Lock Rae expected to win third race on end

Press, 9 May 1980, Page 1 (Supplement)

Lock Rae expected to win third race on end

By

G. K. YULE

Lock Rae, trying for his third successive win from four race starts in less than a month, should overcome a second-line barrier draw and win the final of the Standardbred Sires’ Produce Stakes at Addington Raceway this evening.

The . son of a former champion juvenile in Noodlum won his heat with ease last Saturday, his margin of a _ length and a half over Ginger Creek and Patsy Marie flattering his rivals. Lock Rae led over the last 800 m and his driver, Peter Jones, still had him under restraint at the line.

The Methven Stakes winner, Patsy Marie, was a long way from Lock Rae for most of their race last Saturday. She came with a spir-

ited run in the straight and just failed to get second. She is talented and will only need to begin cleanly, to take beating. Like Lock Rae and Vita Man, she has drawn the second line, but that should not keep her out of the finish.

Lomundu Host was a shade disappointing when he tired to third behind the 15 to 1 chance, Charlie Bret, and, Vita Man in a keen finish to the second heat last week. He is another son of

Noodlum and has come through an extensive campaign this season. He is usually a reliable beginner and from No. 2 at the barrier, he could well try for an all-the-way victory. Vita Man went down by only half a head last week, but did not quite produce the speed expected in the run home. He must be considered again. Benje Tara was a surprise firm favourite for Charlie Bret’s heat last week. He

missed the start and did well for a distant fourth after racing greenly. The race should benefit him, but whether he will improve sufficiently to finish closer up this time .is problematical.

Soberano, which raced greenly last week, Ginger Creek and Golden Prince could add interest to proceedings, but they will find it difficult .to match Lock Rae.