TROTTING EASTER CUP AT ADDINGTON

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28552, 3 April 1958, Page 4

TROTTING EASTER CUP AT ADDINGTON

Invicta Has Winning Form

Invicta, a place-getter in his last four starts, should gain a well-earned win in the Easter Cup, the feature race and first leg of the double on the final day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s Easter meeting at Addington on Saturday. Owned in Dunedin by Mr L. Duff and trained at Rakaia by S. D. Edge. Invicta has finished strongly in his three starts so far at the meeting and with a little better luck in the running, he may have won at least one race.

Last Saturday. Invicta finisned with a powerful run for third behind Don Hall and Glint in the Williams Handicap, and later in the day he came from well back in the field on the home turn for second to Tactician in the Electric Stakes. He looks favourably placed on the front and with a reasonable run to the final furlong. he should outsprint most of his rivals. Glint’s form so far at the meeting has been of a high standard. She won the Rattray Handicap and then finished second to Don Hall in the Williams Handicap. She is in good form at present and it will be surprising if £he finishes out of the money. M. Holmes will not be able to drive her this week as he has Lookaway in the race.

Don Hall’s easy win in the Williams Handicap last Saturday will ensure him strong support He was desperately unlucky when third a week earlier, and with average luck in the running, he should be one of the hardest to beat.

La Mignon could surprise in this field. She has finished close to the placed horses in her two starts at the meeting, and. off the front here, she will take beating. She is certain to be Improved as a result of recent racing. Highland Air will be bracketed with La Mignon, but the Auckland Cup winner looks to be set a difficult task from 42 yards.

Lady Belmer won the Dunedin Cup in January and she is capable of winning in this company. Prince Polka and Light Nurse are both capable of adding interest to the finish, while Trueco and Lookaway—disappointments in last Saturday’s free-for-all—could also do better over the longer here. However, they will find it hard to catch Invicta, Glint and Don Hall. The Second Leg

Mayneen, a useful fifth over two miles on the first day of the meeting, looks a sound prospect for the second leg, the Monte Carlo Handicap. Mayneen received a kick after her race nn the first day and could not start last week. If she has recovered sufficiently and has not lost too much work, she should win as she is one of the outstanding pacers in her class. She is not meeting a particularly strong field on Saturday and if produced it will be surprising if she fails. Surie Queen's fine form on the first two days of the meeting entitles her to respect. She was runner-up to Spring Chat on the first day. and last Saturday she gained a fine win over two miles The shorter distance in this race should suit her even better and she should be placed. Keff was runner-up to the speedy Becky Medoro over 13 furlongs last Saturday and if she races as well again, she should be one of the hardest to beat. Achates and Commander Spangle will again form a popular bracket. Achates was fifth and Commander Spangle eighth last Saturday. Both horses paced useful races and they could take a prominent part in the finish. Solemnity, fourth last Saturday. Gold Mist and Vanity Scott all raced well enough to be respected In this field and they appeal most of the remainder.

Highland Glen should give Mr J. Palmer his second win at the

meeting in the New Zealand Hambletonian Handicap, the main race for trotters. Mr Palmer’s; three-year-old. Highland Heath, won the Pacing Stakes last week, while the trotter beat all but Durban Chief in the Reta Peter Handicap. Highland Glen meets Durban Chief on 48 yards more favourable terms over a longer distance this week and this could be a deciding factor in his favour. Backmarker's Prospects

Durban Chief is unbeaten in his two starts so far at the meeting, but he will be facing a serious test from 72 yards in this field. However, if there is any loitering early, he should make up his handicap without too much trouble. If this happens, he is certain to take part in the finish as he is one of the fastest horses of his gait in commission. Superfortress was having only her third start for the season when she finished a grand third

in the Reta Peter Handicap last Saturday. She is one of the best trotters in commission when at her peak and it seems as though she may be near that now. Serenelli did not finish strongly last week, but she is better than that effort suggested and if she races as well as she did at Addington last November, she would be a serious threat. She will be bracketed with Excellenza, another capable mare. However, she is not too reliable. Barravey will be bracketed with Highland Glen and even from 60 yards his chances cannot be overlooked. Dan’s Choice, fourth in last week’s race, and Quite Contrary are others expected to show up.

See All, runner-up to Dan’s Choice on the first day of the meeting, should gain a» well earned win in the Intermediate Handicap. He has raced well lately and a win would be well received.

Unlikely was third on the first day, an effort suggesting that he was close to winning form. Fifth Brigade received a poor run on the first day and broke under pressure at the furlong. Her previous efforts had been good and she could improve on Saturday. Willow Dale, Egyptian Rose. Coronet Lass. Red Jenny and Native Cord are others expected to add interest to the finish.