Chief Commander has glowing trial

Press, 26 December 1987, Page 21

Chief Commander has glowing trial

Special correspondent Palmerston North Chief Commander looked in the pink of condition as he completed his final trial on Thursday for todays "Evening Standard" Manawatu Cup at Awapuni. Overnight rain left the course proper on the easy side and it provided slower times than earlier

in the week, especially for the last half hour of the session. Chief Commander should handle easy to soft footing though the horse is not happy when it gets heavy. On Thursday he ran 1400 m on the course in 1:38, the last 600 m under a hold in 40s. He has thrived since his bold race on the first day. Double Lang took it

easy over 1200 m, recording 1:20.4, the last 600 m in 40s. He is another Cup contender in with a big chance. Guess and Mattie Dee ran 1400 m together in 1:34, the last 600 m in 395. They finished on well but will be at good odds in the Cup. Cornwall King was not that happy in the ground,

running 1200 m in 1:20.4, the last 600 m in 40.45. Cornwall King does not like it shifty. He is very fit and in with a big chance in the Cup. Bronze Valley, a likely runner on Monday, worked over 1000 m in 1:8, the last 600 m in 38.6 s and he hit out well. So did the third day candidates, Tall Dwarf and El Capitan. They recorded 51s for

800 m, the last 600 m in 38. They clash on Monday with Tall Dwarf probably holding the edge. Lagerfeld and Magnitude were well matched over 1000 m in 1:6, the last 600 m in 38s and Fiddlers Three, which could go a good race in the Foxton Fries if the track is firm, partnered Ardrua over 1000 m in 1:8, the last 600 m in 39.45.