TROTTING CARDIGAN BAY CHOSEN

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30289, 15 November 1963, Page 4

TROTTING CARDIGAN BAY CHOSEN

Free-For-All At Addington

Only an exceptionally poor run will prevent Cardigan Bay from winning the New Zealand Free-for-all, a feature race at Addington today. Cardigan Bay will be making his third appearance in the event. He won in 1961 and finished second to Lordship 12 months ago. This race could well be Cardigan Bay’s last in Canterbury this season, his main missions later being the £5OOO Summer Cup at Harold Park in January and the Inter-Dominion Championship series at Melbourne in February and March; Cardigan Bay last Tuesday met all of his rivals in today’s race in the New Zealand Cup. After giving them starts of up to 54 yards, he beat them handsomely. He has drawn wide today, and might have to work fairly hard to work to the front. Even so, his class should stand to him and he should win the winner’s share of the stake amounting to £l3OO.

Two other Auckland-owned horses, Vanderford and Blue Prince, could be the hardest for him to beat. Vanderford’s form in the New Zealand Cup was all wrong and could be attributed mainly to his dislike of pace-making. He should not be left in the lead today and with a reasonable run could make a told attempt to reach a place.

Blue Prince was pacing very easily until a mishap near the three furlongs in the New Zealand Cup on Tuesday. He lost all chance when he broke and was not persevered with. That was only his third start for the season and he should be an even better horse today. Sun Chief’s second in the Hannon Memorial Handicap at Oemaru last month entitles han to consideration He was pacing well until he was badly checked in the cup on Tuesday, after which he had no chance. If that incident has taken no serious effect on him, he could make a bold showin®. Robin Dundee. Master Alan. Oreti and Doctor Dan. which followed Cardigan Bay home in that order in the cup, are fit horses. All

are capable sprinters arid they should ensure that Cardigan Bay does not have things his own way throughout the race. A capacity field, which includes a number of runners of doubtful ability, will contest the New Zealand Metropolitan Challenge Stakes, a race for three and four-year-olds. Placed On Tuesday Grande Garnison s determined run for third in the Riccerton Stakes on Tuesday suggests that he will have sound prospects, especially if tie takes advantage of his handicap. He is on the front and receives a good start from some highly-regarded young pacers. Bellajily appeals more than Space Cadet, the only other horse on the Limit. A win for Carina Star, one of five horses on 12 yards, would not surprise. The Meadow Chief gelding has raced most impressively but without much luck so far this season. Even so he might be hard-pressed by two smart three-year-olds. Full Sovereign and Peerswick, both of which will start from 24 yards. Full Sovereign raced

greenly on Tuesday, but showed great speed over the latter part of the race. He should be all the better for that experience. Peerswick. too, finished well on Tuesday even though he was a rather distant fifth. He is a likely improver and from 36 yards must be considered seriously as a place prospect. Flyn, on 24 yards, has shown sound form at Addington in the past and was successful in this race 12 months ago after starting from the front. Garcon d’Or recorded a brilliant sprint effort when second to Idaho on Tuesday. Provided he does not lose too much ground at the start, be should be hard to beat. Flak is one of the speediest pacers in the race, but he is not often very quick into his stride. If he gets away on terms with the others on 36 yards, he could give plenty of interest to the finish. The double will be run on the Dominion Handicap and the Hornby Handicap. Mighty Hanover will probably be favourite for the first leg, but the chances of Flaming Way, Pohutukawa, Our Own, Control and,- Min Scott cannot be taken lightly. Lyndhurst will be in demand in the second leg, while there will be solid support for Trade Fair. Lakeda, Garrison Royal. Inglemead, Safe Return. Marquess and Avante. A southerly change is forecast. but unless there is heavy rain, the track will be in splendid order.