Nitty Gritty, Dig In shine at Takanini

Press, 29 May 1985, Page 45

Nitty Gritty, Dig In shine at Takanini

Special correspondent

Auckland Nitty Gritty and Dig In showed an appreciation of the softer footing when sprinting at Takanini yesterday morning in their preparations for the Auckland winter meetings. Dig In had his good stablemate, Prince Majestic, providing assistance in his work, against the rails on the course proper, while Nitty Gritty went with OnlyLove. Nitty Gritty galloped strongly to shade Only Love as they finished 1000 m in Imin Is, the last 600 m in a brisk 36.45. Only Love is very well and hard to match in training, so Nitty Gritty's effort was impressive. -

Dig In went from the 1000 m and, with Prince Majestic joining in at the 100, finished in Imin 265. Dig In galloped freely and

Prince Majestic, just in front at the finish, seemed to revel in the work. Prince Majestic has had a good preparation for his return to racing which will probably be during the coming Ellerslie meeting. Old Nick strode from the 1200 m and came home in Imin 18s, picking up speed with Deci Dice for the last 1000 m in Imin 2.25. It was sound work by both horses, specially as they carried fair weights. Old'Nick will be trying on Saturday for his second Carbine 'Club Stakes win on end and he promises to be hard to beat. A short let-up recently freshened him nicely.

Tom’s Dice, another which will be in Saturday’s big 1600 m event, covered 1200 m easily in Imin 21s. For the last 1000 m, he returned Imin 6s and he did the last 600 m comfortably in 39.65.

Mr Statesman had little pace on to start with from the 800 m then gathered speed to finish in 50.85, the last 6COm in an attractive 36.85. He will run on the second day of the Auckland meeting with the Ryder Stakes at Levin likely, also, to be on his winter programme. Jim Pike, in solid form, covered 1000 m in Imin 4s. going keenly then steadying a trifle for the last 600 m in 38.65. Collins ran BGOm in a smart 51s, starting easily and sprinting from the 600 m in 375. Starsun dashed through the first 400 m at a great rate and, though easing, completed 1000 m in Imin 4s, fair time because he worked later than most when the track had cut out.

Lord Vegas and Mrs Roper went from the 1600 m and ran the last 1200 m in Imin 18.4 s and 800 m in 525.