Norfolk Bard in good trial at Awapuni

Press, 13 June 1986, Page 23

Norfolk Bard in good trial at Awapuni

Special correspondent Palmerston North Norfolk Bard shocked his admirers with a disappointing run in the Cornwall at Ellerslie last week but his trainer, Laurie Christensen, was not too perturbed. He is hopeful of a better run in the Winter Handicap at Awapuni tomorrow, especially after a good final trial yesterday morning on the same track. Norfolk Bard made up ground and was not too far away from the placegetters last week. But rider, David Peake, said the horse did not appear happy the right-handed way around, in spite of the fact that he had raced in the north in the past. Peake also thought Norfolk Bard was unhappy in the very testing Ellerslie ground. It will not be much of a different ball game here tomorrow as rain during the week has left the course proper very heavy, though it could provide slightly looser footing than on the first day. Norfolk Bard took no harm from his trip. He has eaten up well during

the week and this could be his last run before he goes out for a well-earned spell. He will be brought back in time for spring racing and a possible tilt at the big cups in Australia. Yesterday Norfolk Bard ran 1000 m on the inside trial in Imin 7.65, the last 600 m in 40.65, and he had last use of the soft ground. Graeme Lord, who has the mount in tomorrow’s first leg, was satisfied with the gallop. Diamond Raider and Winter Cheer ran 1000 m in Imin 6s, the last 600 m in 40.65. Diamond Raider failed last week and would need to improve, though looser footing would help him. Winter Cheer is capable of a good effort in the Suburban Handicap. Brager and Sophie’s Secret ran 1000 m in Imin 7s, the last 600 m in 395. Brager went well at the Waverley trials on Tuesday. He looks better for recent racing and is capable of an upset in the Doncaster Handicap. Ellen’s Soldier and Reinflight worked over 1400 m in Imin 395, the last 600 m in 425. Ellen’s

Soldier, which was ahead at the finish, has never been better. Mystic Belle and Vienne Belle completed 800 m in 555, the last 600 m in 40s. They worked well and Mystic Belle could soon show improvement. Yorksmith, which races on the flat at Hastings in preparation for the Hawke’s Bay Hurdles, ran the last 1100 m of 1400 m in Imin 9s, the final 600 m in 40s. Irish Boe and Equaliser ran 1000 m in Imin Bs, the last 600 m in 41s. Irish Boe, a good second last week, could go one better tomorrow. Policy and Terrific Pacific ran 1000 m in Imin 9s, the last 600 m in 425. Terrific Pacific has a tougher task this week but looks ready for it. On the plough Celestial Path and Gulf State took Imin 6.5 s for 1000 m, the final 600 m in 40s, while New Deal and Miss Sofie took Imin 25s for 1200 m, the last 600 m in 425. Flying Tui ran 1400 m in poor light. He was a shade disappointing last week but ran on well enough to be given another chance in the Doncaster.