TROTTING Achates In Form For Success At Washdyke

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28896, 16 May 1959, Page 6

TROTTING Achates In Form For Success At Washdyke

Achates, runner-up to Zany over two miles at Forbury Park on May 2, should gain his first win for the season in the Farewell Handicap, the main sprint race at the Timaru Trotting Club’s winter meeting at Washdyke today. Achates, a brother to Zany, has had three placings from seven starts this season and he is overdue for a win. He seems to be much more solid now than in the past, and the Light Brigade five-year-old should win more than one race before the season ends.

Johnny Guitar made up a little ground for fifth in the race won by Zany at Forbury Park and it is expected that he will be better suited by the sprint journey. The U. Scott gelding has been racing from awkward marks in most of his appearances this season, and today he will start from 12 yards. He usually begins well and he should be close up all the way. Battle Fling has not raced since he was involved in a smash at Forbury Park. He has raced most consistently in recent months and from the front mark, he is entitled to serious consideration. Like Achates, he is well overdue for a win.

Josie Gay, an impressive sprint winner on a soft track at Rangiora last month, should have conditions to her liking today. She is a capable sprinter on her day and could take part in the finish.

Whippy Dillon was narrowly beaten by Southern at Hutt Park on May 2 at his most recent start. He has found it hard to gain a win, but his luck is due to change in the near future.

General Mark, Lady Nelson. Blue Shawl and Super Attack are others expected to show to advantage.

Chance for Philonic Philonic, a fast-finishing fifth at Forbury Park after receiving an interrupted run in the straight, looks a great prospect in the Stewards Handicap, the main race for trotters. Philonic looks set to take a high ranking next season, and he will only have to race up to his best to take a prominent part in the finish He will be bracketed with Kaboon. which at times has shown sound form.

Extra Light, which has shown useful form In bad ground, will resume racing after a win at New Brighton in February. Extra Light is more than useful, and she should be the hardest for Philonic to beat. Billy Again was a last-start winner over 13 furlongs on a dead track at Forbury Park on May 2. He is not too reliable, but if allowed to make his own rules in front he will take catching. Kauranul, a winner at Methven, Gold Craze, a winner at Oamaru. Van Cheetah and Whirlwind are others expected to race well. Chances Are. a good second to Billy Again at Forbury Park, looks to hold bright prospects of success in the Welcome Handicap, the other race on the programme for trotters. She has raced most consistently m recent months, and should extend her record in this race. The three-year-olds, Glenfern and Kennoway. look to be the pick of the horses on the front. Glenfern was runner-up to Gold Craze at Oamaru, while Kennoway finished third at Rangiora two starts ago. Both look to be above average in ability, and they might extend Chances Are. Supercraft. Bandsaw, Mavfair Star and Fiametta appeal most of the remainder. On-Course Double The on-course double will be run on the First Improvers’ Handicap and the Second Improvers’ Handicap, Some Lad and Hideaway forming a likely combination. faster Trick will probably start