Elope appeals in Classics Trial

Press, 5 October 1985, Page 26

Elope appeals in Classics Trial

By

ALEX McMILLAN

Elope appeals as the likely winner of the CJ.C. Classics Trial, the middle leg of the Canterbury Jockey Club’s T.A.B. treble at Riccarton today. The lightly raced daughter of Vice Regal and Gretna Green proved rather expensive for punters when unable to finish closer than third in the John Grigg Stakes, won by Frontiersman, at Ashburton last

month. On her home track today, and with the likelihood of firmer footing, Elope is entitled to a chance to atone, however. The bay has been nominated for the Wrightson New Zealand One Thousand Guineas at Riccarton next month, a race her trainer, Dave Kerr, was successfully represented in last season by the brilliant Canterbury Belle.

As usual that event has attracted considerable North Island interest and Elope would have to win today if she is to be rated any sort of chance against the likes of Miss Etoile and Royal Heights in the $lOO,OOO feature on November 9.

Today’s $6500 contest, a much-needed lead-up race in Canterbury for Guineas candidates, has attracted a useful line-up and Elope will certainly not have things all her own way. Rakanui, fourth in the John Grigg Stakes, could press Elope hardest in today’s 1400 m event, while Sky Rocket, Osmunda .Hill, Natep and Mr Magoo are all capable of making their presence felt. Danseuse Royale, which justified some inspired support when stylishly clearing maiden ranks at Orari last month, could prove too speedy for her rivals in the first leg of the T.A.B. treble, the Don Hayes 1200. Snowdrift, a stablemate of Elope, will probably be favourite and a big run can be expected from the daughter of Icelandic in a fresh condition.

The third leg, the 1800 m Balmerino Handicap, appears very open, with Cellarmaster, Eggnog, Windvale Gae and Ampac likely to dispute favouritism, although they all could be placed under strain by Big World if that Harris-trained five-year-old is left alone in the pacemaking role.