Australian campaign likely for Ampac

Press, 28 July 1989, Page 42

Australian campaign likely for Ampac

By

DAVID McCARTHY

Ampac, a leading Ric-carton-trained hope for the Grand National Nurdles on August 9 could also be a candidate for the Toohey Trans-Tasman Hurdle at RosehiH on November 18. Ned Thistoll, Ampac’s co-trainer, is considering an attempt to qualify for the series in which full expenses for the New Zealand entrants will be paid for by the sponsors. Therea are four qualifying heats for the series which features an sAust4o,ooo final on Novemger 18, the only jumping feature held in New South Wales during the season. The first heat is at Paeroa on AuguM 23 followed by Ellersfe on

September 9, Marton on September 16, and Riccarton on September 29.

Count Claudio was one representative from New Zealand last year but a disastrous seies of hitches in the travel arrangements virtually ruined any chance he had. Another New Zealand horse, Doctor Sam, won the event

Beau Geste and Thanks A Million are two other southern hurdlers whose connections x are believed to be interested in qualifying them for the final. Places will be decided on a points basis. Last year the first three horses received ten, six and four points respectively and all other starters two each, a system which brought some criticism from South Island trainers. To be sure of a place in

the final a southerner may have to travel to a northern meeting wher batten hurdles are the norm.

A horse can run second once and fall twice and be equal with a heat winner which favours northernbased horses. This year Riccarton hosts the final heat

Whatever the future holds Ampac showed he is well forward for the National meeting when schooled in the company of stablemates Harto and Great Zeal at Riccarton yesterday morning when a late thaw produced less than usual fast work.

Ampac (Johnson) Great Zeal (Mavor) and Harto' (Pemberton) stayed together and produced an efficient school, Great Zeal’gaining the first half' of Hw raceday ticket