Classic contenders show splendid winning form

Press, 13 February 1986, Page 29

Classic contenders show splendid winning form

By

G. K. YULE

Kotare Sterling and Trident, both being aimed at the $300,000 John Brandon series next month, gained impressive wins at the New Brighton Trotting Club’s meeting at Addington Raceway last evening. Kotare Sterling’s effort was a more attractive one than that of Trident, although the last-named was having his first start since November 15 and he will probably benefit greatly from the run. Kotare Sterling had to work hard to get the lead early and he set a rousing pace. He looked to be struggling 100 m out, but came again to win convincingly by a head, recording 2min 31.8 s for the mobile 2000 m, a mile rate of 2min 2s.

Uncle Jasper, which was inclined to run about, went a sound race for second, a length in front of Koobecar, which was fourth last on settling and then, like Uncle Jasper, improved three wide in the middle part

Koobecar fought on solidly for third, a length from Uncle Jasper and half a length in front of Sir Tact, which came on well along the inner. Prestwick, which received the run of the race, was a nose away fifth, ahead of Young Clinton and Floyd. Trident received a perfect run one off the fence in the 100 Pipers Mile and although hotly challenged for a time in the run home by Ashley Lobell, he had enough in reserve to win by a length in Imin 59.85.

Cintique Lass came on solidly for third, but was

three lengths back, a neck in front of Luna Dawn, with Macßutt heading the others. The second favourite, Maureen’s Dream, worked to the front after 300 m, but was done with 400 m out dropping away to the tail of the field. Paul Black combined

Paul Black combined with Midnight Magic for an all-the-way win in the Lordship Mile. The daughter of Lordship fought back gamely when challenged in the straight and lasted to win by a long neck from Show Kipp, which was at god odds

considering her win last Friday. Talisman made ground for third, ahead of Lordshipman, which raced in the open. Fly Boyden Fly passed beaten horses to finish a nose away, fifth. The Trotting Stakes candidate, Barabbas, showed that he was right on target for that classic when he finished on for second behind Daph’s Pride in the Firestone Cavallino Handicap. He shaded the long-shot, Gee Dee, with the pacemaker, Don’t Forget, and Game Sparkle almost in line.