Camelot and Amaze ‘on trial’ at Ashburton

Press, 11 February 1983, Page 18

Camelot and Amaze ‘on trial’ at Ashburton

By

G. K. YULE

Camelot and Amaze, two probable candidates for the Benson and Hedges Inter-Dominion Championship series at Alexandra Park next month, will be on trial for that meeting when they contest the Grain and Seed Merchants’ Handicap at Ashburton tomorrow.

Both horses contested the Register . Handicap won by Norton at Addington Raceway last Friday, Camelot tiring a shade to fourth, less than two lengths from the' winner and less than a length in front of Amaze. Camelot was forced wide early and in the open for the last 1200 m. It was not surprising that he wilted a shade over the final few strides and he was far from disgraced. That race was his first since December 30 and he should be a much-im-

proved horse this week. Amaze’s run. too. was a splendid one as he pulled hard in the middle part. He did well to finish so close to the winner at the end of a solidly-run 2600 m. He stays well and might not be so keen this time, suggesting that he could take beating even from his handicap of 20m. Dryden Amanda, winner of this race 12 months ago when it was run on the old grass track, heralded early

success when she ran Norton to half a length last Friday, by far her best effort this time up. Now that she is back to form she could make Camelot and Amaze work hard for victory. Stortford Lodge, on 30m, and Dundas, on 40m, are also preparing for racing at Alexandra Park next month. The stablemates have been off the scene since January 3, but might not be far from their peak taking a line through their recent bold runs at trials. Both are

proven stayers against much stronger opposition and they' cannot be left out of a list of chances. Vienna Charm and Borana will also have supporters, as will Doctor Bailey, which has won twice and been placed one from his last four starts. Double Cove, Icenic and Templar are three form runners in the second leg, the Radio Ashburton 3ZE Handicap, a race in which Glen Reynolds could be the hardest to beat.