Arwon resuming today

Press, 11 August 1979, Page 20

Arwon resuming today

NZPA Melbourne The Melbourne Cup holder, Arwon, begins his build-up for this year’-s spring campaign in the 1200 m St Aubin Handicap at Sandown today. The six-year-old former New Zealander is not, however, expected to feature in the finish of a race which has attracted some top runners — including Karaman, also a former New Zealander, and the well-per-' formed Crepellox. The heavy track forecast could result in Karaman, which will be resuming from a spell, being scratched. His trainer, Brian Ralph, has said he does not want to risk flattening Karaman with a first-up run in heavy conditions. Bob Skelton has returned from a visit to New Zealand

to ride the Jack McGrealtrained Crepellox, which is disputing favouritism for the event with Karaman. Crepellox, the top-weight, has drawn badly, and has had a slight let-up since winning over the same distance at Sandown in June. Other prospects in the race include Gondolier, a last-start winner, which beat Karaman over 1200 m at Sandown in February, and last year’s South Australian Derby winner, Regal Jester, which is resuming from a spell.

The New Zealand-bred Raspadora, having his second Australian start, is rated at 25-to-l. The bookmakers feel he will at least beat Arwon. The Melbourne Cup holder is at 50-to-l and among the rank outsiders in the 18-horse field.