Newbrook Might Test Sprinters At Washdyke

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30635, 29 December 1964, Page 4

Newbrook Might Test Sprinters At Washdyke

The Wingatui trainer, D. P. Wilson, will not have a runner at Washdyke today. Yesterday he scratched Hot Foot, Big Smoke and Pease for their respective engagements.

The scratching of Hot Foot from the President’s Handicap has strengthened the possibility of a Riccarton victory.

The popular fancy now for the open sprint on the first day of the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s summer meeting is almost certain to be Newbrook.

Although he failed in three starts on his home course at Riccarton last month Newbrook's record leading up to

the New Zealand Cup meeting has been marked by consistency. Mr J. S. Shaw’s Belvedere gelding was a minor placegetter in three of his first five starts this season and he carried his trainer’s colours successfully against the open sprinters at Motukarara in October. Recent track gallops suggest that Newbrook has made good progress since the New Zealand Cup meeting. His first race after being freshened is often his best and that is the way he will be today. Besides Newbrook, Riccarton stables will be represented by a handy number of other fast sprinters. FOR SECOND WIN Waverley is one. He lacks racing since the Grand National meeting in August but he came right into favour after a brilliant final gallop in training last Saturday morning. Waverley, a member of W.

A. Welton’s team, will be trying for his second win this season for Mrs J. W. Woodhouse. He began his six-year-old racing successfully in the Paparua Handicap on his home course in August. General Gilbert, Deladana and Picca Leigh, also from Riccarton, and the Washdyketrained Fairlane are all capable of mustering a fast gallop for six furlongs and any one of them could also be involved in the finish.

Today’s double will operate on the St. Andrews Highweight and the Publicans’ Intermediate Handicaps. Birthright, Fieldmaster and Baalbek might fare best of the Timaru Cup candidates engaged in the first leg. Bell Man, from the powerful Winsloe stable at Gore, may battle it out with Last Count and Tuborg, which are both Riccarton4rained, for honours in the second leg. If the dry, hot spell continues the track will be firm and fast.