TROTTING Royal Ascot favoured to win richest trotting race in New Zealand

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33066, 6 November 1972, Page 8

TROTTING Royal Ascot favoured to win richest trotting race in New Zealand

Success in the Louisson Handicap or the National Handicap in August is often considered an invaluable guide to the prospects in the New Zealand Cup. Included in tomorrow’s field of 14 in the $40,300 two-miler is the Louisson Handicap winner, Wag, and Royal Ascot, the winner of the other feature race at the Addington national meeting.

Royal Ascot, one of three five-year-olds in the event, is “The Press” selection in what looks an evenly-matched field. Few runners look completely forlorn chances and with the great uncertainty of racing it could well be from among the ranks of the lesser-fancied horses that the winner of the richest prize yet devoted to any horse race in NewZealand will come.

Royal Ascot’s cup preparation has been a searching one and it has resulted in another win in addition to the National Handicap. That was in the Hannon Memorial at Oamaru on Labour Day when he outclassed the field on a heavy track. He showed that that had not dimmed his great speed when he ran fourth in the Kaikoura Cup nine days ago after losing ground early.

The merit of that run can be gauged from the sectional times in that race. Rauka Lad was slightly more than four seconds from the pacemaker, Lightsey, after three furlongs and a half, with Royal Ascot three or four lengths in front of him. The leaders came their last mile in 2:3 4-5, with Royal Ascot two lengths and a half from the winner. Royal Belmer, at the end. Royal Ascot’s last mile must have been better than 2:1 and he was running on in most determined style near the post. He has drawn the outside of the front line and this should help him move away smoothly, which he has usually done when on the limit

Supporters of Royal Ascot will have a worthy second string in the backmarker, Manaroa, which will be having his first start since returning from a successful trip to Australia which resulted in 15 wins. Manaroa made a bad beginning at the trials on Thursday, but the run might have brought him to his peak. He has few peers for courage among the pacers racing today and is certain to give a good account of himself.

In good order

Rauka Lad and Robalan have both come through searching preparations in wonderful order. Rauka Lad won at Forbury Park last month, while Robalan was successful a few weeks earlier at Ashburton. Robalan showed that he would be a leading contender for cup honours when beaten a nose in the Kaikoura Cup. Rauka Lad’s driver, R. P. Nyhan, was disappointed with his horse’s eighth at Kaikoura, but this must have changed to elation when he finished with such dash at the tri-Ms last Thursday. Rauka Lad’s run at Kaikoura was really quite satisfactory as he was checked and must have been 60 yards back after a furlong. Then, when he began to improve at the five furlongs, he was forced off the course. No wonder he had nothing in reserve at the furlong post. He is a proven two-miler and is a perfect racehorse, being able to race anywhere in a field without pulling and is as good in front as in behind. His condition is a credit to his trainer, G S. Donald, and it will not be because of lack of fitness if he fails. Wag drew attention to his cup prospects when he won at the trials last Thursday after a dashing last half-mile in 57 3-5. Wag, too, is in great heart after a great build-up.

The northern challenge of Hundred Pipers, Bella’s Command and Hoover is not being taken lightly, with the staying powers of Bella’s Command and Hoover being respected by Addington crowds, who have also seen Hundred Pipers show useful speed Bellas Command might be the best northerner if the pace is really strong, but he should have worthy support from his compatriots. Berkleigh and Globe Bay made bold showings at the trials on Thursday and they will have admirers, as will the stablemates, Arapaho and Royal Belmer. Arapaho was the early favourite for tomorrow’s race, but he fell from favour after an interruption to his preparation early in October. His showing at the cup trials was not a dismal one, but it was not

lone to hearten his admirers. I Perhaps it will be sufficient I to bring him to a peak of fitiness which will get him into the finish, but it is hard to see him matching Royal Ascot, Rauka Lad or Robalan, all of which are in such hard racing condition after uninterrupted preparations.

