Brothers Have Top Prospects For Stakes

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32303, 22 May 1970, Page 1 (Supplement)

Brothers Have Top Prospects For Stakes

By

G. K. YULE

The brothers, R. J. Oliver, of Yaldhurst, and F. Oliver, of Oamaru, should have a big say in the finish to the First L. S. Smart Stakes, the first leg of the T.A.B. concession double at the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s winter meeting at Addington Raceway tomorrow.

R. J. Oliver is the trainer of Rat Tat, a horse he races in partnership with his son, G. M. Oliver, while F. Oliver owns and trains Boy Friend, one of the top-ranked three-year-olds of the season.

Rat Tat. “The Press' selection for the race, has had a meteoric rise to prominence. He started racing at Blenheim on February 7 and since then he has won five times from 12 starts. Three of his successses have been in mobile start races. J. A. Carmichael, who has been associated with him in four wins—he was driven by W.’ R. Butt in the other—will drive him tomorrow. The Carmichael-Rat Tat combination gained two runaway wins in mobile start races at the Auckland meeting, which ended last Saturday. At his latest start Rat Tat

gained a runaway win over' two miles in 4min 19 3-ssec.j If he goes as well from his' handy barrier position of No. 5 in this raee, he should ex-i tend his fine record. Boy Friend has also had 12 starts this season and he has recorded four wins and: four platings. He has shown brilliant form from behind the mobile barrier and had an official mile rate of better; than 2min 4sec for 11 furlongs when he won at For-, bury Park two starts ago He contested a standingstart event on the second night of the Forbury Park meeting, but wrecked his: chances at the start. Boy Friend, one of the! growing tribe of winners sired by Bachelor Hanover, is; the “baby” of the field. He

lias drawn awkwardly at No. 12 and will have to start from the second line. Even this should not stop him racing prominently.

Loyal Adios will be in deimand after a rather unlucky second at Washdyke last week, and there will be support for a number of other runners, including Peel Off. Morris Pal, Saltreb, and Waiata. There might also be .support for the northerner, Uncle Tom, which has a sound record in his home province. Thunder Globe, Royal Trump and Soldato form a I likely trio in the second leg !of this double, the Second L. S. Smart Stakes, a race in which Irish Whispers, Newella. Winfield Chief, and 1 Evette may also race prominently. < Caroldon and Seafield Queen form a likely combin- ■ ation for the on-course con- ; cession double, which will be ;; on the Clarendon Handicap ■ and the May Stakes.