MANAROA ON HARD MARK

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32869, 18 March 1972, Page 8

MANAROA ON HARD MARK

(N.2. Press Association) SYDNEY. Manaroa will be the backmarker in all heats for this year's Inter-Domlnlon Championships at Albion Park In Brisbane. Handicaps released by InterDominion officials last night had Manaroa on the 24-yard mark in the 12 furlong and 132 yards and the 14 furlongs and 132 yards heats, and on 18 yards for he 10 furlong and 132 yards is the only one of the 117 championship nominations to get a 24-yard handicap. The New South Wales pacer, Bay Foyle, which won last Friday’s Miracle Mlle at Harold Park, has been given an 18 yard handicap in all heats, while the Victorian star, Relchman, which finished second, in front of Manaroa, in the Miracle Mile, gets into the heats on 12 yards.

The connections of Manaroa have returned to New Zealand, leaving the horse in charge of the Sydney trainer, N. Hargreaves. „ Manaroa’s Methven owner. Mr C. J. McLaughlin, told 'The Press” last evening that In spite of his horse’s handicap he would instruct Hargreaves to go on with plans to race at the InterDominion series. “However, his most immediate plans are to contest the Lord Mayor’s Cup at Harold Park,” his owner said. The New Zealand trainer, G. B. Noble, said the handicapper had certainly not favoured Manaroa. Noble is campaigning in Sydney with Roydon Roux and Garcon Roux at present "As far as I know Manaroa and Bay Foyle have met over the distance only once —in the New Zealand Cup at Christchurch earlier in the season—and while Bay Foyle finished close up, Manaroa was down the track. "I don’t think Bay Foyle is entitled to get a start from Manaroa.,” He maintained, however, that the handicap could be of assistance to Manaroa, for It would

ensure that he would be able to get away well, unhindered by horses about him. Noble said he believed Robalan had been fairly treated with a handicap of 12 yards for the two longer heats and off the front over 10 furlongs.

(Robalan’s trainer, D. D. Nyhan, however, told "The Press last night that as far as he was concerned being handicapped on 12 yards on analf-mile track, considering the stakes offered, meant it was not worth making the trip.)

Others handicapped on 12 yards are Kiwi Lad, Dixie Boy, Welcome Advice. Golden Alley, Bold David, Roscott, Dainty’s Daughter and Radiant Oro. AU other entries will start off the limit.