Noon— MOON BOY HANDICAP *2100; 2:16 class; trotters; 131. 0034 Scottish Cavalier (1), T. McMillan .. It 1167 Gay Marlene (2), L Dickie .. It 600 Snoopy (3), D. Townley It 3272 Iceberg (4), J. Carmichael It 5945 Able Adios (5), D. McCormick It 015 Chatmos (6), O. Quinlan It 1249 Philipino (7), D. D. Nyhan .. .. It 1510 Single Giri (8), B. Hill It 2307 Magic Time (1), C. Devine . 24 7213 Heroic (2), R. Mitchell jun 24 66 Great Applause (3), H. Donaldson .24 0658 Super Joe (4), R. Butt 24 522 Mighty Dollar (1), L. Clark 36 0853 Deodatus (2), J. Smolensk! 36 0099 Tunza Time (3), D. Jones 36 2334 Jason McCord (4), M. Holmes .. .. 36 SCOTTISH CAVALIER: Fair placings at Forbury Park at latest starts. Rough chance. GAY MARLENE: Unlucky at latest start. Won at Cambridge and Auckland early in the season. Must be respected. ICEBERG: Racing well, beating all but About Time at Forbury Park last month. Good run at trials and should be a chance. ABLE ADIOS: Fair efforts only this season. Others preferred. CHATMOS: Fine trotter when caught on his day. Looked well on Thursday and could surprise. PHILIPINO: Fair run at trials. Capable of surprising. SINGLE GIRL: Fair efforts at times. Outside chance. HEROIC: Third was to Easton Light on October 25. Must be a chance on that run. GREAT APPLAUSE: Others preferred. SUPER JOE: Fair run at trials. Place chance at best. MIGHTY DOLLAR: Looks likely winner after second to Marius at Motukarara last month. DEODATUS: Has trotted Improved races lately and should soon show worthwhile form, but over distances shorter than this. TUNZA TIME: Good third to Bambi at trials on Thursday. Looks a top chance on that run. JASON McCORD: Racing generously and after sound run at trials will take beating as is a fine stayer. Mighty Dollar Jason McCord Heroic

ON-COURSE DOUBLE-FIRST LEG 1246 p.m.— SPRING HANDICAP $2700; 2:14 class; 13f. 7313 Individual (1), D. D. Nyhan It 0145 Calm Sue (2), S. Henderson .. . It 3060 Colonel Adios (3), A. Kerslake It 1920 Stroll Away (4), T. May It 7534 Pine Globe (5), J. Hampton It 3110 Final Decision (6), L. Robinson It 2001 Gay Hal (7), A. Holmes It 1080 Top Brass (8). L. Smillie .. It 5554 Looking Forward (9), J. Carmichael • • it 5309 Boy Louw (1), D. Jones 12 8613 Command Performer (2), I. Behrns 12 121 Bomber Bill (3), M. Holmes 12 1693 Lord Nugent (4), G. Holmes .. .. 12 8032 Crystal John (5) .. 12 2870 Siouan (6). W. Lowe .. 12 1760 Blackbeard (unruly) J. Smolensk! .. it INDIVIDUAL: Dashing win at trials following on some splendid racing suggests he will be a top chance. CALM SUE: Sound stayer with some solid runs to her credit this season. Outside chance. COLONEL ADIOS: Little appeal. STROLL AWAY: Solid run at trials. Is good enough to get into the finish. PINE GLOBE: Pleasing run at trials suggested he could be placed FINAL DECISION: Big reputation in the north. Not too reliable, but with a clean start could take beating. GAY HAL: Good winner at Hutt Park on October 28, returning 3:8 for 12 furlongs. Sure to be a danger. TOP BRASS: Too erratic to recommend with confidence. LOOKING FORWARD: Placed at trials and looks near her best. Better than a forlorn chance. BOY LOUW: Failed at Forbury Park but went well enough earlier to be considered. COMMAND PERFORMER: Finished brilliantly for third to Hundred Pipers under invitation conditions. Could find this easier but is not too solid. BOMBER BILL: Has raced with distinction this season and looks capable of further successes. LORD NUGENT: Third in Methven Cup at latest start. Must be considered. i CRYSTAL JOHN: Seldom guilty of a poor run and should go well. SIOUAN: Will be in demand j after fine win at trials on Thursday. BLACKBEARD: Disappointing at trials, but capable of better. Looks well Individual Bomber Bill Stroll Away Ll 6 p.m.— FIRST RICCARTON STAKES, $1750; three-vear-olds; lim. 6456 Vite Cheval (1). E. Cook It

