Sir Alba causes upset in N.Z. Sapling Stakes

Press, 1 June 1985, Page 26

Sir Alba causes upset in N.Z. Sapling Stakes

By

G. K. YULE

Sir Alba, at odds of 34 to 1, caused the biggest surprise for years when he came fast near the end of the New Zealand Sapling Stakes at the Ashburton Trotting Club’s meeting yesterday and raced away from Beau Du Jour and Uncle Jasper. Sir Alba was a shade slow away from the second line, but he recovered quickly and for most of the way he was three back on the outside. He appeared to lose his position near the straight entrance and it was late when he put in his claim. Once properly balanced he raced past the leaders with ease and was going away at the line, where he had a length and a quarter to spare over the unlucky favourite, Beau Du Jour, which returned an effort which would have won the race nine times out of 10.

Uncle Jasper fought on for third, half a head away, with a nose to Bionic Raider, which led for all but the first 200 m. Brankin, in front of Sir Alba throughout, held on for a close fifth, just ahead of Trenet, which made up a lot of ground after an early lapse. Free’s Best was the first filly to finish, with Borderline and Consolation close by. Sir Alba is a colt by Alba Counsel from Bay Flash, the

dam of the trotting winner, Black Barry. He comes from the famed Jessie B. famity, which has produced so many outstanding winners particular for the Lowe family, of Mid-Canter-bury- Samson, Wag, Atanui, Cairnbrae, Why Bill, Lucky Jack, Lochgair, Grouse, Corwar and Dundas are but a few leading winners from the same family as Sir Alba.

Sir Alba is trained at Arowhenua by Ray Teahen, who rates him by far the best horse he has had anything to do with. “I’ve never had a runner in the Sapling Stakes before,” he said. However, his father won the race with John Jinks in 1929.

Ray Teahen had a grand pacer some 30 years ago in Don Hall, a double classic winner on the Ashburton course.

Mr Teahen, a farmer, races the colt in partnership with his son, Denis, and Mr Jim Donaldson, of Albury. The colt had his early education from Leicester Keenan’s stables at Kerrytown, after which he was put aside. Mr Donaldson approached the Teahens to train the colt and the father and son leased a share of him, putting him into work about three months ago. He finished second, only to be disqualified, in his first start for them, at Washdyke on May 18. “If he’d held that placing he

would have gone north for the Cigna Insurance Final, but I might take him up to Auckland for the Juvenile Championship in about' three weeks,” said the colt’s trainer. Sir Alba has been entered for racing at Rangiora next week, but a start there will depend on how he comes through his Sapling Stakes victory. He had received a grand run, although he was inclined to drift near the straight entrance, said his driver, Richard Brosnan. “He’s got a lot of ability, but lacks experience yet,” he added.

Beau Du Jour’s effort was a top one. He got away splendidly, but was one of the worst sufferers in a-mix-up which followed the breaking of Troubador just after the start. He nearly lost his driver, Brian Hill, but recovered quickly to sit in the open for much of the way. It was late when he was caught by Sir Alba. Beau du Jour is to be put aside for the rest of the season.

The pace was slack in the middle stages, with the 2400 m taking 3min 11.35, the last 800 m in 59.75.

Aran Blaze, which has been pacing good races without much luck in recent weeks, was given a splendid run by Jack Smolensk! in the Hotel Ashburton Handicap. He came on strongly over the last 50m to win by a long neck from the fastfinishing Keepsake, which was still near the tail of the field starting the run home. Sapphire King came on steadily for third, shading the tiring Streets Ahead, which tried to lead for the last 900 m. Smooth Charm and Mark Seven headed the others.