Staveley appeals in sprint at Methven

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33959, 27 September 1975, Page 8

Staveley appeals in sprint at Methven

If recent form proves the best guide Staveley should take beating in the S. G. Holmes Memorial at Methven today.

The four-year-old Scottish Hanover gelding will be trying to improve an outstanding record against the classthree sprinters at the Methven Trotting Club’s spring meeting. Last time out Staveley! finished fourth, after working into the clear fairly late.

at Addington Raceway last Saturday night. His three starts beforehand this season had yielded a second and two consecutive wins. The second line, and Staveley has drawn No. 14 at the start, is not always the most advantageous position but if all goes well for him in the initial rush for positions that should be enough to give him another victory.

If things do not go well for Staveley in the running the chances are that either Rosewood Light or Pay Off will battle it out for honours.

A slow beginning and a gallop during the running cost Rosewood Light any chance she might have had at Forbury Park earlier in the month but her good record towards the end of last season and a promising run for second to Gay Stroller over today’s distance at Addington Raceway just before the Forbury meeting might be better guides to her prospects this time. Pay Off, the winner of three races last season and a pretty consistent performer all-round, will be making a fresh start. But lack of racing since June is unlikely to prevent this highly promising Local Light five-year-old from turning in a bold run fresh-up.

Form from the recent Wellington meeting will have proved valuable if Armbro Don or Mulvena’s Pride get into the finish but there will probably be equally strong backing for Lord Nova and Bluegum Surprise, both last-start place-getters at Addington. John Regal, the runner-up to Forto Prontezza at Addington last Saturday night, and There and Back, a laststart winner at Forbury Park, will be a popular com- i bination for the T.A.B. double, which will be run on the Methven Cup and the Four-year-old Stakes.