5625 Glentohi (2), G. Shand It 9300 Optimist (3), G. Middleton .. .. It 3223 Vince (4), D. McCormick .. It 0470 Armbro Brent (5), S. Miller . It 0063 Even Step (6), A. Kerslake .. . It 0243 Armbro Jodie (7), J. Dalgety It 3024 Lady Hodgen (8), P. O’Reilly .. It 6408 Deeside (9), T. May .. It 2 Dreamaway (10), E. Cowie It 0992 Flying Eagle (1), A. Harrison .. .. 12 9603 Rebel Caste (2), 3. Carmichael .. 12 36 Scottish Joy (3), D. Jones .12 3415 Burnley Lad (4), R. Brosnan .12 8215 Lord Gregory (1), D. D. Nyhan .24 4 Willie Win (2), M. Holmes .. .. 24 VITE CHEVAL: No appeal. GLENTOHI: Has shown useful «and could surprise. f: No appeal on latest racing. VINCE: Sure to be close up for a time at least. Most consistent and should be a place prospect. ARMBRO BRENT: Others preferred. EVEN STEP: Placed at Kaikoura and went improved race at trials on Thursday. Could surprise. ARMBRO JODIE: Is very speedy, although disappointing at Walkouaiti when third.

Could be a danger. LADY HODGEN: Grand filly due for a change of fortune. DEESIDE: Disappointing lately, but has useful speed and could surprise. DREAM AWAY: Beat all but Garsong at Kaikoura. Will find this tougher. , FLYING EAGLE: Good second to Waitaki Star at Kaikoura and went another good race when fourth at trials on Thursday. Should go wen. REBEL CASTE: Finished third to Speedy Guest at Forbury Park at latest start, a placing entitling him to considera-

tion. SCOTTISH JOY: First start since September 23. Looks in for a good season and should show up. , . BURNLEY LAD: Promising gelding with sound race record. Sure to go well. LORD GREGORY: Looked in need of racing when fifth at Kaikoura. Speedy and should willie’ Dashing win at trials on Thursday. This will be harder, but still looks the one to beat. Willie Win Burnley Lad Scottish Joy

ON-COURSE DOUBLESECOND LEG 140 p.m.— CANTERBURY FREE-FOR-ALL *4250; 2:12 class; 13f. Manawaru (1), A. Harrison It 3334 Bachelor Blue (2). B. Anderson ■ • It 8829 Noble Lord (3), D. G. Nyhan It 569 Smokey Express (4) .. It 1111 Armbro Free (5). M. Holmes .. .. it 5386 Dreamy Morn (6), G. Shand .. ■ H 00 Sassenach (7). R. Butt it 1483 Lightsey (8), R. Belcher It 0097 Pun (9). G. Adamson It Rat Tat (10). J. Carmichael .. It 00 Van Glory (11). D. D. Nyhan .. It 5200 Hakim <l2s. C. McDonald It Forest King (13), D. Townley It 0809 Rain Again (14), D. Mangos It MANAWARU: Not far from best, but could need the race. BACHELOR BLUE: Has been a model of consistency and sure to take beating. NOBLE LORD: Has disappointed at times, but looks well and could upset. SMOKEY EXPRESS: Others pre-

ferred. ARMBRO FREE: After four successive wins looks a great chance. Sure to be im-

proved by race at trials on Thursday DREAMY MORN: Has raced

rather unluckily at times and good enough to get into the finish SASSENACH: Coming to hand well, but Inability to begin cleanly could be against him. LIGHTSEY: Made most of pace and held on well for third in a fast-run Kaikoura Cup a week ago. Sound chance on

that run. PUN: Seventh in Hannon Memorial at latest start. Always a chance in this type of race. RAT TAT: Firs* start since May, 1971 VAN GLORY: Pleasing run at trials and might not be far from showing form. HAKIM: Speedy, but inconsistent. Capable of surprising but others preferred. FOREST KING: First start for season and might need run. RAIN AGAIN: Little appeal on racing so far this season. Armbro Free Bachelor Blue Lightsey

