Infantry sharp in final trial

Press, 12 September 1987, Page 36

Infantry sharp in final trial

Special correspondent Palmerston North Infantry has improved out of sight with his race at Wanganui, so much so that he could be a potent force in the Trailways Transport Handicap at the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club’s meeting at Hastings today. Chris Johnson will ride Infantry which looked sharp in his final trial at Awapuni on Thursday. Infantry meets only a moderate field. He should have track conditions to his liking so a big effort would not come as a surprise. On Thursday Infantry did striding work over two rounds on the plough, before Stephen Jenkins asked him for an effort over the last 600 m, which he ran under a hold in 38s. It was pleasing work by the well-performed stayer. Also on the plough Lisa Bay completed her preparation for the Epsom Handicap at Hastings when she ran an easy 600 m in 40s. She is fresh and could show up. Mr Steptoe, now trained by Stephen Gillies, ran an easy 800 m in 535, the last 600 m in 395. He could go well again in the Scannel Hardy Handicap. Maurice Campbell rides him. On the course proper Amorous sped over 600 m in 36.65, the best of the morning. She continues to run good races and has prospects in the Epsom Handicap. Go Bush completed 800 m without effort in 525, the final 600 m in 375. He has done a lot of work in preparation for a fresh start in the Majestic Handicap and he is capable of a big effort. Zepnyrmint was never at top running 600 m in 38.45. She has done everything right and despite the strength of the opposition she has a chance in the Cavanagh Stakes. ■). Sophie’s Secret was never at top over 1200 m in 1:21.55,

the last 600 m in 41s. She is fit for the Trailways but a firm track might not suit her. Standing Ovation ran impressively over 800 m in 535, the last 600 m in 39.45. She is forward for a fresh start in the Epsom Handicap. She has raced well fresh in the past and Mark Heaney will be able to claim on her. Captain’s Boy and Mary Jean ran 800 m in 535, the last 600 m in 39s and Go Ven, with Gus Clutterbudk, took 42s for an easy 600 m. Royal Version, not a certain starter at Hastings, covered 800 m in 545, the last 600 m in 39s and Pauline Marie ran from the 600 m easily in 42.55. Policy took 40s for the last 600 m of her work. She could show to advantage in the Seannol Hardy. The hurdles runner, Cuspidor, worked 1600 m in 1.555, the last 600 m in 40s and Do Enquire ran 800 m in 52s the last 600 m in 38s. Marton candidate Irish Bee was timed over 800 m, the last 600 m in 395. He ran a fine race in the Tim Rogers Stakes last week. Shagroon and Coghill were paired over 1000 m in 1:8.6s the final 600 m in 395. Shagroon is worth another chance in the Mayfair Handicap. Tora Belle and Mr Lister took 53s for 800 m, the last 600 m in 39s and Paulette Mary, fresh and fit to resume in the Majestic Handicap at Hastings, registered 53.4 for 800 m, the last 600 m in 38s.