Purdons poised for success

Press, 25 February 1983, Page 27

Purdons poised for success

Special correspondent

The leading trainers. Roy and Barrj’ Purdon,. look to have a stranglehold on the quinella in the AGC Finance Three-year-old Stakes, the first leg of the T.A.B. double on the second night of the Wellington Trotting Club's meeting at Hutt Park tomorrow. With the impressive first night winner Lord Manhattan down to run again, the father and son partnership also have Delightful Pal ready to line up. Delightful Pal has won four of his last five starts. His only blemish in winning form came two starts back when fourth at Alexandra ■ Park on February 5. The brother to the brilliant Auckland mare. Delightful Lady, Delightful Pal certainly holds the family abil-. ity. His last win was over a similar field to that which he races against here. That was at Cambridge when he ran out a strong 2600 m in 3min 25.75. Owen Purdon will take the drive with his brother, Barry, taking over the reins behind Lord Manhattan. Lord Manhattan was impressive in the way he disposed of his seven rivals on Tuesday. He led for the last 1600 m and was never reallyasked for a serious effort in the straight.

The AGC Stakes is over

2000 m. This will perhaps be more in Delightful Pal’s sprinting range, but Lord Manhattan is sure to make a race of it.

Supreme Ruler was a game second after adding another 20m to his handicap on the first night with a slow start. He can not afford to do the same tomorrow as the pace is sure to be on from the start. A quicker start may see him push the Purdon stablemates. Smooth Wave and Saboli were third and fourth on the first night and seem sure to have .to fight out place money again. Lord Kevello is a newcomer to the meeting. He won well at Addington 10 days ago. but meets a stronger field here.

Braedoon, second to Lyndon Robert in the Celebrity Stakes at Addington 10 days ago. will be at restricted odds in the second leg. the Tenderkist Pace. With the aid of the mobile barrier. Braedoon will certainly prove the hardest to beat’ with Credit Line, unlucky when carried back by a tiring runner on Tuesday, and Golden Casanova, most impressive leading all the way in lower grade on the first night, the two to offer most opposition. Nell Baker. Poco and King Aurea appeal as the likely winners of the T.A.B. treble.