TROTTING CHEQUER BOARD IS FAVOURITE FOR CUP

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31323, 20 March 1967, Page 4

TROTTING CHEQUER BOARD IS FAVOURITE FOR CUP

Dashing Win In Heat On Saturday Night

Chequer Board became favourite for the £5OOO Easter Cup Final with a dashing win in his qualifying heat at Addington Raceway on Saturday night.

The other heat was won by Bright Highland, which had won the first night. Lordship finished third in that heat and recorded fastest time, assuring himself of a start in the final.

The big disappointment of the night was the failure of the Aucklander, Tobias, to do better than eighth, and a most distant one, in the heat won by Chequer Board.

Tobias led after half a mile, but he offered no fight when challenged by Chequer Board near the three furlongs. He was not really persevered with and finished almost half a furlong from the winner. The performance of Tobias mystified his trainer and partowner, J. Butcher, who said later that he cculd not account for his showing. “He was all tied up and had no life about him at all,” said Butcher. “You people here have never seen him go properly. I really want him to go like he does at Auckland and then you would see a good horse,” added a disappointed Butcher. The form of Tobias was investigated by the stipendiary stewards, who ordered a veterinary examination. Further tests are to be made this week before he contests the final.

Chequer Board’s effort was most encouraging. He dashed round the field in the matter of a few strides after passing the half-mile and had the field well covered at the three furlongs. It was only on sufferance that Wendy Dawn got within two lengths and a half of him. Wendy Dawn was subsequently disqualified for interfering with Fielder at the half-mile. Chequer Board took 4min 13 2-ssec for the two miles. The leaders took 2min 9 2-ssec for the first mile.

Bright Highland graduated to New Zealand Cup class when she beat Cuddle Doon by a length in the other heat. It was Bright Highland’s third successive win for Mr J. T. Taylor, of Christchurch, for

whom she is trained at Broadfields by J. H. Winter. She, too, will have plenty of admirers in the final. Topped List Bright Highland headed the list of qualifiers for the Easter Cup with eight points; followed by Raven Song, with seven and a half; Chequer Board, seven; Lordship, five; Tobias, four; Great Adios, three and a half: Admire, Cuddle Doon, Fielder, Master Alan, three; Spry, two: Adorato, Allakasam and Grande Garnison, one. All 14 should secure a start in the final.

Chequer Board was a shade slow at the start of his heat, Admire, Doug’s Choice, Phillmark and Doctor Barry also giving ground.

Tobias took the lead from Raven Song after half a mile, but he was not hitting out with any freedom. Chequer Board was ninth at the halfmile, but he sprinted round the field and took the lead half a furlong later. He led by six lengths racing to the straight and was not pressed to win by two lengths and a half. Master Alan paced a fine race and was promoted to second, ahead of Raven Song and Grande Gamison after Wendy Dawn had been disqualified. Buchanan and Happy Ending gave ground at the start of the other heat. Bright Highland led early, but Cuddle Doon took over before the 10 furlongs, where Lordship had improved to fifth. Lordship followed Cuddle Doon into the straight, with Bright Highland handy, ahead of Adorato, Spry, Lyndhurst and Great Adios. Bright Highland finished best to win by a length from Cuddle Doon, with the same distance back to Lordship. Allakasam made up a lot of ground for a close fourth, shading Happy • Songster, Lochgair and Great Adios.