MANAWATU STEEPLES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28920, 13 June 1959, Page 6

MANAWATU STEEPLES

Orelino Picked To Win “The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON, June 12. The Manawatu Steeplechase, the feature event at the Manawatu Racing Club’s winter meeting, will be staged on the second day, tomorrow, and it is probable last year’s winner. Orelino, will be made a firm favourite. When he won last year, Orelino carried 9-6 and he beat Havoc, 10-7, and High Star. 9-0. Havoc. 10-0, and ; High Star. 9-10, are in the field i again. Orelino is the top-weight, with 10-7. He ran in the Great Northern Steeplechase, in which he adopted the unusual role of joint pacemaker. In the past, Orelino always did best when allowed to drift out in the early part, and then use his stamina in the concluding stages. Brent, Pine Grove. Gay • Student. High Star, Marau. and The Weaner have been showing form in crosscountry events this winter, and the best of this lot may be Pine Grove, which comfortably won the Wanganui Steeplechase at his last start.

Two visitors from the north, in French Echo and Master Gregory, have useful records over country, though neither has shown form this winter

Master Gregory was a top-liner last winter. He ran against the hacks on the first day and pulled up distressed In the open class this week he has a stone less, and evidently has improved in condition, as he worked well on the flat this week.

The T.A.B double will be on the Palmerston North Handicap, one mile and a quarter, and the Members’ Handicap, seven furlongs.

There is a limit field in the first leg, with four reserves awaiting reentry, and there is plenty of exposed form.

Happy Luca has not raced since she won at Otaki in May. She was also successful at her previous start at Woodville, and this show of form left the impression that she would carry on and do well for the remainder of the winter.

Yorker, Fair Diana, and Monogram look a likely trio in the second leg The weather outlook is a little unsettled and the track is certain to be heavy Selections:

11 a.m.—Ngata Hack Hurdles: Royal Vintage. Sagittarius, Styrdom.

11.40 a.m.—Novice Stakes—First Division: Wakefield, Beau Minstrel. Second Division: Alfred. Pasadena

12.25 p.m.—Electric Hack Handicap: Gay Deceiver. Golden Road. Hauparu Bay

1.5 p.m.—Manawatu Steeplechase: Orelino. Pine Grove, Brent.

1.50 p.m.—Palmerston North Handicap: Happy Luca. St Reynard. Diadochi. 2.30 p.m. Collinson Hurdles; Brookside, Russett. Sir Totara.

3.20 p.m.—Members’ Handicap: Yorker. Monogram, Fair Diana. 4 p.m.—Farewell Hack Handicap Cordage Sporting Cap. Hi-Jlnx

A. J. T. STOKES APPEALS An appeal has been lodged by the Riccarton jockey, A. J. T Stokes, against his suspension up to and including August 10 by the judicial committee of the North Canterbury Racing Club last Sautrday. Stokes was found guilty under Rule 282 of falling to ride Bagman, which was placed second, out to the finish of the President’s Handicap. The appeal will be heard by the Canterbury District Committee next Wednesday afternoon