Dryden Smoke In Rangiora Win

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31340, 10 April 1967, Page 4

Dryden Smoke In Rangiora Win

Dryden Smoke qualified to start in the J. McCloy Memorial Handicap at Methven next Saturday with a narrow win over the favourite, Royal Fame, in the Cheviot Cup on Saturday. Dryden Smoke’s performance was an outstanding trial for Methven, where the long, uphill straight should suit his style of racing.

Dryden Smoke was one of the tailenders to the straight at Rangiora Raceway and the race was almost over before he looked a serious threat. A few yards from the post N. S. Benny stopped flicking the whip at the favourite, Royal Fame, when it appeared that he had his nearest rivals, Felis and Richard Hanover, well covered. Dryden Smoke then put in his claim on the outside of the track and he got up in the last stride to win by a head going away. Dryden Smoke is trained at Greenpark by his owner, J. D. Geddes, whose son, J. J. Geddes, drove him. Royal Fame was a fairly firm favourite after his easy win at Addington last month. He was never far away, and until Dryden Smoke put in an appearance, he looked to be in for quite a comfortable win.

Felis, the winner of the race 12 months ago, was never far away, and she ran on gamely for third a short length back,

a bead in front of Richard Hanover, whieh dad well to finish so close up after being forced wide for most of the way. He was three wide at the nine furlongs and did not get covered up afterwards. Roydon Frost paced a useful race for fifth, shading Snead, Attorney, Thrift and Sir Charles, which were a length in front of Smokey Range and Don Caesar. Snead was a surprise 2/3 favourite. He became buried back in the field and was late getting clear. He came home as well as any of the others. Attorney was never really a danger; nor was Smokey Range. Option was the only runner to make a serious break at the start. £258 Double Lofty, which came under official notice because of his barrier behaviour, was having only his second start since an enforced spell when he won the Rangiora Handicap. The Dryden Pal-Lofty combination paid £258 2s for £l. Lofty was well rated by his owner-trainer, R. H. Negus. He set a fairly easy pace and

was aot tested until the final furlong. Compromise, which had pulled hard in the trailing position, ran on gamely for second a neck from Lofty and a head in front of Dawn Peterson, which finished on boldly from a fairly handy position. Flying Adorian, after meeting trouble inside the last three furlongs, was beaten off fourth, but he did well to finish so close. Highfire was a fair fifth, ahead of the favourite, Los Altos, which was badly cheeked inside the last three furlongs. Jay Queen, Battle Star, Los Altos, Stylos and Late Frost gave ground at the start.