TROTTING MIGHTY CHIEF IN TOP FORM

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31041, 22 April 1966, Page 4

TROTTING MIGHTY CHIEF IN TOP FORM

N.Z. Trotting Championship Final Tomorrow

Mighty- Chief will form a popular combination with Robin Dundee in the T.A.B. double at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s royal meeting at Addington Raceway tomorrow. Mighty Chief, winner of the Dominion Handicap in November, became one of the favourites for the final of the New Zealand Trotting Championship when he gained a runaway win in his heat a fortnight ago, Poupette finishing six lengths behind him.

Not only was Mighty Chief's win by a wide margin, but he had to work hard in attempts to get to the lead twice. It would not have been surprising had he been beaten, but over the last two furlongs he ran on much too strongly for the others.

Mighty Chief’s winning time was 3min 28 3-ssec, the fastest recorded in any of the four heats, all of which were run over 13 furlongs. Potipette, which recorded 3min 28 4-ssec and 3min 29 2-ssec, was the only other horse to better -3min 30sec in the four heats

Like Mighty Chief, she has stamina superior to that of most of her opponents. Her form in the last few months has been of a high standard and she should make Mighty

Chief work hard for a win. When has trotted two sound races in the qualifying heats She would be preferred over a distance shorter than two miles, but is in fine form at present and must be given a great chance of extending her outstanding record. Gala Song, Harbour Light and Grand Charge, which dead-heated, and Doctor Kyle were heat winners and must all be considered. The form of Marshella and Flaming Way

has been good enough to give them a chance of upsetting calculations. Robin Dundee remains a dominating favourite for the Royal Easter Cup Final, but will be set a difficult task from 48 yards. Mister Chips and Wendy Dawn are two front-markers expected to make a race of it with the backmarker, and Lordship, on 36 yards, Bobbinet, Waitaki Hanover, Golden Oriole and Cloudy Bay could race prominently. The on-course double will be run on the consolation races for trotters and pacers, Asia Minor and Disband forming a likely combination. Fine weather is forecast and the track will be fast.