Ashburton form could be useful guide

Press, 9 June 1978, Page 9

Ashburton form could be useful guide

By

G. K. Yule

Form shown at Ashburton last week-end could provide a reliable guide to prospects in the legs of the T.A.B. double on the first day of the Nelson Trotting Club’s winter meeting at Richmond Park tomorrow.

In the past horses to have handled the grass track with confidence at Ashburton have usually done well on the more searching Nelson circuit. Last year the T.A.B. double at Nelson was won by Curraghmore and Butler Brigade, both of which raced with distinction at Ashburton. Master Regal was one Of the more impressive winners

at Ashburton last Saturday' and he looks a leading contender for honours in the Caltex Gold Cup. He won so easily at the end of 2400 m at Ashburton, that the extra 8(>0m at Nelson should not bother him. Unfortunately he has drawn the second line, and he might need luck to secure a favourable run early. First Encounter, too, won at Ashburton, his success coming on Monday when he was driven by Bevan Lawes. This field looks much stronger that) that of Monday, but First Encounter has useful speed and should make a bold showing. The Winton trainer, Harry Cox, seldom ventures north

to Nelson without' paying expenses. He Is taking three horses to Nelson this year and in Taringa Bay he has a horse capable of racing prominently. Taringa Bay was a good ■ fifth after making much of I the Nicoll Handicap at Ashburton on Saturday, while on Monday he beat all but ’ the speedy Jaunty Hanover : over 2400 m. Those two runs should have helped fit him for this test. Copper Hanover, twice second lately, Armbro Rhythm, Battered Boy, Scotch Spot, and Billie Burke will also have supporters, while the backmarker, Remorse, will not be a for'llorn chance. A home-town victory ; looks likely for Single Lord i in the second leg, the Nori wich Union Handicap. He i finished third in a handicap at Ashburton on Saturday ’ when looking in need of racI ing. On Monday he made the ; pace and held on gamely for i third behind Lord Module. He should be better still toi morrow and looks well ; placed on the front. Prince Nugent, Thurber’s . Boy, Orphan Lad, Phinneas Finn and El Joli are others expected to add interest to i the finish, but they will be 1 extended to catch Single Lord if he races as generously as he did at Ashburton. ._ ,