RACING Tidal Rip Picked For Steeples At Ashburton

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30472, 20 June 1964, Page 6

RACING Tidal Rip Picked For Steeples At Ashburton

Since the current winter racing began Southland-trained ’chasers have had well above average success in cross-country events. Tidal Rip might improve that provincial record today.

Mr W. H. Mennall’s

Booby Trap gelding is the top-weight and probable favourite for the Dromore Hack and Hunters’ Steeplechase at the Ashburton County Racing Club’s winter meeting.

So far this season Tidal Rip does not have one win on his record. This is rather unusual for such a consistent performer. But for a fall in the Dunedin Steeplechase at his latest attempt he would have had an unblemished record on his present crosscountry campaign. He was the runner-up each time at his three previous attempts.

Tidal Rip, which is trained by E. A. Winsloe, at Gore, will be ridden by A. Cowan who has already ridden six Dromore Steeplechase winners.

Another strong form runner from Southland will be John o’ Groats. This Callander gelding will be having his first test over country in the colours of Mr W. E. Hazlett, a noted owner of jumpers. Being a member of W. J. Hillis’ Riverton stable John o’ Groats’ education in this role should be of a high standard.

Another interesting newcomer to the ranks of crosscountry jumpers is the Blen-heim-trained Cinnaman. He was schooled over country at Te Rapa during a recent cam-

paign in the north and shaped very well.

On Oamaru form Race Card, which finished second to Mandalay in last Satur-

day’s steeples, could be a strong hope for Washdyke. A peak performance from Dotterel could bring victory much closer to home. This Moorcock gelding, which is trained on the farm of his Belfast owner Mr M. H. Williams, does some of his schooling at Riccarton.

But Mr Williams considers the Riccarton trial steeplechase fences not tough enough so this time Dotterel has done his schooling on the farm. “They can’t brush through the fences at home,” said Mr Williams earlier this week.

Dotterel began a fresh campaign at Ashburton last month. “After chancing the first fence he was never going well, in fact, it was the worst he has ever gone,” said C. M. Williams who will ride Dotterel today.

A near capacity field of milers will battle it out for honours in the Maronan Handicap, first leg of the double. Luck in the running could play a big. part but if Golden Blossom, Apache and Foxy Boy all get good runs they should take part in* the finish. ' Sometime, Fieldmaster and Charlborough might fare best of the hack stayers in the second leg, the Mayfield handicap.

Although the weather in Mid-Canterbury .during the week has been mainly fine there has been little drying. The track will provide good winter going but is bound to be soft.