W. Robinson could take double at Matamata

Press, 13 July 1985, Page 27

W. Robinson could take double at Matamata

Special correspondent Auckland The Te Rapa jockey, Warwick Robinson, has a fine chance of riding the T.A.B. double at the Matamata Racing Club’s meeting today on Joal and Axeman. Joal is in the first leg, the Guinness Wine and Spirits Handicap, over 2030 m, and Axeman in the 1400 m Radio IZH Scoreboard Handicap. At nearly nine years of age, Axeman may not be

quite as good as formerly but a run such as he turned on at Tauranga a couple of weeks ago would be too much for today’s rivals. That was in the Mr Chips Classic, a weight-for-age 1400 m race won by Purple Crown from Paul’s Gold and Prince Majestic, which shaded Axeman through the last 100 m. Axeman had not raced since February. He was produced in fairly forward con-

dition, however, so the race, in very heavy ground, may not have taken too much out of him. In any case, he has had just on three weeks to recover. Given the reasonably good footing which prevails at Matamata at this time of year, Axeman should win. He will not find 58.5 kg on a winter scale prohibitive. There will be interest in

the return, after an eightmonth break, of Glenside. He is a fine sprinter but 1400 m from a wide draw could be a bit much for him first-up. Monopoly and Glenstrae, each a winner at the recent Avondale meeting, are likely to find more favour with betters. Avon’s Glory is holding his good form and Tidestemmer looks an improver. Tidestemmer was badly placed against Axeman under the weight-for-age conditions of that Tauranga race yet she acquitted herself quite well, coming in seventh. Joal was in outstanding form last winter. At one stage seven consecutive starts yielded four firsts and three seconds. A muscular problem delayed her return to the winner’s enclosure all this year but she made it back at Ellerslie on June 26. Then, last Saturday, against a very strong field at Avondale, she ran sixth. In view of her wonderful consistency last winter, Joal will be expected to maintain her present form. Koiro Corrie May won this race last year and, if not quite in the same form now, will be solidly backed. She should be improved by recent racing and her class has to be respected.