Hands Down will be in demand in treble leg

Press, 16 February 1980, Page 21

Hands Down will be in demand in treble leg

By

G. K. YULE

There have been few more impressive winners in recent weeks in the slower classes than Hands Down at the Canterbury Park meeting on February 8. The speedy son of Armbro Del looks ready to extend his fine record on the course when he contests the Marine Handicap at the New Brighton meeting at Addington Raceway this evening.

He will start from lOm.j and be opposed by most of' the . horses ■ he beat last) week; His handicap is un-.j likely'to • stop him starting > favourite. in the first leg of the' T.A.B.' treble; While he

i.jhas much ability, Hands) i Down can make mistakes at Jthe start of his races. How- : •‘ever, he seemsmuch improved in that respect and r can be expected to get under J way reasonably well.

Sepoti was runner-up to Hands Down at the end of a testing mobile 2000 m last week, in which the others were well beaten. Sepoti, on that run, looks the one most likely to extend Hands Down. There will also be strong support for -.West Street, a sound fourth over 3200 m at Methven on Tuesday. West Street is racing generously at present and looks ready to extend his record. Hira Pita tired at Methven on Tuesday, but he went well for fourth to Hands Down last week. He looks on the verge of worthwhile form and might not be out of this finish.

Truant Lass is seldom guilty of a bad race, but she has had a busy time lately and could be on the way ■ down. However, she must be given a chance of surprising, but might be pressed to beat Individualist, which paced a reasonable race when third to Hands Down at the Canterbury Park meeting. Individualist might not- find this race quite so testing and she will be a sound place chance. Logan Lea and Jericho are others which have raced well lately and they might add interest to the finish, although they will need luck to finish in front of Hands Down.