Mission Hills works stylishly at Awapuni

Press, 9 August 1985, Page 23

Mission Hills works stylishly at Awapuni

Special correspondent Palmerston North

Mission Hills zipped over 600 m in fine style on a soft course proper at Awapuni yesterday morning and the last-start Levin winner looks in fine fettle for the Downing Mazda Handicap on the same course tomorrow.

Mission Hills looks to have done well since her victory on July 17 and a big effort can be expected again. One of her main rivals will be Diamond Raider and he came through his work in fine fashion as well.

Several of this centre’s top liners galloped yesterday morning with Silver Elm, Magnitude and Lacka Reason all in action.

On the course proper, Mission Hills with her cotrainer, Gerry O’Neil up, ran easily from the 1000 m, speeding up over the last 600 m in 38s. She was full of running at the end. Jason Macartney has the mount at Levin.

Magnitude and Lacka Reason ran from the 800 m in a smart 525, the final 600 m in 395. They finished together and both are making pleasing progress. Lacka Reason might race at Wanganui later this month.

Silver Elm worked with Custom and they ran 800 m in 525, the last 600 m in 38.65. Silver Elm looks in great

order for her spring campaign which could include a trip to Australia if everything goes right in the meantime.

Two up-and-coming gallopers from the Eales stable. Mystic Belle and Sophie's Secret, ran 600 m in 40.6 s and were not at top. Mystic Belle won like a top horse at Wanganui and Sophie's Secret extended her record at Hawera last week. Can Lah ran 800 m in 555, the last 600 m in 40s and she looks to be thriving. She might race next at Foxton. Bidston Hill sprinted 600 m in 39.45, and Astrologer beat Master Duckett easily over 1600 m in lmin 545, the last 600 m in 435. Astrologer is very well and might race at Foxton.

Lone Arrow was in front of Solray at the end of 1600 m in lmin 595, the final 600 m in 445. Ragtime Ruby ran 1600 m in lmin 575, the last 800 m with Cuspidor and they took 42s for the final 600 m.

On the plough Diamond Raider revelled in his work over 1000 m in lmin 7s, the last 600 m in 40s. He will be going for three on end tomorrow and Maurice Campbell has the mount.

Mighty Vain, a long shot sprint winner at Levin last season, is being prepared at Awapuni by Kevin Robinson. The horse did light work yesterday and looks well.