

Takanini in recent weeks has been good. It is intended to take him, along with his stablemate. Givenchy, to Australia. The pair are booked to leave on September 18, with Prince Majestic being aimed at the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup. A good showing in the Rogers Stakes would make that trip a reality. A trip across the Tasman is also a possibility for Axeman. However, his trainer is more of a mind to stay in New Zealand and contest the weight-for-age races while his main rivals are in Australia.

Bound To Honour resumed in the Foxbridge Plate last month and ran sixth. It was a useful run and one that should have improved her. The mare has drawn well today and, as she showed last season, she rarely runs a bad race.

Speculation resumed on a winning note on the first day of this meeting last Friday. He is still a day to day proposition but is capable of beating most in this field.

Shamrock could well be reserved for the Manchester Handicap at Feilding on Wednesday. He is not long back from an Australian campaign, and at this stage of his preparation today’s distance of 1600 m may be too short.

Alley Oop is one of the better mares in the Central Districts and with a better start this time she could improve on her poor Foxbridge Plate showing. Noble Heights resumed in a sprint at Ellerslie on August 14 and only wilted in the final stages. The race is likely to have improved her and she could figure in the finish.

Sovereign’s Ace, Manchu and the Wanganui Guineas winner Rosie Dawn also add interest to the race.