TROTTING Junior Royal May Win Way To N.Z. Cup Class

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30737, 29 April 1965, Page 5

TROTTING Junior Royal May Win Way To N.Z. Cup Class

Junior Royal could take the final step to New Zealand Cup company with a win in the Winter Handicap, the first leg of the T.A.B. double at Forbury Park on Saturday night. He is one of a bracket of three, the other members of the group being Peel and Cairnbrae, both of which are capable of taking a prominent part in the finish.

Junior Royal finished fourth in the free-for-alls won by Robin Dundee and Lordship at Addington Raceway early in the month. He finished eighth in the Easter Cup and seventh in the Gore Invitation Stakes last Saturday. He lost ground at the start at Gore and showed speed afterwards.

Junior Royal can both sprint and stay and one of his peak efforts would give him a fine winning chance on Saturday. Peel, which has raced with distinction in the past at Forbury Park, has a rather weak form background. However, he looks in great heart at present and he could well upset calculations. Cairnbrae, from 48 yards, looks to be facing a difficult task. However, his good run for sixth in the Easter Cup at his most recent start would give him a chance of being placed. Bluff was a shade disappointing on the early nights of the Easter meeting at Addington, but he shaped like an early winner when he finished on boldly for fifth in the sprint won by Van Rebeck on Easter Saturday. Bluff has been out of form for some time, but his luck could change at this meeting. Consistently Chiffon has raced most consistently since being trained again by F. E. Newfield at Templeton. She was badly checked in the Easter Cup at her most recent start and was not a danger later. She is in grand form at present and another bold run from her would not surprise. Glenurquhart and Avante are two capable pacers on the limit. They have done little of note lately, although they have seldom paced really bad races. If either receives a good run. he could take part in the finish. Cheta won at long odds at Gore on Saturday, but on firm footing at Forbury Park his chances would not be so good. He does not appeal as much as Rannack Song, a winner at Addington early in the month and a fair seventh in the Easter Cup at his last start. Tactile, which has been recovering from a minor injury, will resume racing from 36 yards. He might need

a run to bring him to his peak, but he could reach a place. However, he. will be hard pressed to beat Junior Royal, Bluff and Chiffon. Second Leg The decision of the Forbury club to use the Flying Handicap, the final event on the programme, as the second leg of this double is an interesting development. The club is starting earlier and allowing more time between races. Also, an on-course double will be run. Peerswick, a former stablemate of Junior Royal, could be the one to beat in the second leg. He won impressively on the second night at Addington and was far from disgraced when he finished a close third behind Jilaire on Easter Saturday. Peerswick is a noted

speedster and the sprint distance should suit him admirably. He will need luck from 12 yards, but should be able to secure that without too much trouble.

Cloudage and Quesnel will also start from 12 yards. Quesnel finished a splendid second to Cloudage at the end of two miles on Easter Saturday and a repeat performance would result in him being one of the better prospects in this field. Cloudage is not noted as a sprinter. However, when he won over two miles at Addington on April 17, he began splendidly and was well positioned throughout. A sprint win for him would not surprise.

Colours Flying and Forshy appeal most of the horses on the front. Both raced impressively at the Addington Easter meeting. The 11furlong race should Suit both of them, particularly Forshy, one of the smartest sprinters in his class.

Willycan and Vanity Show are two others capable of surprising, especially Willycan, a speedy half-brother to Master Alan.