TROTTING GUINESS PICKED TO WIN

Press, Volume C, Issue 29517, 19 May 1961, Page 4

TROTTING GUINESS PICKED TO WIN

Popular Fancy For First Leg At Washdyke

Guineas will be a popular fancy to gain his third successive win in the President’s Handicap at Washdyke tomorrow. The President’s Handicap is the first leg of the TA.B. double at the Timaru Trotting Club’s winter meeting. Guineas has won over 13 furlongs and 10 furlongs in his last two starts and there is no reason to doubt his ability to master two miles in the comparatively weak company he will encounter at Washdyke.

There wag considerable merit in the sprint win of Guiness at Oamaru last week. He looked to be so far back and badly placed inside the last half-mile that his position looked hopeless. He had to change course in the straight to work clear along the inride. He unwound a great burst and gathered in the leaders in a few strides, going on to win handsomely. He is one of the most improved pacers seen in recent weeks and looks set to win several races in quick time. Robin Dundee looked a little unlucky when second to Yare at Oamaru. She received a good run close to the lead tor 12 furlongs, but then became badly pocketed. By the time she was clear, Yare had established a winning break. There was merit in Robin Dundee’s effort to run him to a short neck. No Charge paced one of his better races for a close third to Yare and Robin Dundee al Oamaru last week. He is not noted for consistency, but or his day is capable of a sound two miles. He relishes winter conditions and after recent rain should have going to •uit him at Washdyke.

Guest Star was a disappointing sixth at Forbury Park at his most recent start, after two decisive wins in Canterbury. It is not known how he will handle winter going, but, if at his ease, could surprise. Latest paced some useful races at Forbury Park. He has had a chance to freshen up since then and could be prominent He will share the 24-yard mark with Gay Diamond, a useful fourth at Oamaru last week in a similar race. Gay Diamond seems to be more solid now than earlier in his career. Peat Moss, a disappointment at Oamaru, Real Dieman, Resolution and Thunderbolt are others expected to race prominently. May Handicap An open field of improving pacers will contest the second leg. the May Handicap, in which betting is expected to be well spread, Whipaway, an impressive winner on the final night at Forbury Park and a sound fifth over 10 furlongs at Oamaru last Saturday, is selected to win. Whipaway should run out the 14 fur-

longs more solidly than most of his rivals. Parados showed he was close to worth-while form when be finished third in the race won by Guest Star at Methven last month. He will not be worried by any easing in the track conditions and should be one of the hardest to beat.

Snuffbox and Nevan will form a strong bracket for

New Zealand’s leading trainer this season, C. S. Donald. Snuffbox was fourth at Methven at his last start, and Nevan should be improved by his race at Oamaru last week when having his first start for some time. Gold Maru was runner-up to Guiness over 10 furlongs at Oamaru. She will start from 12 yards this week, but that might not be enough to keep her out of the money once again. Lileas and Vanese will also start from 12 yards. At times they have shown form good enough to give them a chance in this field provided the track is not too soft. Light Comedy was a good third over a sprint distance at Oamaru and will again have to be respected. Sand Drift. Worthy River. Count Cavan and Dillon's Fashion are others which have raced reasonably well lately. They look the pick of the remainder. The on-course double will be run on the First and Second Caroline Handicaps. Fine weather is expected tomorrow but the track will be on the easy ade after recent rain.