Southerner set for hat-trick

Press, 25 February 1986, Page 25

Southerner set for hat-trick

Special correspondent Wellington

The South Island visitor, Chance Decision, should complete a clean sweep for the meeting when he contests the Bayer Asuntol mobile pace, the first leg of the T.A.B. double at the Wellington Trotting Club’s meeting at Hutt Park this evening. The Jack Chance gelding has been most impressive on the first two nights, winning stylishly in class 2 competition last Wednesday and then blitzing the class 3 and 4 horses on Saturday.

He meets the same horses tonight, the only newcomer in the field being the class 2 winner of Saturday, African Man.

The trainer-driver, Frank Bennett, was able to give him a good run three back on the outer on Saturday after starting from the second row. He raced around the opposition with 400 m to go and gave his rivals no chance as he dashed clear in the straight. Tonight he starts from

no. 7 off the front and it is difficult to see any of his rivals improving enough to beat him.

His toughest opposition is expected to come from Dream Drive and African Man. Dream Drive has been placed on the first two nights, finishing third on the first and then second on Saturday. That latest run was a particularly good effort as he tailed the field most of the way and flashed home after being a little late working clear.

African Man looked smart when leading all the way on Saturday and never looked like being pegged back. That was his second win on the track and he could be tough if allowed to dictate terms again.

The first-night winner, Golden Rendevous, was knocked out of contention on Saturday but could bounce back here.

Midnight On could prove the one to beat in the second leg, the Bayer Spotton Graduation Series final.

Suffering from a virus when he performed moderately on the first night, he bounced back in impressive style to win the fourth heat on Saturday. He blitzed his rivals by six lengths and did not appear to be fully extended.

Pendah Lady won well on the first night and did reasonably well for second after starting from the second row on Saturday. She goes from the front and with Anthony Butt doing the driving, she has to be respected.

Fred Fletcher has two worthy candidates in Philatelist and Roydon Princess and has elected to drive the latter. She had no luck on Saturday after running a good third on the first night.

Na Doc has plenty of ability and would be tough if he paced all the way, while Speed Limit and Reunion are both heat winners and cannot be overlooked.