RANGIORA CLUB’S MEETING

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27226, 18 December 1953, Page 5

RANGIORA CLUB’S MEETING

TROTTING

CONSUL SELECTED TO WIN CUP GAY HERITAGE SHOULD RACE WELL Consul, which finished brilliantly for third behind Our Roger and Young Sam in the Wainoni Handicap at New Brighton earlier this month, is selected to win the Rangiora Cup, the mainr race at the Rangiora Trotting Club’s meeting tomorrow. The Andy Derby four-year-old was having his first start for the season when he finished third at New Brighton, and his performance there was one of the features of the day’s racing. He broke at the start, and lost about 60 yards. In a fast-run race, he did not look a likely placegetter until well into the straight, and he finished with a great run. He will be on 36 yards tomorrow, with only one horse alongside him. He should begin much better. Consul, a member of O. E. Hooper’s team, has always shown more than average ability, but he has taken time to settle down and race solidly. He may be near his best now, and, if he does not lose too much ground at the start, he should not be troubled to win.

Frigate, a dual winner at Oam.aru in October, will be having her most serious test to date, but she may be the hardest for Consul to beat. The U. Scott mare impresses as a likely stayer. She is a sister to Punt, a useful winner in recent seasons for her trainer, C. C. Devine, who also prepares Frigate. Chandelier is one of the unluckiest horses racing this season. The Springfield Globe stallion always seems to be in trouble, and he should have won more often than he has. He has usually raced over middle distances, but he has never shown that two miles is too far for him. He is very fit at present. If he has a favourable run, he should be very prominent tomorrow. He is owned and trained at Templeton by D. G. Nyhan. Jaunty’s Prospects Jaunty, a son of Josedale Grattan and Haughty, has had two wins and one placing from three starts this season. He has not raced since he won on the Rangiora course on October 26, but it will be surprising if he fails to show up here. He appears to have improved with age, and may have a .very profitable season for his owner-trainer, B. Grice. d'Artagnan is a capable pacer on his day. He has plenty of ability, but is not always reliable. He will be handily placed on the front mark here. If he is in a generous mood he could easily upset calculations. He will be bracketed with Sir Benjamin, which does not make much appeal. King’s Blue is a promising pacer, and he will be entitled to support. However, he may do better with another race or two. Stylish Grattan has won three races on the West Coast this season. However, he may find the two miles too far for him, and Mighty Falla, the backmarker, may be a better proposition. Mighty Falla has plenty of speed and stamina, and will need only to begin smartly to have prospects of being placed. Nevertheless, if Consul begins well, it is difficult to see any of the others beating him. Frigate and Chandelier should do best of the others. Bay Heritage, which was a little unlucky to finish no closer than third in the Kiwi Handicap at Waimate last Saturday, is selected to make amends in the Cheviot Handicap. The Springfield Globe mare had trouble working clear last Saturday, but ones she found an opening she finished with a great burst. If she races as well over the longer distance tomorrow, she should win. Air Command, a member of G. B. Noble’s team, failed at Hororata last week, but he is more capable than that effort indicated. It will not surprise if he wins tomorrow. The brother of Red Emperor and Flight Commander is more than useful. Arriba was not impressive at Waimate last week. He was pulled up after an accident at the straight entrance, but at the time he did not look a likely placegetter. He performed much better at the Hororata matinee meeting last Tuesday, and he should be an improved horse tomorrow. The Greymouth-owned pacer should soon make amends for his recent failure. „ Black Beauty ran a fair race for fourth at Waimate last week, in the race won by Onward. It was his first appearance for some time, and he may do better at Rangiora. Brooklyn Star, Camille, Crown Jewel, Gold Direct, and Misty Grattan were all placed last Saturday, and they should add interest to a very open race. Chandelier May Win If Chandelier fails, in the Rangiora Cup earlier in the day, he may win the President's Handicap. The Springfield Globe pacer is usually most reliable at the start of his races, and, if he is not hemmed in too badly, he should win. Dancing Years has had one win and one failure since joining M. Holmes’s team. He seems to be at his best at present, and he should again race prominently. He will be handily placed on 12 yards. Frigate will be engaged earlier in the day in the Rangiora Cup, and a line on her prospects should be obtained them If she is produced again, she will have bright prospects. . . . Cherry Queen won well at Hororata last week, and, if she is again favoured in the running, could easily surprise. She is a smart sprinter, provided she receives a good trail to within half a furlong of the post. King’s Blue is a smart young pacer, and he may be better suited here than in the longer Rangiora Cup. Barney Dillon and Lady Rolleston have been placed at their most recent appearances, and they may show to advantage. d’Artagnan. Lodestar, and Golden Nib are selected to do best of the others.. Rain earlier in the week gave the Rangiora track a good soaking, and it should be in splendid order tomorrow. The double will be run on the Rangiora Cup and the Cheviot Handicap. Selections are:—

11.15 a.m.—First Introductory Handicap: Fervent Scott, Invulnerable, Sure King. 11.55 a.m.—Second Introductory Handicap: Skirl, Larnie Scott, Patience. 12.35 p.m.—Parnassus Handicap: Suredale, Queen’s Brigade, Circlette. 1.25 p.m.—Rangiora Cup: Consul, Frigate, Chandelier. 2.10 p.m.—Coldstream Handicap: Adriatic, Terowie, Colonel Scott. 2.55 p.m.—Cheviot Handicap: Gay Heritage, Air Command, Arriba. 3.35 p.m.—Hurunui Handicap: Little Dictator, Seaforth, Remodel. 4.15 p.m.—President’s Handicap: Chandelier, Dancing Years, Frigate.