A DERBY PRELIMINARY

NZ Truth, Issue 1293, 18 September 1930, Page 13

A DERBY PRELIMINARY

Arethusa Is Bright Spot In Rakaia Trot At Ashburton WILL BE GOOD PIPE 1 OPENER • (From "N.Z. Truth's". South Island Trotting Representative.) Arethusa will be favorite m the Rakaia Trot Handicap at Ashburton on Saturday and even though it is against better judgment to suggest that she will be beaten, there is no Jiarrri m looking for something to beat her.

ONE thing is certain — the opposition is of good class. With the pro-

least give Arethusa tlie test we all want to see.

tection of the handicapping system behind them, some are sure to accept this as the opportune moment to get some cash if they can beat the favorite, which -would, scarcely be tuned right up for her first race.

If Arethusa does win on Saturday there will be no need to ( look further for the winner of this season's Derbies.

Writing before acceptance, there are thirteen on the limit, and unless some drop out, the front horses will have a decided advantage.

Ho.rses like Adjuster and Nor'wester will not need much of an advantage npr, for that matter, would Lord Matchlight, Happy Lass and Achray, but the "twelve behind," lot are of such class that the winner should come from there.

Punters are not likely to forget' that Arethusa has ; a record of 3.25 3-5, but they should also remember that Derry Pointer has <gone 3.26, and is on the same peg as are a number of others with records almost as fast.

It would be interesting if Real Huon staged the form he promised as a two-year-old, and Rough Voyage, Lily Bingen and Otaio Rose are useful.

As Derry Pointer is sluggish, ten furlongs may not be her pet distance, but Adjuster and Derry Pointer will at

In the ' other trot, the Selma Trot Handicap, there are a very even- lot, and anything that carries good support from its connections will start favorite. - , Several of the limit hors.es look like inviting support, and some measure of ability has been shown by Logan Fraser, Author Willings,* Colorado and Flying Cloud. None of the handicapped horses can be counted out, but Snowy Huon has probably the best performance to his credit with a mile m 2.18 1-5. Nor'wester.may prefer this race to the more select company m the Rakaia Handicap, and if so must have a chance. •» Llewellyn is m form and ran second at Brighton where Real Girl was also finishing on from the back. Logan Fraser, Huon and Flying Cloud are a trio likely to catch the judge's eye..