Our Boyfriend shows fitness

Press, 19 April 1985, Page 27

Our Boyfriend shows fitness

Special correspondent Hastings Our Boyfriend showed his readiness for tomorrow’s Hawke’s Bay Cup by turning in one of his fastest times in training at Hastings track yesterday morning. Normally a lazy worker on the track, Our Boyfriend was just the opposite yesterday morning as he cut out 1006 m in a fast Imin 2.65, the last 600 m in 37.25. This was a good time on the plough, which provided easy footing. Our Boyfriend’s time surprised even trainer Marlene Todd who commented: “I don’t know what’s got in to the old bloke.” Todd set Our Boyfriend for the Hawke’s Bay Cup several months back and is growing in confidence as the race draws nearer. The big Roi Lear gelding has a good record on his home track and the likelihood of a firm track tomorrow is just what he

needs. Mark Barnsley will ride him. Most fast work was carried out on the plough yesterday morning. Although cup candidate Exocet was one which worked on the firm No. 1 grass. He worked wide out and was not hard pressed when completing 1200 metres in Imin 20.55, the last 1000 m in Imin 6.5 s and the final 600 m in 39.15. Alcazar showed the benefit of his good third at Ellerslie last Saturday by taking the time honours for 600 m. He sped over the distance in 36.2 s and is right at peak for tomorrow’s Clive Handicap. The apprentice, Peter Ayres, has the mount. Prenora rounded off her preparation for the Hawke’s Bay Cup by running a solo 1200 m on the plough in Imin 19.85, the last 600 m in 38.95. She looked to have plenty in reserve at the finish and has trained on well since, her