TROTTING Trainer’s Strength In Methven Leg

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31017, 24 March 1966, Page 5

TROTTING Trainer’s Strength In Methven Leg

The Addington trainer, R. Young, looks to hold a strong hand in the J. McCloy Memorial Handicap, the first leg of the T.A.B. double at the Methven Trotting Club’s autumn meeting on Saturday.

He has two form runners in Don Caesar and Adorato engaged in this two-mile race. Either could turn in a winning run and it will not surprise if both figure in the finish.

Don Caesar might do best of the pair if he secures a reasonable run. He paced a splendid race for second to St. Nazaire in the Timaru Cup on March 12 at his most recent start. In that race he lost a good position in the middle stages and it was late when he challenged boldly from a good way back. There was merit in his placing and he will need to show very little improvement to gain an overdue win. Adorato, a three-quarter brother to the well-performed Avante, is owned in Methven by Mr and Mrs A. Spark. He was a last start winner over 13 furlongs in 3min 27sec at Addington Raceway on March 8.

Adorato should be capable of a solid two miles on the searching Methven track and he should be prominent. Flight Adios, a rather disappointing fifth over two miles at the New Brighton meeting on February 19, paced a useful race for seventh in the heat of the free-for-all won by Waitaki Hanover at the Addington trials on Tuesday. The grass track at Methven should suit Flight Adios better than the grit at Addington and one of his peak runs would give him a great chance of success. A second bracket assured of solid support is that of the southern pair, Majeur and Petite Sal. They finished fourth and third respectively in the Timaru Cup a fortnight ago. Both horses have raced quite consistently lately and they are entitled to respect in this field.

Disappointed

Humphrey, the winner of four races in the spring, has disappointed lately by failing to begin cleanly. He is much more capable than those efforts suggest and one of his peak efforts would give him a winning chance. He will be bracketed with Mitcham, another out-of-form runner. Happy Songster was an impressive sprint winner at Washdyke recently. He has never appealed as a true stayer, but went well enough when second to Mighty Chief over 13 furlongs at the Addington trials on Tuesday to suggest that he might be stronger now. He has never looked better than at present and he could surprise. Bob Again is reported to be

an unlikely starter, and of the other horses behind the limit none appeal more than Maudella, a useful sixth after breaking in the Timaru Cup. She won well at Addington Raceway at her previous start and could easily surprise. If consistency is any guide, Happy Wanderer should make a bold bid to win the second leg, the Springburn Handicap. She won recently at Washdyke, and last Saturday finished a fine third to Queensway and Lustre Scott ait Rangiora. There was merit in that placing as she was very slow early and had to work hard to be in a challenging position at the straight entrance. The smart three-yearold, Option, seems to be much more solid now than earlier in his career. He has drawn No. 3 at the barrier and should be capable of maintaining a prominent position throughout the race. He was third in the race won by Lustre Scott at Addington Raceway on February 19 at his most recent start. Lornaway shaped like an early improver when sihe overcame an awkward run and finished fifth behind Queensway at Rangiora last week. She is seldom guilty of running a bad race and should add interest to the finish. Cantabile was a big disappointment. when she faded over the last three furlongs of her race at Rangiora and finished sixth. She looks most promising and could make amends on Saturday. Jay Queen, Ulight, Lofty and Chief Smile appeal most of the remainder, but they might find it hard to match the stamina of Happy Wanderer.