Candyboy back to his best

Press, 9 April 1979, Page 22

Candyboy back to his best

Special correspondent Dunedin Candyboy's scintillating win in the J. and B. handicap at the Beaumont Racing Club's meeting on Saturday earned him a big following for the George Adams Handicap at Riccarton next Mon. day.’ Saturday saw Candyboy at his best and in the form that won him the George Adams Handicap 12 months ago. “When I pulled him out, he just took off,” said nis trainer-jockey, Jim Panki hurst. Candyboy ran sweetly behind the leaders until the 300 m then shot clear and won by seven lengths. Pankhurst and the owner, Mr Ces Wallis, were asked to explain to the judicial committee Candyboy’s vast improvement on his showing at the Hororata meeting a fortnight ago. They told the committee what had been reported last week. A blood sample taken after Hororata had proved negative and Candyboy had been treated for a muscular complaint. The Fantasy, tvhich finished second to Candyboy. will be among his rivals at Riccarton. "That should clean her up nicely,” said One of her

owner-trainers, Ray Dennis after Saturday's race. Steven Allen, rider of the beaten favourite. Dark Isa, told the judicial committee that she was not galloping kindly in the early stages. He had tried to improve at the 600 m and she battled on under pressure. Masteries, which beat only one home, slipped and nearly fell leaving the straight for the first time, according to his rider. Graham Heaton. Mr Ay Bee, which outpaced his rivals over 1225 m in the Molyneux Handicap is another with the George Adams Handicap on his programme. Mr Ay Bee was allowed to run in front on Saturday by Lyn Prendergast, whose husband, Tony, trains him. The 28-year-old mother of two had the thrill of riding her first winner on a horse she had ridden in work sinte he began training as a late two-year-old. Mr Ay Bee was Lyn’s thirteenth race ride since she obtained her licence in January.

Michael Mein will be back on Mr Av Bee in the George Adams handicap. It remains to be seen how Mr Ay Bee settles over 2000 m after his scorched-earth tactics on Sat« urday.