Counsel Bay is Timaru fancy

Press, 3 August 1985, Page 27

Counsel Bay is Timaru fancy

By

JEFF SCOTT

Counsel Bay should be rewarded for consistency when he contests the Bailey Mazda Handicap, the first leg of the T.A.B. double at the Timaru Trotting Club’s meeting on Monday. The Alba Counsel gelding finished strongly in two starts for seconds at Addington Raceway last month and should finish this smallish field within his capabilities.

Lisa Best, a disappointment at Addington in July, could take beating in this sort of field. To be driven by Jack Smolenski, while trainer Ivan Schwamm takes the reins behind an-

other new addition to this team, Garrison’s Image, Lisa Hest would only need to reproduce the dash she showed at Nelson and Blenheim in June to go close here.

The big Doc’s Tuck gelding, Venus Boy, has more potential than most here. He confirmed his promise with a smart win in fast time at Addington on April 6, but has not raced since and will have to be taken on trust. He has compiled a tidy record in only 10 career starts, finishing further back than third only four times, and should make further improvement this season. Owhatta Lady is inclined to mix her form but from

the ace in this line-up, could be worthy of a second thought. The Lumber Dream mare is best saved for a late dab and is likely to get the run of the race from this draw. Elbon Blue is favoured to win the second leg of the T.A.B. double, the Radio Caroline Pace, after two fine performances at Addington last month. He comes back to a standing start here, but should be more than a match for most in this. Lively Too showed promise last term and will not be the least of chances, while Nanoose, Stoner Creek and Tintern Fair are other prospects.