RACING Bettylyn picked at Blenheim today

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33520, 29 April 1974, Page 9

RACING Bettylyn picked at Blenheim today

The Press” Special Service

BLENHEIM.

The northern contingent headed their southern opposition by seven wins to three in the 10-race card on Marlborough Cup day at Blenheim on Saturday. However, the Washdyke mare, Bettylyn, could help overcome the deficit in the Morwenstow Handicap, the first leg of the Marlborough Racing Club’s T.A.B. double todav.

A winner on the track 12 months ago, Bettylyn was in all sorts of bother in the Marlborough Cup hut once clear she rattled into fourth place. Though her earlier efforts were quite modest, Bettylyn must be respected on her first-dav effort and her liking for the angular Waterlea ] track. The free-going Red Gurkha took the Marlborough Cup Now that he is back to winning form he must be re-• spected. especially when his; three successive high-weight ' wins at Trentham last month are recalled. Frederik is handily placed on 52.5 kg. He won the high-weight under a steady-| ing 68kg and will prove a formidable contender. Jodie was the beaten | favourite in the Marlborough ; Cup, and is sure to be im-i proved-by the outing. Before ne came south he won four successive races. Watallan was third on the opening day, and a drop in' the weights will suit Totara! Maid. Donnybrook Fair looks fit.' but the angular track caused him problems in the Marl-1 borough Cup on Saturday. ] Of the fresh horses, ■ Ashanti, if caught in the I right mood, might be hard 1

to beat, and Ash, fresh from • a successful lower grade; campaign, will appreciate the ‘ drop in the handicap. Second leg choice Marene was backed and beaten on the opening day but lost no caste in the defeat. She had a shocking run, and with better fortune in • the running, should make amends in the second leg, the j Montana Wines Handicap. ; Marebello took a chedk in Saturday’s sprint but still reached third place. He should be all the better for the race. i Lady Mellay is a most relijable sprinter, and she is certain to attract solid support after her first-day second, j Strad is honest, and Guido and Bev Leigh are fresh horses to be considered if there is any rain about. ■ Acceptances:— 1 11.30 a.m.— MAYFIELD HURDLES, S 1200; 2600m.—Ennis (3), Mexicano (2) ] 63; Benson (3) 62.5; Foreign Aid <4; 60; The Pines (81 59.5; Usquebaugh <lo> 58; Bakarat (9). Dave’s (Gift ill. Uncle Felix (11) 57.5; Robin Hill (7), The Shah (6) 57. . 12.10 p.m,— WELD MAIDEN STAKES, SBso;i 11000 m—Anniversary' Boy (si, An-: thea (15). Deck O'Heather (9), Go] Lucky i 4). Hill Country (3), Lib-j ! eral (2). Prince Avon (11), Un-i • canny (6), Windvalette (8) 55; | Ascot Bov (13). Bourbon Lassie | (1), Classique Glow (12), Mingj Court (10». Pat’s Bebe (14), Test 'Affair (7) 51.