Great Northern next for Raoul

Press, 25 May 1977, Page 26

Great Northern next for Raoul

Special correspondent Auckland The Waiuku trainer, N. G. Atkins, was all the more confident of training this year’s Great Northern Steeplechase winner after' Raoul scored most impressively in the 4400-metres Maramarua Hunt Cup at Paeroa yesterday. Raoul is one of three runners Atkins plans to start in the $25,000 6400-metres contest. The others are Tassaby and Little Rebel, each of which has won over the Ellerslie country. Raoul, in several starts there, has failed to earn a stake. In fact, he had shown little in the way of form until yesterday

since winning his only other race, a steeplechase at Tauranga last August. Tassaby and Little Rebel will continue their Great Northern preparations at Rotorua on Saturday in the Lakelands Steeplechase. Raoul, an acceptor as well in the same race, is now unlikely to start. He will be given time to recover from yesterday’s outing and probably will not race again until the big one next Monday week.

Raoul was the rank outsider of the nine-horse field in the Maramarua Hunt Cup at odds of 24-to-one. Ridden by N. J. Hain, who was having his first ride over the Paeroa country. Raoul enjoyed aj good run just off the pace, be-

hind the two leaders Reprint and Jazman’s Gold. On the lull the last time he was closer, about three lengths away, and turning for home, lodged a strong challenge on the outside of Reprint and the weakening Jazman’s Gold. Reprint and Raoul were level lat the last fence but in the sprint to the judge Raoul finished much the better and drew I away to score by three lengths, i Lord Grey, one of the favoured runners, raced back in the! j field in the early part, but improved steadily down the back lon the last lap. He was in a handy place over the hill and challenged strongly once turned for home.

But Lord Grey could not carry on with the run and weakened to be a length and a half in arrears of Reprint at the post. Fourth, two lengths away, was Ragamuffin Man, with the others arriving at various intervals. An eight-year-old gelding by Rapanni. Raoul is raced by a Takanini saddler. Mr R. J. Pryor, The horse has been in Atkins care for the past two years, evet since he was put on a schooling list for his barrier manners.

According to Atkins. Raoul is a solid lumper and with his ability to stay, rates him a “show” in the Great Northern, His chances, too. will be heloed if the track conditions are like the (heavy ground experienced yesterday.