Cup favourites please trainers

Press, 8 February 1985, Page 18

Cup favourites please trainers

PA Auckland The trainers of Roydon Glen and Enterprise, favourites for the Auckland Trotting Cup, at Alexandra Park tomorrow night, said they were well satisfied with the condition of their horses after training yesterday. Fred Fletcher took Roydon Glen 2700 m on the main track at Alexandra Park. “He came the last 2400 m in smin 255, the last 800 in Imin 3s and 400 in 29.85,” he said. “It was a nice run — just what he wanted.” Asked whether he planned to take Roydon Glen to the front in the cup, Mr Fletcher replied: “Well, they say the best place for a good horse is in front “From out there, though (Roydon Glen has drawn No. 7), it might not be easy in such a good field.” Enterprise did his last final fast workout on Wednesday and yesterday, his owner-trainer Pat Heffernan restricted him to jogging on the Ruby Lodge track at Ardmore. “I don’t think I could get him any better,” said Mr Heffernan. Our Mana was given a brisk 2400 m at Nodj' Gibson’s track at Manurewa by

his trainer Colin de Filippi, who said later: “No complaints.” Mighty Me, which is also being stabled on Mr Gibson’s property, was given light work yesterday. He did fast work on Wednesday. The owner-trainer, Colin McLachlan, said he worked him three mile heats. “I let him run along over the last 800 m of the final heat,” he said. “He went Imin 2s. Yes, I am pleased with him.” Mr McLachlan, who owns' four shoe stores in Christchurch, says he regards trotting very much as a hobby, albeit a profitable one. Since he started training his own horses his son, Wayne, now runs the shoe business. His best horse, Mighty Me, has won $127,700 in stakes. General Demand (seven wins), Mighty Tuft, Scottish Chief, Waylynne and Flying Home (each six wins) have also helped to keep Mr McLachlan well on the right side of the ledger. Mighty Me was originally balloted out of the cup field and gained a start when Joy Boy had to be scratched when he developed soreness. “I regard it as an honour just to have a horse in the race,” said Mr McLachlan.