Bartz looking forward to Riccarton

Press, 10 July 1989, Page 29

Bartz looking forward to Riccarton

Auckland correspondent The veteran Pukekohe trainer, Mick Bartz, is looking forward to seeing his dashing steeplechaser, Desperino, tackle the testing Riccarton country next month. Bartz, who has enjoyed his share of success over the years as a trainer, has been aiming Desperino at the Grand National Steeplechase at Riccarton since he brought the horse back into work earlier this year. And to date everything has gone according to plan. “By the time he gets to Riccarton he should be spot on,” said Bartz after he had watched Desperino give a fine display to take the Rob Andrews Steeplechase at the Counties Racing Club’s meeting at Pukekohe on Saturday.

“He’s showing no signs of the leg trouble he had last year and his jumping is first class. He just loves jumping. He’ll be right in his element at Riccarton.” Desperino, which missed a chance to prove himself last winter when sidelined by a nagging leg problem, took the grand jumper Crown Star on in front most of the way in the 3900-metre event and gained the upper hand with about 1200 m to go. From there on he continued to apply the pressure and after jumping the five fences in the home straight he had no trouble holding on to win by four lengths. Count Five caused a surprise when battling gamely for second, 6y 2 lengths ahead of Boomalong, which* is also Riccar-ton-bound.

Seeyoulater produced an eye-catching run for fourth, making up a lot of ground over the last 1600 m after being some 25 lengths from the leaders. Crown Star felt the pinch about the 1200 m and weakened out to finish fifth, leading in the other three runners. Desperino has now had seven steeplechase starts for six wins and a second — the latter placing was a relegation from first at Ellerslie two winters ago when trying for his fifth successive win. Paul Hillis, who rode the gelding on Saturday, has been the regular rider and has ridden him in all bar one of his steeplechase victories. “He’s a grouse jumper,” said Hillis. “He stood off at some of those fences

today and jumped them beautifully. He measures his fences so well. He’s a great horse to ride.” Hillis shares the excitement of Bartz over Desperino’s prospects at Riccarton. “He’ll love the country down there,” said Hillis. “I wouldn’t want to be on anything else.” Before Desperino heads to the South Island he will tackle next Saturday’s $70,000 Wellington Steeplechase, in which his rivals will again be Boomalong and Seeyoulater, along with Pal O’Mine and Caviton. The well-bred mare, Jullene, gained some compensation for missing an Australian trip when winning the Winstone Quarries Plate, the main flat race.

Trainer Richard Collett had planned to take Jullene to Melbourne for a middle-distance event recently after she had run a gallant second to Shahzamani in the Rotorua Travelodge Stakes (1400 m last. month. But Jullene suffered a setback and the plans were scrapped. She could still get to Melbourne, though, as Collett is preparing her for the Melbourne Cup (3200 m in November. “She’s a dead-set stayer and she’ll be really seasoned by then,” said Collett. “All we’ve got to hope for is some rain. She’s best with the sting out of the track or else she jars up.” On Saturday Jullene ploughed through the puggy ground to win by a long neck from Lord Zirito. She came from the rear for the victory.