Alba’s Reign could run record mile

Press, 7 December 1985, Page 26

Alba’s Reign could run record mile

Special correspondent Auckland

The Alexandra Park mile record for three-year-olds will be broken at the Thames Trotting Club’s meeting this evening if Alba’s Reign reproduces the form he showed at Addington Raceway last month.

The Morrinsville colt was narrowly beaten by Sir Alba in the Fay Richwhite Sires’ Stakes Final on November 15 in 1:57.4.

This was a national race record for three-year-olds, beating the previous best by a second and a half.

The Alexandra Park race record is 1:58.9, held by El Cougar and Kurahaupo Eden.

It is not a particularly strong record, as is shown by the fact that Slugger has

time trial figures of 1:56.4. Certainly a time of under 1:58 looks well within the capabilities of Alba’s Reign in tonight’s Law Real Estate Golden Mile and of some of his rivals too for that matter. Notable among them are Clarius, Ardmore Bay and Royal Vance. A week before he contested the Fay Richwhitesponsored race Alba’s Reign went a scorching 2:46.9 when he won the Morrinsville Three-year-old Stakes (2200 m at Cambridge on November 8.

Clarius was only fifth in that race but he gave a gallant showing after being parked out nearly all the way.

In his previous race Clarius beat Alba’s Reign decisively in the D.B. Draught Stakes (2200 m at Cam-

bridge on October 11, the time was 2:48.6.

The withdrawal yesterday of Legin leaves a field of eight, with Clarius and Alba’s Reign drawn awkwardly at No.s six and seven respectively.

This should ensure that the pace is strong from the start. Alba’s Reign races best when he dictates the terms and his trainer-driver Graeme Harris will probably decide to press on and try for the lead. Harris said yesterday that the colt had done well since returning from Christchurch.

He is confident that Alba’s Reign will go a bold race, although he is a little concerned about the wide barrier draw.

The fine performances by Alba’s Reign recently have been on left-handed tracks.

A return to right-handed racing will not bother Alba’s Reign. Indeed, Harris maintains the colt goes better that way.