TROTTING Seafield Lad Close To Worth-while Form

Press, Volume C, Issue 29604, 29 August 1961, Page 4

TROTTING Seafield Lad Close To Worth-while Form

Sdafield Lad’s two placings at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s national meeting at Addington suggested he is close to winning form for his Timaru owner, Mr E. Grant Seafield Lad was slow early in the August Handicap, won by Scottish Light on the first day of the meeting, and was late obtaining a clear run in the straight. He came with a determined run over the last furlong and was only two lengths behind his better-performed rival at the post.

On Saturday Seafield Lad started from the front mark and began in grand style for his trainer-driver, W. R. Butt, to be trailing the leader, Kingsdown Patch, at the end of a furlong. As the lead changed. Seafield Lad became pushed back and badly pocketed on the inside, until at the half-mile he had more than 10 horses in front of him. Seafield Lad was still badly placed behind at least eight homes at the straight entrance and had to change course several times before he could obtain a clear run out near the middle of the track. It was late when he put in his challenge, his run carrying him into third place, less than a length from the winner. Seafield Lad required a win in that race to be correctly placed in the Johns Handicap at the New Brighton meeting on Saturday. Seaifield Lad has had his share of misfortune during his career. On several occasions he has received injuries or been troubled by soreness, often when close to hij peak. He seems to be quite sound at present and will only have to train on satisfactorily to be an early winner. Seafieid Lad is now a seven-vear-old. but he has been lightly raced. He won two races last season and should Soon extend his record. Butt also looked to be a little unluckv with Waitaki Child in the Farewell Handicap on Saturday. He was sixth when the field settled down, but appeared to meet trouble and lose several lengths near the three furlongs. Waitaki Child was eighth at the straight entrance and some lengths from the leaders. Zany and Ceremonial, Once in the open he finished with a great burst, and. although he had no chance with the winner. Ceremonial, he was only half a head behind the second horse. Zany. Waitaki Child was not noted for consistency last season, but at times his efforts were good enough to suggest that he could win several races. He will probably race next in the Johns Handicap at New Brighton on Saturday and if he races as well as he did at Addington he will have more than an outside chance. Butt has a fairly large team in work at present and

others likely to show wininng form at early spring meetings include For Certain, Axis, Admit and Thumberlina. First And Last Happy Hunting gained a stylish win on the first day of the recent Addington meeting, but finished last in the Improvers’ Handicap on Saturday. He broke at the , start and was fifth last when the field settled down. He showed no dash at any stage of the race and finished at the rear. Happy Hunting has plenty of ability, but apparently does best when allowed to make his own rules in front. Finished Fast Wexford Chief was having his first start since being trained by D. G. Jones when he finished fourth in the Farewell Handicap at Addington on Saturday. The [brother to Excelsa and other winners was slow away on [Saturday and made up several lengths along the inside in the straight. He showed useful form when trained by D. R. Grantham at Hawera last season and might not be long winning for his present trainer. Extra Ground I Highland Heath covered a [ tremendous amount of extra [ground in both the National Handicap and the Farewell Handicap at Addington on Saturday and it was not surprising that he failed to make any impression over the final two furlongs of his races. The Morano gelding looks very well and his Auckland owner, Mr H. S. Barry, should not have to wait long before receiving his first return with him. Improving Aldora paced his best race for a long time when he finished strongly for fourth in the Wildwood Handicap at Addington on Saturday. He was one of the best beginners, but had trouble working clear near the furlong post. He finished sojidly wide out and was only a length from the winner at the finish. Aldora has done well since being trained by J. G. McDonald at New Brighton and should soon improve on that effort. For Melbourne The Cambridge trainer, P. Skousgaard, intends to leave for Melbourne next month with six or eight horses. He has been advised by the Melbourne Trotting Control Board that provided he obtains a medical clearance, he will be able to drive in Victoria. Skousgaard has not driven in New Zealand for three years since he reached the age limit of 65. Among the horses he intends to take with him are Whippy Dillon, Red Reveller and Smokey Direct. Whippy Dillon failed to win a race last season, but Red Reveller was successful three times and Smokey Direct twice. Early Winner Southern Cross paced a grand race for second to Belroy in the Canterbury Challenge Stakes on Saturday at Addington. He looked a picture before the race and had obviously done more work than many of his rivals. Southern Cross began well from 24 yards and received a good run on the inner for

most of the way. He made a game effort to overhaul Belroy in the straight, but found the winner’s advantage of four lengths at the turn too great. However, he reduced it to one length at the post. The son of Bums Night and Constellation has been sparingly raced by his Methven owner-trainer, G. McKendry. He has been slow to mature, but looks solid now. He has won only two races and is eligible for slow-class handicap events. He should make amends for Saturday’s defeat as soon as he starts to race in open handicaps. He appears to be capable of mastering all distances now.