Free Handicaps announced

Press, 28 July 1989, Page 42

Free Handicaps announced

Cordero and The Gentry have received the top billing of their respective age group in the Free Handicaps for the 1988-89 racing season.

The New Zealand Free Handicaps are compiled by the former Palmerston North handicapper, Stewart McGrail, who is now living in Macau at the request of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. As has been the case in recent years, only horses placed first second or third in Group races and winners of listed races are recognised for inclu-

sion in the Free Handicaps. Cordero, from the Te Awamutu stables of the Priscott combination, topped the Two-Year-Old scale with 58.5 kilograms, half-a-kilogram ahead of the top-rated filly, Phillipa Rush. Cordero is a bay gelding by the boom first-season sire, Centaine, and is out of the Ring Round The Moon mare, Neon Lass. The Gentry was allotted 59kg at the top of the Three-Year-Old Free Handicap. The Gentry’s major wins during the season were the New Zealand Derby (Group One) and the Air New Zealand Stakes (Group One), both races run at Ellerslie. Krona (Icelandic — Daley’s Point) was the runner-up on the Three-Year-Old Free Handicap with 58.5 kg. Krona was a model of consistency throughout the season and was at his best in winning the Two Thousand Guineas (Group One) and the Bayer Classic (Group Two). The' highest rating filly was the Woodville-trained, Kate’s Myth (Kaoru Star—Mia Lisa) with 58kg. She finished equal first with Olga’s Pal in the Wrightson “Filly of the Year” Series. Kate’s Myth won the Anthony Cavanagh Stakes (Group Three) at Hastings, the Lowland Stakes (Group Three) and the Bakharoff Eulogy Stakes (Group Three). The Three-Year-Old Free Handicap (52kg and above). The Gentry, 59; Krona, 58.5; Kate’s Myth, Testament, 58; Lou Morton, 57.5; Olga’s Pal,

Straight Order, 57; The Phantom, 56; Secret Indian, Regal Empress, 55; Courtalista, Fun on the Run, Syrian Sea, Saveur, 54.5; Bon Cher, 54; Fun’s Everything, Imperialaire, 53.5; Echo Lass, Fiesta Point, 53; Espiare, Sarah Fay, 52.5; Fly Baby, Mr Brooker, Sir Jugular, Waikiki, 52; Purdah’s Pride, 50.

The Two-Year-Old Free Handicap (52kg and above). Cordero, 58.5; Phillipa Rush, 58; Super Fiesta, 57.5; Antico, 56.5; Straight Line, 56; Centainette, 55; Centime, 54.5; Chief Tango, 54; Super Inn, 53.5; Dusty Answer, 53; Mickey’s Ace, Reno Belle, Todd, 52.5; Sparkling Spi, 52; Victoria Pass, 48.