Samson should carry on winning way tonight

Press, 9 May 1984, Page 45

Samson should carry on winning way tonight

By

G. K. YULE

Samson, with the advantage of a front-line draw, looks favourably placed to advance his winning sequence to four when he contests the New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Sires’ Produce Stakes Final at Addington Raceway this evening.

The gelding had two fourths and a third from his initial three starts for his part-owner and trainer, Ted Lowe, and since then he has gone from strength to strength. He appears to be improving with every race and should be close to his peak for the $24,000 race this evening, followed by another at Addington on May 25 as a lead-up to the Sapling Stakes at Ashburton on June 2. Master Mood, Loveridge, Good To Win, Westburn King, and Malaz have all qualified for a start in the

$lOO,OOO Image International Final at Alexandra Park on May 26 and much interest will be taken in their showings. They could be all out to match Nardinski, which looked a shade unlucky when third to Samson and Malaz in the slowest of the three heats on the first night of the meeting. Nardinski has drawn handily and should be in the first two or three all the way as he is usually a reliable beginner. Master Mood, Loveridge, and Malaz will probably be

the best chances among the remainder, but big runs from Westburn King and Impetuous Donna seem likely. The Winton filly, Josephine Bret, should complete the New Zealand Derby-New Zealand Oaks double for southern-owned horses, the first leg having gone to Naval Officer. Josephine Bret, the winner of six races this term, is undoubtedly the most talented filly about. Unfortunately she was not entered for the D.B. Series run last Saturday, but she

should gain minor compensation with a victory in the Oaks. Jovial Jan and Precious Sally, two others which did not race in last Saturday’s big mile, should offer more than token opposition to Josephine Bret. There will also be solid support for Blue Water, Look Me Over, and Sweet Alli, the first three home in last Saturday’s big race. North Fleet, Lucy Lumber, and Lirelle are others capable of a bold showing in the Oaks.