TROTTING Diarac On Verge Of N.Z. Cup Class

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32099, 22 September 1969, Page 5

TROTTING Diarac On Verge Of N.Z. Cup Class

Diarac graduated to within one distance win of New Zealand Cup class when he outsprinted his rivals in the Johns Handicap at the New Brighton Trotting Club’s meeting at Addington Raceway on Saturday.

Diarac has been entered for the Methven Cup next Saturday, but it is more likely that he will be reserved for the $3OOO Ashburton Flying Stakes a week later, when he will attempt to take the final step to New Zealand Cup class.

Although no definite plans have been made for Diarac, it is expected that he will follow up the Ashburton race by competing at Forbury Park, Oamaru, and Kaikoura as a lead-up to the cup. Diarac's win was not unexpected as he had been most impressive when successful at the Amberley equalisator meeting a week earlier. Diarac raced in the middle of the field until the home turn, where he’ improved to fifth, not far from the pacemaker, Chaman. C.urragh Dan raced clear starting the last furtong, but be soon came to the end of his run and at the finish Diarac beat him very easily by two lengths after pacing the 13 furlongs in the slow time of 3min 31sec.

Diarac is raced by J. Grant, who trains him in conjunction with D. G. Jones, who drove him. Eartier in the day Jones drove a stablemate. Leading Light, tn an equally easy win in the principal

event at the Auckland meeting.

Diarac has always shown much ability, but at times he was a shade disappointing, “He raced kindly all the way,” Jones said after Saturday’s race. "He didn’t pull as he usually does in his races.” Curragh Dan had his chance. He should be improved as it was only his second start after a long spell. He held second, by a length from the solidly finishing Seafield Countess, which tracked Diarac most of the way and was forced very wide on the home turn. Van Rover battled on for fourth half a neck back, with two lengths to First Pick, a neck to Sir Echo and a short length to Stylos, which was clear of Chaman. Newport Maid, Stylos and i Seafield Countess were slow away. Deserved Win There have been few more deserved wins this season than that of BriganelH in the Ordeal Trotting Cup. He is now eligible for rich races at the New Zealand Cup meeting in November.

Briganelli’s last win was at Addington Raceway in August

of last year. Since then he has been a model of consistency and has been placed in 13 of his 17 starts. Quit® often he has looked most unlucky. An aged gelding by Light Brigade from a speedy trotting mare in Seronelli, be is trained by N. L. Berkett for Miss E. Moody and Mr K. Wilson.

BriganelH received the run of the race behind Fair Play and fought on gamely over the final furlong to beat the pacemaker’s stablemate, Light View, by a head. Light View, after breaking for a few strides early, trotted well afterwards and went close to completing a fine double for the stables of Grant and Jones.

Break Through did not finish as well as expected, but he got up for third, a length from Light View, and a length and a half in front of Morven Lad. Johnny Gee was a fair fifth, with gaps to Fair Play and Tony Bear.

Logan Count, Lucky Wood, Royal Armour and Merrin were among those to make mistakes.