Potkova set to win again

Press, 2 August 1985, Page 12

Potkova set to win again

Special correspondent Auckland The consistent Cambridge gelding, Potkova, looks set to notch another win when he contests the first leg of the Cambridge Trotting Club’s T.A.B. double on his home track tonight. Potkova had not raced for four months when he competed at Alexandra Park last Saturday. He won handsomely, bringing his record to five wins, five seconds, four thirds and two fourths from only 18 attempts. Potkova is on 10m in the Radio IZH Cambridge Trotting Cup but he started from a second-row position on the front mark last week so, in effect, he is no worse off. Potkova’s performance in the Smith and Smith Mobile Pace last Saturday was all the more impressive considering the distance was 2200 m. He is probably a better stayer than sprinter, so the extra 400 m tonight will not bother him. His chief oppo-

sition is likely to be provided by Fairdale Prince, Fern Bay and Quassie. Fairdale Prince is not getting any younger — he has just turne'd nine years of age — yet he is racing better than ever under the guidance of the Drury trainer-driver Ron Fraser. Fairdale Prince has had only four wins in 84 starts but he has gained no fewer than 23 minor placings. In his present form, it will be surprising if he does not give another good account of himself. Fern Bay has been racing consistently well but without much luck. He was driven rather impatiently in the Lonero Handicap at Alexandra Park last Saturday, his driver trying vainly to head off the leader, Te Awa, in the early stages. The duel saw Te Awa weaken badly over the final stages. Fern Bay showed plenty of gameness to battle on for fourth. With better luck in the running, Fern Bay could be

a threat, especially as he seems to go better on a lefthanded track. Quassie, after a string of disappointing showings, turned in a solid performance at Alexandra Park last Saturday. Prominent all the way, she fought on strongly to finish a close second to the much-improved Pixanover. Some smart three-year-olds are engaged in the second leg, the Curtin Farms Mobile Pace. After narrow defeats in his last two races, Larry Brydon seems bound to be tough to beat — especially as he has drawn nicely at No. 2. Fellazan and Glenlivet, stylish winners last time out, will have good followings and so will Abbeyson, American Style and Triple Whirl. Abbeyson has not raced since he won at Alexandra Park on February 9, but he has shown he is well forward by performing well at trials.