TROTTING DAMIAN SHOULD RACE WELL

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28980, 22 August 1959, Page 6

TROTTING DAMIAN SHOULD RACE WELL

Challenge Stakes At Addington

The Auckland-owned and trained Damian should gain something towards expenses on the trip in the Canterbury Challenge Stakes, a special condition race for three and four-year-old pacers on the final day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s national meeting today. Damian looked to be well above himself in condition when produced last week and after a slow beginning he was never in a challenging position and finished tenth. That run is certain to have improved him and he should be much more difficult to beat today.

Damian will not oe set an easj task from 36 yards, but he is bj far the most experienced horst in the race. Provided M. Holme: can work him into a reasonably handy position before the straighi entrance, he should outsprin most of his rivals. The Challenge Stakes were rur for a first time 12 months age and the finish was dominated bj two four-year-olds, Seafield Lac and Gay Baron, with a smari filly. Fair Loan, finishing third Again today it appears that i four-year-old will be successful The top-ranking two-year-olc of last season. Sun Chief, look: the pick of the younger horses although from 24 yards he wil have to be at his best to be t threat to Damian. Teryman, an impressive win ner at the recent trials, is one ol four horses on 36 yards. He looks an improved pacer and it will not be a surprise if he take: a prominent part in the finish. Prince, which paced a usefu race at the trials, should be the pick of the other four-year-olds Arania and Sally Boy, both ol which showed fine form ir classic races last season, made forward showings at the trial: and from the front mark they should be in or near the lead all the way. Ceremonial, a decisive winnei over two miles in the smart time of 4.21 last Saturday,- should gc close to repeating that effort ir the Improvers’ Handicap, alsc run over two miles. Ceremonial won with a lot in hand and she looks to have a great future a: a stayer. She will start from 24 yards in this field, but there are only four horses handicapped in front of her. If she begins as well as she did last week she should be close to the lead all the way. Mulgrove's Prospects Mulgrove paced a fine race for fifth in the Templeton Handicap last Saturday and he was subsequently promoted to fourth That run should improve Mulgrove; which showed outstanding form at times last season. He ii a grand stayer and looks to be the one for Ceremonial to beat Dilossa, a close seventh lasi Saturday when having her firsl start for 12 months, is also an improver. She looks very well and could be on the verge ol high-class form. Gold Mist finished second in her race last week only to be disqualified for causing interference. She lost ground early and put in a tremendous run foi her placing. She stays well and must be considered. First Belle, runner-up to Highland Heath over 13 furlongs Josie Gay. runner-up to Kiw Grattan over 10 furlongs. Gay Baron and Waitaki Child are others capable of adding interest to the finish, but they should be safely held by Ceremonial ant Mulgrove. Firs* Leg Prospects Con Scott, Macklin and Ligh Nurse form a likely trio for the National Handicap, the first leg of the T.A.B. double. This race has drawn a very open field '■nc the three horses named do no 1

exhaust tne possibilities, Guards Brigade. Blue Emperor and Lady Shona all look capable of adding interest to the finish. Zany will probably be favourite for the Wildwood Handicap in spite of the withdrawal of her stablemate. Our Tim, Seafield Lad, Cassado, Reason Why. Solemnity and Fourth Edition all look capable of a bold showing. Last Saturday, the Christchurch Handicap, the main race for trotters, provided one of the most exciting contests of the day A similar field is engaged in the Winter Handicap, the first leg of the on-course double and another fine race should result. Durban Chief and Beau Clair, third and first respectively in last week's race, look likely to dispute the finish, with strong opposition expected from Mighty Brigade, Supervise, See All and Ordeal. Showdown, Lady Belmer and Caduceus are selected to do best in the Farewell Handicap, the second leg of this double, but the chances of False Step. Bonny Starlet, Light Nurse and Lady Shona cannot be overlooked. Weather prospects are favourable and the track is expected to be in perfect order.