Justa Kiss too good in Koral Steeplechase

Press, 7 August 1989, Page 30

Justa Kiss too good in Koral Steeplechase

By

DAVID McCARTHY

The failure of the totalisator and the sentimental favourite, Crown Star, may have cast a shadow over the Koral Steeplechase on Saturday but could not deprive Justa Kiss of his place in the sun after an outstanding performance.

Justa Kiss proved a quick learner in the first jumping feature of the Canterbury Jockey Club’s carnival, bungling the first fence on the journey before developing a style of machine-like precision which carried him to a comfortable win over Come True. The run probably earned him favouritism for next Saturday’s Grand National and also changed for the better the Riccarton fortunes of his cotrainer, Wayne Herbert, and rider, John McGif-

ford. McGifford allowed Justa Kiss to find his feet after his early mistake while Crown Star resisted attacks first from Come True, and later from Therapeutic in the van. Justa Kiss swept into contention going down the back the last time, just as Crown Star cried enough, and the Woodville gelding mastered Come True soon after. The southerner stuck to his guns in fine style but Justa Kiss seemed to have an edge through most of

the battle and won well. Justa Kiss had beaten all but Braeman over 5500 metres in the Wellington Steeplechase which supports McGifford’s contention that the extra round in the National, which has exposed many stamina limitations over the years, will not bother the son of Blarney Kiss McGifford’s prediction after the Wellington race that Riccarton would suit Justa Kiss’s jumping style better than some of his then opponents has already been borne out.

The Koral hinted at what an open race the Grand National remains however just as the firstday feature itself was. Neil Ridley was thrilled with Come True’s effort and believes there is still some improvement in him. Crown Star will, almost certainly, be missing next week, Come True’s liking for running in or near the lead will make him an even more attractive proposition. Boomalong, , which might vie for favouritism in the National with Justa

Kiss, went a bold trial for the race coming into contention late in the piece and going to the line strongly. Therapeutic was not disgraced after making two big runs in the race, fading from the lead at the 1200 m and then rallying, and High Impact would be the improver not having raced since mid June. Braeman copped a check in the middle stages but his rider, Eddie Lamb, did not think it cost him a placing.