Steeples hope thrives on his work

Press, 7 August 1985, Page 40

Steeples hope thrives on his work

Bymai gave evidence of pleasing progress in his wind-down for Saturday’s Grand National Steeplechase with a strongly run 1600 m gallop at Riccarton yesterday. Otago’s jumping star got through 1600 m on the No. 7 grass in 1:52.6, completing his work with impressive keenness to record 38.6 for his final 600. It was a performance to compare favourably with the best offered by younger horses pointed for principal flat races at the meeting. Earlier the Winter Cup fancy Fuego teamed with the Grand National Hurdles candidate, Ellen’s Soldier, to sprint 600 in 38. Nalu, one of the top fancies for {he Heathcote Handicap today, sped through 1200 m in 1:18.4, the last 600

in 36, and her stablemate, Flying Tui, returned 40 for his 600. Hide the Loot, a Winter Cup prospect after his firstday placing, was paired with Our Ruler for 1200 m, run in 1:27.4. They quickened for the last 600 in 37.4. The Wingatui stablemates, Noble Jewel and Sereb started slowly from the 800, but quickened for the last 600 in 37.8. Noble Jewel lost some skin behind when he got into cramped quarters in the Amalgamated Packaging Handicap. In the Glen was one of the few tried at speed on the chip track. She came through her last 600 in 40.6, shaping as if she has done well since her Paparua Handicap win.