Scottish Charm unlucky

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32494, 2 January 1971, Page 8

Scottish Charm unlucky

"The Press" Special Service i Scottish Charm was declared a “good thing; beaten” by her driver,, H. Purdon, after the i Auckland Trotting Cup! at Alexandra Park onj Thursday. She finished second to Stella Frost after a thrilling contest.! “I locked wheels with Holy Hal about half-way down the straight and gave him a ‘tow’ for what seemed an age although it was probably only a short distance. But for that I am sure I would have won. Scottish Charm was going so well,” Purdon said. Purdon said he had a great run and, when Holy Hal moved out under pressure in the straight, the “dream” New Zealand continues to breed top Standardbred Yearlings. No fewer than 45 (44 pacers and one trotter) New Zealand bred horses have joined the two minute list, racing in either New Zealand, j Australia or the United States. A total of 365 Yearlings will be offered for sale at the twenty-seventh New Zealand National Sales of Standardbred Yearlings coinciding with the 1971 InterDominion Championships in Christchurch on Thursday, February 18, and Friday February 19, 1971. The 365 yearlings being offered comprise 212 colts and 153 fillies, representing 60 sires; 27 imported and 33 New Zealand. Catalogues ($3 a set Post Paid) available from the Auctioneers, Box 292, Christchurch. —Advt.

opening came. “But he came in again slightly and Scottish Charm, going great guns, was held up at a stage when it mattered most.”

Stella Frost trailed Scottish Charm for the greater’ part of the journey. She was I switched by D. J. Townley to the outer when Radiant Globe challenged Holy Hal at the three furlongs and was ideally positioned behind Radiant Globe to make her challenge.

Stella Frost responded generously when asked for an extra effort and scored by a length and a quarter from Scottish Charm. Holy Hal and Radiant Globe tired to third and fourth respectively. Western Ridge went a fine race to finish fifth but the others were well beaten.

The strong pace—Stella Frost’s 4min 11 4-ssec has been beaten only three times in the race’s 80-year history

—undoubtedly was due to the lap prizes. Last year, Leading Light won in a slow 4min 27sec. Both lap prizes were won by Holy Hal, $5OO for being the leader at the end of six furlongs and $lOOO more for being in charge at the end of 11 furlongs. Stella Frost’s success makes her the biggest stakeearner among standardbreds racing in New Zealand. The $15,625 (plus a $4OO gold cup) for first in the cup and $lOOO for second in the Pezaro Memorial on Monday pushed her total to $59,330. The previous leader was James.

A most attractive six-year-old black mare, Stella Frost is owned by her breeder, Mr L. H. Tilson, and trained at Tinwald by Townley. She has a remarkably consistent record. From 64 starts, she has had 16 wins and 25 minor placings.