Ruanuku, Gaffa attract attention

Press, 9 March 1984, Page 23

Ruanuku, Gaffa attract attention

Special correspondent Wellington

A three-way gallop involving Ruanuku, Gaffa and Dig In attracted most attention at Trentham yesterday when final trials were held for the last day of the autumn meeting there tomorrow.

Most fast work took place on the outside of the course proper which was easy. The track was cutting out following overnight rain, but should dry out somewhat before racing. Certainly it has been quite a turnaround from the dry track that prevailed on the first day. Ruanuku (Miss Pratt), Gaffa (Mrs Kerr), and Dig In (McMann) set out from the 1000 metres and came to the finish of 800 metres in 49.55, the last 600 in 35.55. Gaffa was ahead early, but in the end Ruanuku was just in front of Dig In with Gaffa, not the best worker, close up. Given that his performances on the training track are not always convincing it was a good effort by Gaffa which will have his first run at the meeting in the DB 1600. Dig In will join him in that. He failed in the 2ZB Mile but can do better. Jim Collett will come north to ride him and Noble Boa, while Grant Cooksley is to

ride Gaffa.

Ruanuku will run in the Chalmers. He was a fair ninth in the U.D.C. on the first day and 2400 m will suit him. He has been threatening for a time. Clansman (Mrs Kerr), a stablemate of Gaffa and a race rival tomorrow, showed his speed and was not that much slower than Tuesday when over 1000 metres in 65.55, the last 800 m in 49s and 600 m in 365.

Noble Boa (Dowling) worked on the trial and was at the end of 800 metres in 49.25, the last 600 m in 36.25. He was battling at the end of the U.D.C., but will be looking to show some improvement on previous Trentham efforts. The best gallop came from Totus (Tomes) an Heir Presumptive colt in the Priscott camp which was the first to work and on the better ground down the outside of the chute ended 800 metres in 47.45, the last 600 m in 35.45. He has useful form and will be Greg Child’s mount in the Endeavour.

Chrisey Babe, a race rival, worked with maiden candidate, Another Kiss, and then ended with 800 metres in 495, the last 600 m in 365.

Trentham Stakes winner Whetu, with race rider Brent McDonald up, took off

from the mile, then joined stablemate Internationale near the 800 m. The two ran from there in 495, the last 600 m in 365. Internationale was in front, but seeing he went further it was a pretty good effort by Whetu which should have little problem seeing out the 2800 metres of tomorrow’s St Leger. Sirtain (McCann) went evenly to finish 800 m in 52.35, the last 600 metres in 38s. Dawn Breaker and Brigadier Boy ended with 800 metres in 51.35, the last 600 m in 38s.

The big gelding, Nalokua, worked twice round on the trial, then sprinted home his final 600 metres in 36.55. He could run a good race in the Champion Handicap. U.D.C. winner, The Dimple (Dennis) went quietly from the 800 metres in 58s, the 600 metres a bit quicker in 38.55. However, her trainer, Tony Dennis, kept her going for a good 400 metres after the winning post and she was going strongly before being pulled up down the back straight. The mare looks well and will be a big chance in the Chalmers.

Miles Better (McCann) worked easily enough from the 800 m in 50s, ending with his final 600 metres in 365. At 10 he carries his years lightly.