2.25 p.m.— ADDINGTON HANDICAP $1850; 2:17 class; 2m. 2214 Curragh’s Dream (1), J. Smolensk: It 4965 Johnny Kirk (2), F. Newfield .. .. It 8393 Bay Star (3) .. It 6132 Johnny Rich (4), B. Hill . It 170 Bushmills (5), L. May It 45 Hardcraft (6), R. Negus It 8941 Medbury (11), M. Holmes It 0096 Normandale (7), L. Robinson It 0666 Van Valette (8), J. Crofts It 0527 False Angel (9), L. Thomas It 5107 Russley John (10), W. Denton .It 5101 Grosvenor Globe (12), J. Hampton . It 5910 Pippo (14), J. Carmichael It 4053 Fantastic (15), J. Ferguson It Bracket: Hardcraft and Medbury. Scratched: Lord Ashbury. ’ CURRAGH'S DREAM: Looked most unlucky when fourth at Kaikoura. Looks smart and should take beating.

JOHNNY KIRK: Unlucky on first day at Oamaru. Could be coming back to his best, which would give him a chance. BAY STAR: Sound third to Hobart Lord on second day at Oamaru. Place prospect on that run. JOHNNY RICH: Consistent racing at Hutt Park. Capable of a bold run. BUSHMILLS: Won at first start for season, but only fair runs after. Outside chance. HARDCRAFT: Received a poor run when fifth at Motukarara. Sound display at trials and looks likely winner. Will form a strong bracket with Medbury. NORMANDALE: Fair form In the north. Will find this fairly difficult. VAN VALETTE: Must be considered after second to Hardcraft at trials last Thursday. FALSE ANGEL: Placed at Forbury Park last month, but rather disappointing when she broke at Kaikoura. Stays well enough to surprise. RUSSLEY JOHN: Latest efforts not encouraging, but has fair turn of speed. GROSVENOR GLOBE: Bold run at trials following on win at Oamaru. St*ut stayer and makes strong appeal. PIPPO: Failed at trials, but is capable of much better. FANTASTIC: Racing consistently and not a forlorn chance in spite of strength of opposition. Hardcraft Curragh’s Dream Grosvenor Globe T.A.B. DOUBLE-FIRST LEG 3.1 S p.m.— NEW ZEALAND CUP *40,000 and trophy valued at $300; 2:10 class; 2m. 1691 Hundred Pipers (1), I. Behrns It 6382 Bella’s Command (2), H. Timmins . It 0905 Scottish Charm (5), D. Townley It 325 Arapaho (4), 3. Smolensk! It 8138 Rauka Lad (5), R. Nyhan It 9579 Globe Bay (6), J. Carmichael It 7127 Berkleigh (7), W. Butt It 6906 Hoover (8), R. Mitchell, jun. .. It 7495 Wag (9), W. Lowe .. It 5501 Royal Belmer (10), M. Holmes It 1442 Robalan (11), D. D. Nyhan .It 2003 Jacquinot Bay (12), D. Jones It 2514 Royal Ascot (13), A. Harrison It Manaroa (unruly), C. McLaughlin .. 24 Bracket: Royal Ascot and Manaroa. HUNDRED PIPERS: Two wins and a fourth from seven starts this season. Rated 2min 5 2-ssec for 13 furlongs at Auckland on October 25 at latest start. Is in fine form and not a complete outside chance. BELLA'S COMMAND: Has raced well in four starts for a third and a second, finishing with a determined run for his placlngs. Has a great reputation as a stayer and northerners expect him to be running on better than most towards the end. SCOTTISH CHARM: Has improved at each of her five starts this term, the latest of which resulted in a fifth in the Kaikoura Cup. Solid run at trials and looks capable of a bold bid in spite of bleak form background. ARAPAHO: Has not finished further back than fifth in three starts. However, a setback in September interrupted his preparation. Quite a useful run at last week’s trials, but would have to improve immensely to be a serious threat. RAUKA LAD: Four starts for a win and a third this term. Finished cup preparation with an impressive third at trials last Thursday. Has had a grand preparation and looks big and robust. Sure to be in at the end. GLOBE BAY: Has had 10 starts this season for two wins and two placlngs. Was checked in Kaikoura Cup, so that failure can be discounted. Good run for fourth at trials suggested a bold run in this race. BERKLEIGH: Eight starts this season have resulted in a win and three placlngs. Is a very fit horse well endowed with the stamina necessary to get into the finish. Second to Wag at trials last Thursday showed he could be a major HOOVER:'Has had a win and a second from five starts this season, his preparation being checked by a throat infection. Came on well for sixth to Hundred Pipers at his latest start. Fine record as a stayer and considered a good chance by northern observers. . , . A WAG: Dashing win at trials last week enhanced his prospects. Has had six starts for a win and two placlngs this spring. Is very fit and not without a reasonable chance. ROYAL BELMER: Newcomer to this class after win in Kaikoura Cup. Has a brilliant, short final sprint and if favoured with a run could surprise. Has won twice from six starts this season. ROBALAN: Finished cup preparation with a nose defeat at the hands of Roval Belmer in the Kaikoura Cup. Meets her on 18 yards better terms this time and should reverse the decision. Stays well and looks in great heart. Has had a win and three placings from five starts this season and looks one of the top JACQUINOT BAY: Gained his third placing from nine starts this term , when third in the Hannon Memorial at Oamaru. Went well at trials, but others preferred. ROYAL ASCOT: Fine fourth in Kaikoura Cup. bringing his record for his spring campaign to two wins and three placings from seven starts. Grand stayer well up to this class and looks ready to make more than a token showing. MANAROA: First start since returning from an Australian campaign where he won 15 races and recorded Imin 59 3-ssec for a mile. Failed to begin cleanly at trials last week, but went quite well

