Innocent Victim wins at Oamaru trials

Press, 15 July 1987, Page 52

Innocent Victim wins at Oamaru trials

Special correspondent Dunedin Innocent Victim shaped as a prospect for the Aorangi Veterinary Handicap for two-year-olds at the South Canterbury Hunt Club’s meeting at Washdyke Saturday, when he won his heat at the Oamaru trials yesterday.

Innocent Victim disputed the pace over 800 m with Knight’s Desire and drew clear by a length and a half, in 48.55. He is a likely type of colt, by Three Legs from Kleio, in the Orari stable of Ray Pankhurst. Innocent Victim has a wide draw to overcome on Saturday.

Count Nicolai indicated he was making good progress when he won the

other heat for two-year-olds in 48.3 s after disputing the pace with Westwood Boy. Count Nicolai won twice early in the season and was then spelled due to a chipped bone in a knee. He finished fifth when making a fresh start at Riverton in April. He had an escapade after that race and has been taken along quietly.

First Blood made the pace and came again after being headed in the run home to win the open heat over 1600 m. It was in contrast to his effort at Waimate last Saturday when he stopped and finished last. He is an acceptor for the Owners and Trainers event at the South Canterbury Hunt

meeting. Rhydahl, which needs two scratchings to gain a start in the Shaweigh Handicap on Saturday, came on boldly to win the open 1200 m heat. He won by two lengths from Headman, which made the pace. Double Lang was running on three quarters of a length back. Double Lang is expected to resume racing at the Grand National meeting at Riccarton.

Art Banquet indicated she was forward when she led throughout the 800 m open heat and held off Gratify, always handy, by a head. Seve was blocked for a run in the home straight and was a length and a quarter back.