Mr Ay Bee wasted no time

Press, 20 April 1979, Page 1 (Supplement)

Mr Ay Bee wasted no time

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J. J. BOYLE

Moderates return fast times on Riccarton’s No. 1 grass. And those with a touch of class often come up with something special. Mr Ay Bee was a class horse on view for the training at Riccarton yesterday, and he made a signal contribution to the morning’s work by reeling off 1000 m in 58.45, the last 800 m in 46.25. Beforehand he had done a round of striding work, and his trainer, Tony Prendergast, did not expect anything so spectacular when the real action started.

Prendergast was reassured to learn later that a No. 1 grass, when firmed by the comings and goings of ambulances on race days at Riccarton, can provide almost freakish footing.

Soon after Mr Ay Bee galloped, Hi Roona dashed over 1000 m in 59.85, the last 800 m in 46.25. Hi Roona is not in at Riccarton tomorrow, but should be back in action at Westport. Earlier Phoenix Lad ran the last 800 m of 1600 m in 51.65. First Base led Rapid Fame by a length and a half finishing 1400 m in Imin 31.45, the last 800 m in 49.45.

Aristophanes, a newcomer at the C.J.C. Easter meeting, bowled into his work keenly while running 800 m in 47.85. The Clippie, favourite for the Warstep Stakes, was under a snug hold, finishing 600 m, yet returned 37.45. If she comes up to expectations in the Warstep Stakes, The Clippie will probably be

• taken north to run in the Avondale Championship ’ Stakes. The stablemates Grey Boy, ■ Summer Night, and Lint ; worked easily from the ; 1600 m, then brushed home from the 800 m in 48,25. Grey Boy and Summer Night are rival candidates for i the hurdles tomorrow and

Lint could be an improver in the First Yaldhurst Handicap.

Training on the plough was marked by a dashing sprint trial by Cracker Day and Pennianne. With fast footing they were able to dash over 800 m in 47.35, with Cracker Day holding to a slight lead at the end.”

Always was teamed with the Wingatui stablemates. Kapai and Prodigal, for 1200 m, run in Imin. 17s, the final 600 m in 38s. Master Lea, a Wingatui three-year-old in the Great Autumn Handicap, started easily near the 1200 m, and increased speed for the last 600 m in 39s