Competition for awards

Press, 16 August 1980, Page 21

Competition for awards

PA Wellington Reflecting<f be open aspect of racing Th; the last season, there are more nominations than usual for some, of,the Bergin awards, for which votes are: cast’by journalists for their ; preferences for seven categories of thoroughbreds. ■ Organised by the New Zealand Racing Journalists’ Association, the voters are asked to select, from the seven categories. their “Horse of the Year.” . Three names have appeared for the best two-year-old, the leader of the Free Handicap Summer Haze, and the second weigh-

ted Yir Tiz, along with Paddy Boy. ' ’-In -the best three-year-old section, Little Brown Jug, which also headed the Free Handicap for his generation, is a clear leader, with the other challengers being Lovelace Watkins, Silver Nymph-and Coober’s Queen. For the stayers’ title, a hot contest is developing between Cubacade, winner: of the Wellington Cup, and Blue Denim, which won the Auckland Cup, while others appearing in this category are Mr Ay Bee, Barry* Stuart, Lovelace Watkins and Drum. In the sprinters’ section, there are no less than eight challengers in the wide-open

field. They are Arbre Chene, Coober’s Queen, Flying View, Silver Nymph and her brother Silver Wraith, Head Planet, Anderil, and Luck Roona. ■ ■’-■■■;. ■ Five names have appeared to challenge for the miler award, Silver Nymph, March Legend, Mellseur, Raywood Lass and Langeland. , W e i.g h t-for-age nominations also cover a wide field, with eight names to hand so far, Arbre Chene, Blue- Denim, Judena, Orchidra, Mellseur, Silver Nvmph, Coober’s Queen and Silver Wraith. Just two names appear in the jumpers’ section, Guess Who and Mr Hickey.