Freightman in demand for Methven Cup despite 20m handicap

Press, 20 September 1985, Page 22

Freightman in demand for Methven Cup despite 20m handicap

By

G. K. YULE

Freightman will be in demand when he attempts to win the Almac Potato Methven Cup for the second year in succession. He will start from 20m tomorrow in the Methven Club’s major staying test, a mark many consider unlikely to be enough to keep him out of the money.

Freightman has not been successful since the 1984 Methven Cup, but he has raced consistently well in much stronger fields, often unluckily. He comes into this race on the way up. He

did well to finish fifth, without working clear, to Premiership on September 7 and six nights later he ran that fine pacer to a length at the end of a solidly run 2600 m.

The son of Lordship should strip in great heart for this test, victory which could take him to the verge of New Zealand Cup company. Coastal Trader and Ruthless, the first two home over 3200 m at Addington last Friday, are proven grass tack performers. Both should be at their peak and their records on country courses suggest that they will be two of the better chances.

Coastal Trader will meet Ruthless on 10m more favourable terms. Even so there is unlikely to be much between the pair as both are still at the improving stage.

Enterprise gives added class to the field. He has not raced since Anzac Day and has had limited racing at trials. However, he is reported to be well forward and could add to his record in the event. In 1983 he failed by a nose to beat Capri, and last year had to settle for second again on the course which saw him gain his first success at two years. Likely Lord, a proven performer on the track, is the lone runner on 30m. Victory here would entitle him to a start in the $225,000 Toyota New Zealand Cup on November 12. Likely Lord failed in a sprint on September 7 after two fine placings over 2600 m at Addington in August. He is a dour staying type well suited to this track, and it will be most surprising if he fails to show up. Aran Blaze and Liquid Lightning have paced good races at times, but they could be held by another front marker, Spangled Lord, which has a fine record on grass and as a stayer. He has had sufficient racing to bring him to a high peak of fitness. Lew Foy and Hondo's Dream will have their supporters in what is an open and highly interesting field. Simon David, Counsel Bay

and Maddie form a likely Farm Timer Handicap, aC3 trio in the second leg, the event over 2600 m.