Gallipoli, Samasaan impress

Press, 9 November 1988, Page 47

Gallipoli, Samasaan impress

There were some solid trials for the New Zealand Cup during the Riccarton trackwork session yesterday morning. The only galloping track open was the inside grass one which has not always proved a reliable guide but which was in good order. Solid workouts on the middle of the course proper is a more traditional Cup rehearsal but it was hard not to be impressed with Gallipoli and Samasaan, in particular, if for different reasons. Gallipoli was not after time but he found it anyway clearing out from Flighty Light at the end of 1200 m without being urged along. The distance came up in 1:19.2, the last 800 m in 53.5 and the last 600 m in 39.7. Gallipoli, one of the most unlucky runners in the Benson and Hedges, looks to have thrived in the interim. Samasaan has been in the wilderness for a good while when it comes to gracing the winner’s circle but he has peaked at the right time for the Cup. He ran 1600 m with Super Strike, the last 1200 m in 1:20.12, the last 800 m in 55.1, and the last 600 m in 40.9, a good even stayer’s gallop. Samasaan was not suited by the sprint home of the Benson and Hedges and must rate a chance to win his second New Zealand Cup on Saturday. Peach Melba partnered another Cup hopeful. Eye Full, over 1200 m in 1:21.1 the last 800 m in 52.6 and the 600 m in 38.9. Eye Full produced an attractive Cup trial last Saturday and looks stronger than last year when she failed in the race. Red Hawk ran a solo 1400 m in 1:34.8 the last 800 m in 53.8 and the 600 m in 40.5, his last 400 m, at 24.9, being his best work. He looks well. Other work on the grass included: La Baraka last 600 m in 38.18; Carat last 600 m in 41; Spangles 800 m in 52, last 600 m in 37.3; Tango Affair and Primrose Path 800 m in 51.9, 600 in 37.4; No Contact 600 m in 39.5; Solaris Star, comfortable 600 m in 39.3, Isle of Arran with Bashful Lad 600 m in 37.5; Lord Marceau and Truly Supreme 600 m in 37.1; Red Chiffon and Arctic Eclipse 800 m in 52.9, last 600 m in 39.