JOHN GRIGG STAKES

Evening Star, Issue 25895, 12 September 1946, Page 3

JOHN GRIGG STAKES

EXCELLENT RACE INDICATED NO RISKS WITH LEIGH BARTON (Special) CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. .11. The anticipated clash between Leigh Barton and Bridge Acre in the Ashburton Handicap on Saturday will not take place, as Leigh Barton was not accepted for. Although as lame as usual after his good gallop yesterday, he was not any worse than on previous mornings, and his trainer considered ’he would be able to take his place at Ashburton. Later in the day, however, it was decided not to/take any risk of racing him on a firm track, which is likely on Saturday, but to keep him for a trip to Wingatui and later to Aivapuni. -In his absence on Saturday, Bridge Acre will no doubt be at a very short price. Lexia has been accepted, for in the Ashburton Handicap in preference to the open sprint. She has been a very consistent > performer in the past 12 months without being favoured with the best of luck, and as she has always done her best work over the final stages of her races, she promises to master ip furlongs and to offer strong opposition to Bridge Acre. Lexia has been working exceptionally well in recent weeks. , A handy field of 10 remains in the John Grigg Stakes, including eight from Riccarton stables. There is no doubt that Privilege will be favourite,

but she will have to do everything right, as there are others capable of running out a smart seven furlongs. Palm Bearer has come into discussion as a result of her two recent impressive gallops, and with her usual pilot, L. J. Ellis, in the saddle, she will now be one of the favourite division. Indian Dawn, Raliine, and Hart Royal have also been working well, while Lovemorn, Fort Silver, and Leeston cannot be left out of calculation. The field should provide the best contest in the history of the classic. As has been often the case at suburban meetings, the smallest field of the day at Ashburton will parade for the open sprint, the Spring Handicap. Golden Souvenir holds his place with his steadier of 9.10. but with such smart sprinters as Whitley, Derene, and Sanskrit likely to establish a fast pace from the outset, his task will be difficult. On the other hand, he is well forward, and galloped in his best form with Privilege yesterday. Amorlad schooled well before last week’s meeting at Wingatui, but made a poor showing in liis race. He has always been an unreliable proposition to follow, and lie may run a totally different race at Ashburton.