TROTTING ORBITER IN LINE FOR WIN

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30389, 13 March 1964, Page 4

TROTTING ORBITER IN LINE FOR WIN

Easter Cup Second Heat At Addington

Orbiter will be a popular fancy for the Easter Cup Second Heat on the opening night of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s Easter meeting at Addington Raceway tomorrow. Orbiter will be opposed by a very strong field and his meeting with Great Credit, Lordship and other well-performed pacers will be a highlight of the night.

Orbiter is one of the most highly-regarded pacers in commission. He has failed to weigh in in only two of his 14 starts this season and he has had seven wins. He looked a shade unlucky last time out when he finished fourth in the Britannia Handicap won by Great Credit at Addington on February 27. In that race he met trouble as he attempted to work into the clear near the three furlongs and lost several lengths. He came home at a great rate and should have returned a dividend.

Orbiter has all the attributes of a champion. He can race anywhere in a field and on any type of track, as well as being able to sprint and stay- He is on the front tomorrow and if allowed to make his own rules in the lead, he will take heading. Great Credit will probably be having his final start in New Zealand in this race as he is booked to leave for the United States on Monday. He has had two wins and two placings from five starts since being purchased by Mr N. Simpson and trained at Templeton by C. R. Berkett. His win in the Britannia Handicap last month was most impressive. He will start from his own on 18 yard and if he does no more than double that at the start, he will make a race of it with Orbiter.

[ Lordship paced two splendid races at Hutt Park last month, finishing fifth on each occasion. Those races should have brought him close to his peak and even from 30 yards he cannot be left out of calculations. Deft was a shade disappointing when she finished sixth in the New Brighton Cup last month at her most recent appearance. However, she met trouble near the two furlongs and that could have cost her her chance. She is a grand staying mare and from the front she could give a forward showing. The Timaru Cup winner, Fox Able, Van Rush and Rustic Lad are other smart pacers on the front, while Jay Ar and Oreti, both on 12 yards, cannot be left out of calculations. The double will be run on the Easter Cup First Heat and the Stewards’ Handicap, Safe Return and Front Line forming a likely combination. The weather has been unsettled, but Improvement is expected. Unless there is heavy rain on the day, the track should be fast.