Langeland appeals in Wellington feature

Press, 3 December 1982, Page 22

Langeland appeals in Wellington feature

Special correspondent Wellington The Marton galloper, Langeland has had little luck in his current campaign, but at Trentham tomorrow he could get his due reward when he tackles the Heretaunga Handicap, the first leg of the Wellington Racing Club's T.A.B. double. Langeland, which was quite badly troubled by a virus when he returned from Australia last year, was given every chance to recover and since his comeback he has been building up steadily. After good placings for third at Hastings and second at Woodville, Langeland’s late bid almost saw him win the Tenderkist (Wanganui) Cup. It looked as though he

might peg back Noble Air. but he started to run about near the finish and was beaten by half a neck. The Feilding visitor, Chief Joseph, looks the one to beat. He did well four starts back to get second money at Trentham and. while he has not won a stake since, his run to get sixth in the Waikato Cup was a good effort. Hagenblu finished just behind in that race and won here last week. Saunter is another improver. The mare by Diplomatic Agent, which is having a pretty good trot at the moment, did well to get fourth at Woodville last time. That was her second run this time in and she could improve on the effort. Despa, the top weight,

made ground to get ninth of 15 in the Wanganui Cup and he could improve further in this one. Isle A Gree is right in form. He won at Levin, ran placings at Woodville and Hastings, and won at Waipukurau. Standoff has yet to make it over ground, though he did make some ground to get eighth at Levin. Zazanne was the third favourite at Wanganui, but her effort was disappointing. She had run third in the Woodville cup before and may be worth another chance. Carpe Diem is racing well enough. He won a couple at Trentham in October, ran fair races at Stratford and Wanganui and then returned to beat all but Hagenblu at Trentham last week.

Nukumai has yet to show form, while Cuss had three races last week. He is still looking for his best form.

The well-bred Kia Mana has won his last two, at Woodville and Wanganui. He could present a real threat. Papabois and Bold Monarch, second in the Benson and Hedges Cup, are both in fair form, while Flying Legend could be one for longer odds.

The second leg. the Maoribank Handicap has drawn an even if not strong field and the best chance could be Shilling, which made ground well for fourth over 1000 m on the first day of the meeting. She was third when resuming on the course last month.

Good Health was fifth at Wanganui a couple of weeks ago. Tallboy was fifth at Te Rapa and then won a matinee at Hastings. Longmore has speed, Extra Glance is useful enough, and the class runners, Shamrbck and Glenmana, will add some interest to the field, even at the distance of 1400 m