Chance for Golden Trumpet at Blenheim

Press, 12 April 1978, Page 20

Chance for Golden Trumpet at Blenheim

Special Correspondent Blenheim A bold effort for second in Monday’s corresponding race gives Golden Trumpet an excellent winning chance in the Turuturu Lodge Handicap at Waterlea today.

The 2000-metre contest is the principal flat race and first leg of the Marlborough Racing Club’s T.A.B. double. Golden Trumpet’s chances will possibly be made easier with the possible defection of such leading rivals as Maria Zana, which is listed for Saturday’s Hawke’s Bay Cup; the Marlborough Cup place-getter, Joss, which will be reserved for Westport according to her connections, and the improving Chitral, which needs an easing of the tracks.

Maria Zana was still at Waterlea yesterday. If she runs she would certainly be the hardest to beat.

Golden Trumpet carried 1.75 kilograms over the minimum — this included overweight — in beating all but Maria Zana on Monday and has virtually the same weight with only 0.25 kg more this time.

The Marlborough Cup winner, Cheval d’Alure has an excellent record on the course. She has an additional penalty but still won well enough on Saturday to earn respect again. Golden Gate is a dour, staying type which may lack the dash of some runners today but will be running on when others are feeling the pinch. He was fourth in the Marlborough Cup.

Sir Troubador was third in the Marlborough Cup but ran himself into the ground on Monday. If he can be restrained his chances must be quite reasonable. Seans Gift is also in the sprint. He is best known over the shorter assignments, but runs out his races sufficiently well to manage 2000 metres on the angular Waterlea track. Excessive Talk, fourth on Monday, and the lower grader, Linea Lladro, from Matangi, may be the best of the others. Sean's Gift, listed for the first leg, could be a grand chance if reserved for the

Coruba Handicap, the second leg today. In his absence Kanga’s Lad would be a sound proposition. He has already won three times at Blenheim over the years and even another 2.5 kg penalty for Sat» urday’s win should not keep him m check.

Witchety, which is more than useful, will be improved by his recent run at Waverley.

Rio Ribbon has not had much luck on the circuit yet, while Duty Point and Flying View went well enough in Monday’s class two and three contest to command respect in a stronger field. Cute Lad, a jumping find last winter, looks a magnificent lead for on-course treble betters in the first leg, the Barr Memorial Hurdles.