Top juvenile

Press, 22 June 1981, Page 26

Top juvenile

Special correspondent Auckland Hilarious Guests victory in the New Zealand Juvenile Championship at Alexandra Park’ on Saturday night clearly decided the question of the season's two-year-old supremacy. She fared just as poorly as some of her main rivals in a scrimmage soon after the start and settled well back in the field. Yet, she won handsomely, proving too. good for the top northern youngster, Disco Dancer. Disco Dancer also struck trouble early but no excuse could be offered for him. He followed Hilarious Guest when the Rangiora filly began a big run from about the 900 m. Half-way down the straight, when Hilarious Guest was in command, Disco Dancer looked as if he might pull her back. But he could do no. better, as it turned out, and at the post Hilarious Guest was a length to the good and going more strongly. Ben. after making nearly all the running, was under pressure well before the home turn. He finished a disappointing sixth. Hilarious Guest wound up the season with seven wins. This. is.one fewer than gained by Disco Dancer but* Hilarious Guest is well ahead in the stakes department.

She has earned $32,200. easily a New Zealand record for two-year-olds. Disco Dancer is second on the list with $23,670. Miss Clevedon went a fine race for third and Peter Foyle and Fergie Hanover, the next two home, also shaped creditably. It was a great night for Hilarious Guest's ownertrainer, Maurice Vermeulen, of Rangiora', whose other horse at the meeting. Regal Cheval, won the second leg of the T.A.B. Double, the Hughes and Cossar Pace. It was a profitable trip for Mr Vermeulen. Between them, Hilarious Guest, which did not race on the first night, and Regal Cheval earned $14,580. ■