Fantastic ready for big effort

Press, 13 April 1984, Page 26

Fantastic ready for big effort

Special correspondent Palmerston North Fantastic looked in top order in training at Awapuni yesterday morning and the Hawke’s Bay winner looks set for another big effort in the Hastings Handicap this week-end. Fantastic was at good odds on the first day, however the price will not be so generous tomorrow, despite a bad barrier draw at the mile start. There were trials on later in the day at Bulls and there was not the usual amount of fast work yesterday morning. Commissionaire had trouble with one of his shoes on Tuesday and Noel Eales decided to gallop him on Wednesday. Commissionaire ran 1400 m impressively with the Stratford candidate, D’Arcy, and Eales was very pleased with the way he went. He considers the horse even better now than before the Briscoe Gold Cup last month and Commissio-

naire should continue on his winning way in the Ormond Memorial at Hastings. Eales said yesterday morning that Chantilly Belle and Can Lah were unlikely starters at Hawke’s Bay. Working on the course proper, Fantastic ran 1200 m most attractively in Imin 16.25, the last 600 in 37.4 s and it looked a winning gallop for Hastings. His stablemate, Camille ran lmin 5.4 s for 1000, the last 600 in 37.45. She is in the sprint tomorrow and a bold run might see her go north for the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie tomorrow week. The Stratford candidate, Silver Elm, left 1000 m behind in lmin 10s the .last 600 in 40s. She is in fine fettle and should win the second leg. Custom and Wellson did good work over 1000 m in lmin ss, the last 600 in 38s. Custom might be close in the mile at Stratford today, and Wellson has a winning chance in the Clive Handi-

cap at Hastings. He is very well.

Boyne Valley, which is preparing for Easter racing at Trentham, completed 1600 m in lmin 475, the last 600 in 395. He shows a lot of promise over ground. Trusttum and Tredici cut out 1200 m in lmin 20s the last 600 in 40.5 s and Imagine Me sprinted from the 800 in 51.4, the last 600 in 38s. Piper Bay left 800 behind in 51.8, the final 600 in 37.8. The Hastings candidate, Magnitude, worked with Rye over 800 m in 49.65, the final 600 in 36.25. A shower or two of rain would help Magnitude. The promising Tai’s Offer left 800 behind in 50s, the last 600 in 37s while the Hastings runner, Thosada Rose, went easily from the 600 in 42.45. She could go well in the Clive Handicap. Bidston Hill ran from the 600 in 38.85. He could be a top chance in the Feilding Cup at Easter. Dig in left 800 behind in 50s, the last 600 in 36.45.