TROTTING Four-year-olds Top Cup Candidates

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31652, 11 April 1968, Page 4

TROTTING Four-year-olds Top Cup Candidates

Three four-year-olds—Fort Nelson, Governor Frost and Stewart Hanover—appear to dominate the $lO,OOO Easter Gup Final, which will be run at Addington Raceway on Saturday afternoon. Fort Nelson and Governor Frost both won qualifying heats, and Stewart Hanover was placed in his two appearances.

The Southland-owned and trained Fort Nelson is selected to win the final, but he is certain to receive spirited opposition from his 11 rivals, all of which showed that they are in form with wins or placings in the qualifying heats.

Fort Nelson, one of the smallest horses in the field, is also one of

the gamest.

He was an unlucky placegetter in his sprint heat, but ran out an easy winner over two miles last week. He has drawn favourably and should secure a good run. Governor Frost, from Pukekohe, may start favourite as the result of heavy offcourse support from the Auckland district Governor Frost’s failure last week can be overlooked because he was off balance at the start and went to a gallop. He did remarkably well to finish seventh. According to his trainer, R. Purdon, Governor Frost has thrived since last week’s race and he is confident of a bold showing by the son of Ike Frost Supporters of Governor Frost will have a worthwhile second string in Southern Silver, which will be driven by R. P. Nyhan. He overcame a bad check on the home turn to finish second to Fort Nelson last week. Surprisingly no inquiry was held into the incident Southern Silver will only have to race as well as he did then to be a threat. Stewart Hanover, owned in Central Otago and trained at Yaldhurst by R. W. Stockdale, has looked unlucky in his two races so far at the meeting. He has been a model of consistency this season and he looks almost certain to extend his record in this race.

Good Race Glen Vale is entitled to be one of the best-backed runners after his sprint win and his third placing over two miles, behind Fort Nelson. He is best known for his deeds over distances of up to 13 furlongs. He should be capable of setting a torrid pace and might be capable of staying in front at least until late in the contest. Allakasam will have to be respected, especially if the race develops into a true test of stamina. She will be set

a difficult task from 18 yards, but is very well at present. Miles Gentry and Calm Autumn will strengthen the North Island hand in the race. Miles Gentry will this week be driven by F. E. Newfield. He was unlucky last Saturday, and could go close to making amends. Atanui. second in her two qualifying heats, and Disband, which has run on strongly for a sixth and a fourth, are two capable mares. Lustre Scott completes the field. She could not start last week because of a cold, but is all right again. A peak run would give her better than an outside chance, but she might find the four-year-olds more than she can contend with. The bracket of Stylish Major and Le Chant will be a popular combination in the New Zealand Trotting Championships, the second leg of the main double. They have not raced since they won on the final night of the InterDominion Championship meeting in February, but they have not been idle and will strip in forward condition. Both are fine stayers and it will be surprising if they fail to show to advantage. French Pass, Single Cash and Mountain Pride will give the North Island strong representation, with French Pass appealing most. Mighty Chief, the backmarker on 36 yards, will be in demand in spite of his handicap. He has trotted two splendid races so far at the meeting. Highland Fortress and Uteena are two others entitled to consideration.