Homebv next for Come True

Press, 26 June 1989, Page 32

Homebv next for Come True

Come True earned a tilt at the Homeby Steeplechase next week with a clear-cut victory over the favourite, Yorksmith, in the Haast Steeplechase on Saturday. Come True, owned by Les Norman, a prominent harness horseman in Southland, is trained at Longbush by Kelly

Thompson who announced the Homeby plans after consulting with the

winning rider, Neil Ridley. Come True chanced two fences, in particular, on the journey but the Imperial Guard seven year old is clever on his feet* and recovered well each time. In between he put pressure on Yorksmith with some fine leaps and Ridley believes the Homeby is not too much of a

challenge for him. "He used to chance the odd fence when he was hurdling and I think he’ll always do it. But he’s clever enough with it,” said Ridley who has been in the North Island for a few weeks and obtained a number of rides up there. Ridley also rode Hone Nui for Thompson in the Grand National Hurdles trial and the veteran came through the race well, running on for third. He will hurdle again next week and then attempt the Couplands Steeplechase at Timaru. The Trial winner, Count Claudio, now back to his best after some moderate recent efforts, is set for the $BOOO open hurdle at Timaru on July 7.

Steven Gillies was not disappointed with Yorksmith’s run. The chestnut blundered at Jumbo when sharing the lead and did well to recover, as he did. Yorksmith had spread

himself at Hazlett’s' on race morning when given a trial leap but made no mistake there later in the day. Gillies, who was experiencing the big country at Riccarton for the first time, was happy with the horse’s effort but may not be able to ride Yorksmith next week. “If Kanamint runs in the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase I’ll probably ride him but my brother, Tony, seems very keen to get back to Riccarton and he could ride Yorksmith,” Gillies said.

While only five runners went to the post the contest was an intriguing one with most of the runners in touch with the lead until the last 1200 m. Nearco’s Flight which produced a much im-‘ proved effort on his Ashburton form tossed his rider at Jumbo and third place went to Windvale Reprieve which suggested he will not be a maiden jumper for long with his third placing.