after. Looks in wonderful order and should give plenty of cheek. Royal Ascot Rauka Lad Robalan

4 p.m.— EMPIRE HANDICAP $2350; 2:15 class; 13f. 8008 Hot Feet (1), J. Smolensk! .. It 2121 Cushan (2), M. Purdon it 2220 Barbara Del (3), D. Townley .It 0260 Winter Queen (4), K. Townleylt 2211 Gramatan (5), I. Behrns It 0032 Leldon (6), G. Adamson It 3080 Light Eve (7), J. Carmichael .. It 4096 Sherwood Em (8) .. It 050 Stereo Light (9), R. Roach .. It 0 Ar Miss (10), F. Newfield .. .. It 241 Adios Adieu (11), T. May It 1005 Scottish Crusader (12), A. Holmes .. It 407 Fait Accompli (13), D. Kerr It 1000 Irish Kiwi (14), D. Gibbons .. It 698 Shakey Valley (15), R. Nyhan .. It 3001 Golden Guest (16), D. Jones .. .. It HOT FEET: No appeal on latest efforts. CUSHAN: Seldom guilty of a poor run this season and sure to take beating. BARBARA DEL: Faffed at Forbury Park after some most consistent racing. Deserved a win, which should come here. WINTER QUEEN: Only fair race at trials. Outside chance. GRAMATAN: Rated 2:5 2-5 for 13 furlongs at his latest win, an effort which entitles him to consideration. LELDON: Second to Young Trouble at latest start. Useful second to Ar Miss at trials and must be considered. LIGHT EVE: First start for some time and might need race SHERWOOD EM: Fair sixth in Walkouaiti Cup should have brought her close to her best. Place prospect. STEREO LIGHT: Faffed at Oamaru but went a fair race at Addington trials. Could surprise. AR MISS: Won at trials and looks ready to show form at short notice. ADIOS ADIEU: Capped off two placings with a win in the Walkouaiti Cup nine days ago. In present form must be respected. SCOTTISH CRUSADER: Solid finish for fifth at Hutt Park last Wednesday. Expected to fo well. ACCOMPLI: Smart southern pacer capable of a bold showing. IRISH KIWI: Has a sound record as a stayer, but not reliable. SHAKEY VALLEY: Fine mare, but set a difficult task as a result of unfavourable draw. GOLDEN GUEST: Looks ready to win again at short notice. Well above average. Barbara Del Ar Miss Gramatan T.A.B. DOUBLE—SECOND LEG 4.40 p.m.— WORTHY QUEEN HANDICAP $3350; 2:13 ciass; trotters; lim. Johnny Fling (1), J. Carmichael .. It 5531 Easton Light (2), B. Running .. It 8800 Good Admiral (3). T. . May .. It 2223 Black Frost (4), M. Nordqyist .. it 7115 Marius (7), J. Nordqvist it 0047 Waterloo (5), C. Berkett It 7787 Frl (6), W. Lowe .. It 6350 Aronmot (8), O. Quinlan It 2112 Royal Forbes (9), H. Purdon It 1628 Al Mundy (10). J. Smolensk! It 1811 About Time (11), G. Shand .. It 65 Merrin (12), L. May .. It 040 Philemon (1), J. Hampton ,12 4224 Precocious (2), R. Mitchell jun .. 12 4871 Bambi (1), P. Gallagher 18 Brackets: Good Admiral and Precocious, Black Frost and Marius. JOHNNY FLING: No appeal. EASTON LIGHT: Has fashioned a fine record and with a reasonable run should be close up. GOOD ADMIRAL: Encouraging run at trials on Thursday. Looks to be coming back to his best and should just about win. Will form a strong bracket with Precocious. BLACK FROST: Was running on well at trials in his first start since suffering a slight injury. Most consistent earlier and should go well. Will be bracketed with Marius, a form runner. WATERLOO: Looks well and capable of surprising. FRI: Usually trots sound races, but would have to improve on latest efforts to win. Fourth at trials was a fair effort. ARONMOT: Useful run at trials, but others preferred. ROYAL FORBES: Form in the north has been outstanding. Good front-runner expected ■ to take heading. AL MUNDY: Unlucky at Greymouth, but went well at trials when fifth. Sure to be prominent over the final furlong. ABOUT TIME: Newcomer to this class. Has compiled a fine record this term and will not be out of her depth. MERRIN: Sure to be improved by two races this term, followed by a sixth at the trials. Could be one of the stars at the meeting. PHILEMON: Rather disappointing in three starts this term, but is above average and could show that in the next BAMBI: Splendid sprinter and in spite of handicap must be considered after win at trials. Royal Forbes Good Admiral Al Mundy

