Another win for Rauka Lad?

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33046, 13 October 1972, Page 1 (Supplement)

Another win for Rauka Lad?

Rauka Lad and Royal Ascot, first and second respectively in the corresponding race a week ago, are expected to dispute the finish to the Forbury Handicap, the first leg of the T.A.B. concession. double tomorrow evening at Forbury Park.

Two newcomers—Lightsey, a winner in the slower class on the first night, and Royal Belmer, which is making a fresh start after a short spell since a disappointing showing on September 2—-will

compensate for the absence of Robalan, a dashing and rather urilucky fourth to Rauka Lad a week ago. Rauka Lad has gone from strength to strength in the last 10 months and already he is one of the top fancies for the $40,000 New Zealand Cup on November 7 at Addington Raceway. When he won last Saturday he was having his second start since April 1 and it is reasonable to assume that he will have improved sufficiently to overcome his addiitonal handicap of six yards, which places him on 24 yards. He had the G. J. Barton Handicap won with two fur-

longs left last Saturday, and the beaten horses will have to show sharp improvement to keep him in sight once more.

Royal Ascot might have been a shade unlucky a week ago as he was one of the tailenders with five furlongs left and it was late when he challenged towards the inside. He made ground in most determined style towards the end, but was too late to get near Rauka Lad. Better served in the running, he might make last week’s winner work much harder for victory. Vanadium looked to have his chance in last Saturday’s race for which he was a firm

Ry

G. K. Yule

favourite. He might have been hampered a little when Wag dropped out at the straight entrance, but for all that he showed little dash in the run home. Perhaps the track was against him, and it might be wise to give him another chance. First-night running points to bold showings from Dreamy Morn, a rather unlucky third, Globe Bay and Royal Trump. Barbara Del looks poised to gain an overdue first sue-, cess for the season in the second leg, the Dunback Pace. She gained her third successive second when she was beaten by Bomber Bill over two miles at Ashburton a fortnight ago. If ever she is to win, it should, be in this race. Fait Accompli, a highly regarded southern pacer, shaped attractively when fourth after making most of the pace a week ago. He should be improved sufficiently to be harder to beat. Much interest will centre on Ar Miss, one of the topranked three-year-olds of last season having her first start since Anzac Day. She looked in great heart at the Methven trials towards the end of last month and she might make a bold first-up showing. Dryham Lea, Leldon, Royal Twinkle, and Winter Queen are others capable of adding interest to the finish.