TROTTING COURSE DOUBLE AT ADDINGTON

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30846, 3 September 1965, Page 4

TROTTING COURSE DOUBLE AT ADDINGTON

Courtier And Country John Picked Courtier and Country John will form a stronglyfancied combination for the on-course double at Addington Raceway tomorrow night. Courtier’s reappearance in the All Black Stakes will be a highlight of the New Brighton Trotting Club’s spring meeting. The field will be despatched from behind the starting gate, which could be a factor in Courtier’s favour.

Courtier was one of the top-ranked two-year-olds of last season, but he fell from favour when he failed to begin cleanly at his last two starts. The Morano colt has great speed and although this will be a severe test for so early in the season, he should master the 13 furlongs quite comfortably as he is well endowed with stamina.

Friendly Tom and Vista Abbey are the only two in the race to have had the benefit of a run at last month’s national meeting and might be more seasoned than many of their rivals.

Friendly Tom was slow eway in the Four-year-old Stakes on August 21 and finished a useful seventh. The flying start will suit him, especially as he has drawn No. 1 at the barrier. One of his peak efforts will give him a splendid chance. Vista Abbey shaped like an early improver when she finished on boldly for fifth in the Four-year-old Stakes. She looks much more favourably placed in this rather weak field and should give a good account of herself.

Ulove mixed good and bad form last season. Her best efforts were very good and she could surprise. Seafield Prince and Hal's Delight appeal more than any of the rest.

Country John beat all but Inky Boy in a sinr'ar race last Saturday and should go close to winning the New Brighton Stakes, the second leg of this double. Country John’s effort last week was most encouraging

and if he has made the progress expected, he should just about win. Bass Strait finished in great style for third in Inky Boy’s race last week, coming home well from mid-field. He, too, is expected to improve at short notice. Atanui was t b e beaten favourite in last week’s race, in which she wrecked her chance at the start. If she begins reasonably well, she could just about make amends.

Inky Boy won so well last week that he must be considered one of the leading possibilities. He has been penalised 12 yards for that win, but that should not be enough to keep him out of the finish. Late Frost appeals more than any of the others in the limit. This half-brother to Orbiter finished a good sixth last week when having his first start at a totalisator meeting.

Roydon Prince will also be

in demand after his bold finish for seventh last Saturday. Once again he will be set a difficult task from 36 yards. The T.A.B. double will be run on the Johns and H, E. Goggin Handicaps. Fine weather is forecast and the track will be fast.