No bouquets for ‘Slim’

Press, 31 March 1980, Page 26

No bouquets for ‘Slim’

“Slim” Dykman, the subject of an angry demonstration at Addington Raceway; when Scotch Tar put on aj “circus act” a few weeks | back, had good reason to, think that punters are a ■weird mob after he had driven his good trotter to victory in the Reta Peter Handicap on Saturday night. The victory hardly created a ripple. There was a elight response—the odd clap or two at the favourite’s success—but there was no scene of enthusiasm to acknowledge a job well done. Dvkman is well aware of Scotch Tar’s shortcoming-3--some experienced reinsmen have even refused to drive him—and consequently since the demonstration his main concern was to get the horse to do everything right. “I know I must have looked like an idiot that night but I was trying to consider the public for he was the favourite,” Dykman said at the Wednesday trials the week before last. “He won’t be running on Saturday unless he shows me he can behave himself today. ’ Well Scotch Tar did behave himself that day and last Saturday and Wednesday as well, and he again showed on Saturday night that hie manners came up to the standard the public expected. He settled back with the tail-enders, was forced three wide, raced in the “suicide” spot behind Ailsa Hanover for much of the last round, led as they made the straight and never looked like putting a foot wrong. Although hard pressed in the closing stages by Sure Mart, which had received the run of the race behind the pacemaking Alisa Hanover, Scotch Tar stuck to his task gamely and came out best by half a length. Miss Castleton battled past Pointer Hanover close to home to take third and these two .were followed in by About Now and Relinquish which, although strongly backed, both turned in lack-lustre runs.