American Chief and Chaka meet at Rangiora

Press, 17 December 1976, Page 17

American Chief and Chaka meet at Rangiora

American Chief and Chaka, the principals in the finish of the Geraldine Cup on November 27, are expected to battle it out for honours again in the Rangiora Cup tomorrow. Both will go into the first leg of the Rangiora Trotting Club’s T.A.B. double, with last-start wins on their records. American Chief has not raced since his victory at Orari but Chaka has had two further starts and came up with a winning run at his latest attempt. Three weeks ago American Chief received the run of the race in the Geraldine Cup and won by a length and a quarter from Chaka. Since then Chaka has failed at Washdyke, but last Saturday he gave away starts of 20m and gained a narrow win in the Waimate Cup. Tomorrow these two talented four-year-olds will meet in the Rangiora Cup, over 3200 m. Everything points to them disputing both the favouritism for the race and the finish. American Chief could have the edge on Chaka as a stayer provided the race develops into a true test of stamina. On the other hand, Chaka has done nothing to suggest that he is lacking in staying power and, if favoured with the run, he could come out on top. These two by no means exhaust the possibilities in a field which includes some quite well-performed horses. Ganya has shown great ability over all distances on grass tracks. A fourth has been his best effort from three starts this season and he should not be long improving on that placing. He is well capable of extending most in this race. However, Almetos could be a safer proposition. His racing has been of a consistently high standard this 1 '

season, with a fine fourth from 20m in the Geraldine Cup as his latest effort. He looks much more favourably placed on the limit this time and meets both American Chief and Chaka on more favourable terms than at Orari. If allowed to make his own rules, he could take beating. Kathy Brigade, Scottish Chief, Olga Korbut, Local Scott and Tiny Time appeal most of the others on the front. Waitaki Dawn, Shoalestic and Kara Kara will start from 20m. A win for one of them would earn a start in the $5OOO Ashburton Cup on December 27. All three have shown sound staying form and a winning run would not be beyond the capabilities of any of them. Star Classic’s narrow defeat at the hands of Chaka in the Waimate Cup last Saturday entitles him to favouritism in the second leg, the President’s Handicap. Jollification, a winner in a slower class at Wai.. .te, and the speedy but rather disappointing Rocky Tryax are two others entitled to consideration.