Happy Patron ready for $6000 Challenge Stakes

Press, 20 December 1986, Page 37

Happy Patron ready for $6000 Challenge Stakes

Special correspondent Invercargill

Happy Patron may have the measure of a useful field carded for the $6OOO Challenge Stakes, the first leg of the T.A.B. double, at the Invercargill Trotting Club’s meeting at Invercargill today.

Last season’s talented three-year-old resumed on a top note when he won the Hunter Handicap at Wyndham late last month. The El Patron gelding then unwound a brilliant late charge for a close third to Missed Again and Morning Rise at the Wairio meeting a fortnight ago. His two raceday exertions should have equipped Happy Patron to strip an even better-conditioned four-year-old for today’s feature.

Lord Lenny has won his

only two starts in dashing style from Alan Scobie’s Winton stable. Also, he has fashioned a top record at trials to reinforce his unbeaten racing score. A stoutly-bred Lordship gelding, he is capable of adding a lot of interest from the ace.

Sapper, winner of the Wairio Cup last month and runner-up to Microscopic over a mile at Wyndham three weeks ago, is a better stayer and a more seasoned one than most opposing him. His chance will depend greatly on the passage he secures from 20m. Proud Princess, unbeaten in two starts to date, Carefree Princess, which resumed on a winning note on the first day, and Hit the Tape, are others capable of adding interest.