1 5.20 p.m.— i FLYING HANDICAP ; $2050; 2:16 class; Ijm. ’2678 Light Command (1), D. Jones .. .It I 4062 Royal Twinkle (2). B. Gllddon .. .. it 5666 Heather Royal (3). J. Noble .. It 0180 Frosty Chat (4) M. Holmes .. It 3231 Montana Gold (5), H. Timmins It 2471 Te Kao (6), J. Carmichael It 8221 Local Spark (7), W. Butt .. .. It 04 Totara Jack (8), F. Newfield .. . It 5203 Bachelor Boy (9), G. Court .. It 3955 Spangled Mary (11), J. Smolensk! .. It 2111 Speedy Guest (12) .. It 3060 Rory Grattan (13), C. White .. It 100 Irton Prince (14), N. Benny .. it 3021 Hobart Lord (15), D. D. Nyhan .. It 5472 Eden Pal (16), M. De Filippi .. It LIGHT COMMAND: Form background rather weak, but is smart and well capable of a bold showing. ROYAL TWINKLE: Appeals more as a stayer, but is close to winning form. HEATHER ROYAL: Usually paces a sound race and capable of surprising. FROSTY CHAT: Racing well enough to have a chance of getting into the finish. MONTANA GOLD: Rated 2:5 1-5 for 11 furlongs when he won at Auckland on October 25. Very speedy and should be prominent. TE KAO: Gained a deserved win at Kaikoura and looks ready to extend her record. LOCAL SPARK: Good win at Masterton on Saturday after some sound placed efforts. BACHELOR BOY: Smart sprinter sure to take heading if allowed to dictate his own pace. LEVANA: Good third in Waikoualti Cup, followed by a bold run at the cup trials. Seldom guilty of a poor run and must be considered. TOTARA JACK: First start since September 30 when fourth at Ashburton. Others preferred. SPANGLED MARY: Finished weU for fifth at Oamaru on October 25. Rough chance. SPEEDY GUEST: Outstanding three-year-old expected to prove a match for his older rivals in this race. RORY GRATTAN: Others preferred. IRTON PRINCE: Useful run at trials. Smart sprinter when left to make pace. Could surprise. HOBART LORD: Dashing win at Oamaru at latest start. Should be a chance. EDEN PAL: Seldom guilty of a poor run, but has drawn badly. Speedy Guest Te Kao Bachelor Boy