Barusha ready for Pahiatua

Press, 10 January 1986, Page 16

Barusha ready for Pahiatua

Special correspondent Palmerston North

Barusha, an impressive last-start winner at Manawatu, handled the soft ground easily in his final trial at Woodville yesterday morning. Rain, which softened the ground late in the day for the first day of the Pahiatua meeting, persisted most of the night, though it was not heavy. It is hoped the weather and track will improve for tomorrow but with an unfavourable forecast the signs are not good. At best the ground for Stakes Day will be easy. Barusha is the likely favourite for the lan Taylor Handicap after a good last start victory in wet ground. He ran 800 m in 52.6 s and was travelling comfortably. He is a particularly good type and Jeff Lynds will win more with him.

Hipperial seemed to manage the ground well enough in running 1200 m in 1:19, the last 600 m in 38s. Fred’s Fortune took 1:9 for lOffflm the final 600 m in 405.; He

won well at Wairarapa and will probably have ms next start at Trentham. He is a much improved galloper. Sir Vigilant, another off to Trentham, covered 1000 m in 1:9.5. He failed on a recent trip north but has taken no harm from the excursion.

Marlon, which runs in the Stewards’ Handicap on the second day, completed 1000 m with Grand Gaffe in 1:10, the last 600 m in 40.5 m. Marlon looks on the way to better form while Grand Gaffe is ready for tomorrow.

Leisure, a maiden with prospects tomorrow after fair races at the Wairarapa meeting, ran 600 m in 39.5 s and impressive Wairarapa winner, I’m primed, left 600 m behind in 38s. I’m Primed will have no difficulty in beating stronger

Shannon sprinted down the straight. He looked tops in his winning debut at Hastings even allowing for the strength of the opposition. He is off to Trentham

where his clash with Auto Air will be awaited with great interest. Metro and Regal Bay managed the ground well running 1200 m in 1:23.5. Metro has been going fair races and could be a prospect in the Sonny Smith Memorial.

Phareef is a doubtful starter tomorrow and might be reserved for the Marton meeting next Wednesday.