Riches To Be Won

Press, Issue 32345, 10 July 1970, Page 1 (Supplement)

Riches To Be Won

"The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND. The 12th round of the battle of the betters against the Waikato district racing clubs’ jackpot will open at Matamata tomorrow for the richest prize offered m New Zealand or Australian racing history. Already the pool is of $217,505.50. The payoff, if the jackpot is toppled, is expected to be worth two-thirds as much again. This present jackpot began its dizzy sprout at Te Rapa on February 17, having been struck four times since its humble start in March of last year. If it is of any encouragement, it has already been cracked twice at Matamata. So it is not, as many have cried in despair, impossible to win. Long Odds Having thus re-established there is some faint hope, it is suggested, with due respect to the overwhelming odds against, the required six winners could be bagged for an outlay of $lO. Local runners will, it is believed, play a major role. The choice for the first jackpot race, the Tokoroa Handicap, is Lord's Gift a speedy and game colt trained on the course by N. Crawford. In three starts at Te Rapa in May he came second a head from Proper Verdict, third, two necks from Lancelot, and fourth behind Lancelot, Suttle and Yogi Bear.

He has had a chance to freshen since last racing and should run a good six furlongs. Second Winner . Crawford might also saddle the winner of the next event, the Okauia Steeplechase. Macquarrie may have a dislike of heavy ground but over two mites and a quarter it is doubtful whether any of his rivals will be able to foot it with him. Proper Verdict, prepared by the leading local trainer. 3. A. Gibbs and Pacific Prince are the two favoured in the Pioneers’ Handicap, the third jackpot race. Proper Vedict is a mare very much on the up-grade while Pacific Prince is a tough campaigner sharpened by a course of schooling. Survey, a promising novice, i should win the fourth, the ■ Tower Maiden. But the fifth Jhe Burwood Handicap, looks (wide open.

Local Fancies Annie Laurie. Wairere I.ass and Ahjay are locals favoured [Roth Annie I<aurie and Waiirere iJiss have won on the {course. while Ahjay. in spite of recent failures, is one of the most brilliant wet-weather [gallopers. ! Oddfellow might be better named Smart Fellow, because he is just that, and he and ; the honest Monander should Ibe taken with the Matamata brio. ! Gibbs figures again in the l last race, the Arawa Handicap. His runner is Voyonne Fair, which has improved 'steadilv in recent weeks. [Schilling, a good sixth at [Avondale last week, is anI other choice. I But even taking alt these, (that leaves 31.699 980 other 'possible combinations.