TROTTING Peterson Expected To Make Winning Debut

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31343, 13 April 1967, Page 5

TROTTING Peterson Expected To Make Winning Debut

Peterson is expected to make a winning race debut in the Two«year-old Stakes at Methven on Saturday. Peterson will certainly lack the race experience of the majority of his rivals, but he has been most impressive at trials and from his handy barrier position, he could escape the skirmishing which is certain to mark the first furlong as 24 youngsters try to sort themselves into some semblance of order.

The Methven club has persisted in catering for a capacity field and it is most unlikely their numbers will drop much unless there are heavy scratchings on the day. Four runners retain the right of re-entry until tomorrow afternoon.

Peterson is trained at Templeton by R. L. Tatterson for Mr C. L. Rhodes. He is a gelding by Secure from Anne Peterson, a daughter of Ivy Peterson, whose progeny have won close to £20,000 for Mr Rhodes. Few of her descendants have shown form at two years, but a number of them have been successful at three.

Peterson could be the exception. He is most sensible and appears to have sufficient speed and stamina to beat the majority of this field, especially as the majority of his better-performed rivals have drawn badly or will start from 12 yards. Peterson was successful at the Ashburton trials on March 23, following on a decisive win over Credo at Addington Raceway on March 7.

If he makes his usual smooth beginning, he should be capable of maintaining a prominent position throughout.

Goldflake will be in demand in spite of having to start from the second line. She was beaten by Double Cross in the Two-year-old Stakes on the second night of the Addington Easter meeting and a week later she finished a useful fifth in the New Zealand Welcome Stakes won by Good Chase. On 12 Yards Imperial Way could be the pick of the four winners engaged on 12 yards. Imperial Way beat all but Good Chase in the New Zealand Welcome Stakes. If he receives a reasonable run early, he should get into the finish. However, the Methven race has not been a lucky one for backmarkers, who usually strike trouble from tardy beginners among the horses on the limit. Double Cross is certain to be strongly supported. She has had a win and a third from her only race appear-

ances. She was most impressive when she fought on for third in the New Zealand Welcome Stakes. Forward Star was a winner at Addington Raceway, while Happy Hal was successful at Hawera. Forward Star has plenty of stamina and he could show up. Happy Hal will strike much sterner opposition at Methven than he did at Hawera, but he could still be prominent. He will be bracketed with Abbey Nelson, a disappointment in his three races, although he has shown to advantage at trials. Gladeen could surprise. The Killarney Hal filly did well to finish fifth on the first day of the Easter meeting at Addington Raceway. She looks a likely typ? and could have improved sufficiently as a result of that race to be considered a sound place chance in spite of an unfavourable draw.

Shepherd’s Delight is one of few other runners assured of a start with placed form to their credit. She raced most consistently until the New Zealand Welcome Stakes in which she wrecked her chance at the start. If she makes one of her best beginnings, she could show to advantage.

The promising Waratah requires one scratching before he can re-enter the field. In his absence, his trainer, F. E. Newfield, will be represented by Creditor, a gelding by Johnny Globe from Nancy Lee. Creditor has not raced, but he has the breeding to be more than useful. Leading Light and Light Globe finished sixth and seventh respectively in their race at Addington on March 18. Both look likely types and they could improve sufficiently to take part in the finish.

Selwyn Hanover and Ascot King have both shown ability at times and they appeal more than any of the others, although Royal Walk could be capable of a forward showing.