Sovereign’s Will fit for Nelson Cup

Press, 18 March 1983, Page 26

Sovereign’s Will fit for Nelson Cup

By

J. J. BOYLE

Sovereign’s Will put more gloss on his Nelson Cup prospects with a pleasing 1600 m trial at Riccarton yesterday. In the hands of his trainer, Owen Anning, Sovereign’s Will finished on terms with the less heavilyburdened Fairway Lass on the trial grass in Imin 42.45, the last 800 in 51.4., They could have gone faster without, being fully extended only for a slippery latch on one of the turns, jut over all the track pro-

vided fast footing after rain on Wednesday. Sovereign’s Wilf is owned in Blenheim, and the six-year-old will have an overnight stop there tonight, before going on to Nelson. Lord of the Dance, topweight in the Nelson Cup, was taken north yesterday. Ron McCann was engaged yesterday for Lord of the Dance, and his other mounts include Keenkiss, another form runner for Riccarton. McCann will return to Riccarton after tomorrow’s racing, and will ride at

Oamaru on Monday. The Oamaru-bound Appoint yesterday ran 1600 m in Imin 47.65, quickening for the last 800 in 51.2. Russell McAra has been engaged to ride him on Monday. Double Jay started near the 1600 and ran her last 800 in 51.6.

Hint, early favourite for the Champagne Stakes at Easter — she is unbeaten in two starts — sprinted her 800 in 49.6. Valentino and Reach followed in 50.

Dick Turpin and Reingard finished their 800 on terms in 49.