Royal Ascot’s run will be interesting

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32703, 4 September 1971, Page 8

Royal Ascot’s run will be interesting

The reappearance or Royal Ascot in the Travis Stakes will be a highlight of the New Brighton Trotting Club’s spring meeting this ; evening at Addington Raceway. He will be one of the strong fancies ‘ for this race, which is ' the first leg of the oncourse concession double. Royal Ascot gained four wins and four placings from 15 starts in New Zealand last season and he was one of the top three-year-olds of a vintage period. He was then taken to Sydney where he showed outstanding form, culminating in a win in the $lO,OOO final of the Pacing Derby. Royal Ascot was not produced at the Methven trials on Tuesday, but it is unlikely he will be started unless he is near his peak. At his best, he would be too good for this field, although he can expect spirited opposition from the speedy Washdyke mare, Daisy Charles. Daisy Charles was a decisive winner over 10 furlongs last week at Addington. She lost much ground at the start and showed much ability to win. She will be assisted greatly by the flying start in this race and she should make a race of it with Royal Ascot. Garrison House, Heather-

loch and Refluent all raced well enough at the national meeting to be considered at least as place chances, while the sound form shown in flying start races last season by Venfall entitles him to consideration. However, Royal Ascot and Daisy Charles should dispute the finish. Royal Ascot is one of two members of C. J. McLauchlin’s Mount Hutt team down to resume racing this evening, the other being Manawaru, a candidate for the H. E. Gogging Handicap, the second leg of the T.A.B. concession double. Manawaru will be in demand in an open race after his dashing win at the Methven trials on Tuesday. Another Methven district team to be represented’ by

two runners, both with fine winning chances, at tonight’s meeting is that of C. V. and T. M. May. They have Good Admiral in the Introductory Handicap and Walk Alone, one of the rivals of Manawaru. Good Admiral looks a second-to-none chance in his race. He is one of the most promising young trotters seen for some time and this race gives him another chance of graduating through the classes. He is certain to receive strong opposition from Al Mundy, while Winter Star, Chief Walk, Ebby Globe, and Great Elect might also be dangerous. The jackpot, starting with a pool of $6823.50, will be run on races three to eight inclusive.