Reputations on line tonight

Press, 12 October 1988, Page 45

Reputations on line tonight

By

JEFF SCOTT

Tight Connection and Inky Lord, the top juveniles of each island last term, are expected to uphold their reputations in the Lion Brown Rising Stars Series Heats at Addington Raceway this evening.

Last season’s $1 million earner, Tight Connection, should lead from end to end in the first heat from barrier five, while Inky Lord’s flashy finishing burst should see him swamping his rivals over the closing stages of heat two. On paper, it will come as a major surprise if these two have their colours lowered, but each heat is sprinkled with several talented tyro pacers, waiting to capitalise if any ill-luck befalls the favourites.

Tight Connection comes in fresh for the opening heat tonight, but is fighting fit, evidenced by a second to Godfrey at the trials and a win a week later from 30m behind at Kumeu. Motu Mister Smooth could be his main danger after two impressive Sires’ Stakes Heat performances in recent weeks. The speedy Smooth Fella colt had little in his favour with the draw at Ashburton, but still proved the best of Inky Lord’s beaten rivals in a slick 1:58.26 mile, and a wide draw tonight should not keep him out of the finish.

National Glory, resuming, was a 2600 m mobile winner in 3:24 at the Rangiora trials last week and could place, while Agile, Torch Song and Innocent Arc add further interest in a talented line-up.

Inky Lord meets old rivals of last term in Watch Me Fella, Montini Royal and Unique Blue Chip in the second 2000 m heat this evening, while Viewfield King, which rated a fast 2:00.4 for tonight’s distance against the maidens last week at Addington, could be a thorn in the side of this quartet.

Wait A Moment, a decisive winner of the D.B. Superstar Four-Year-Old Championship on the course last month and a grand runner-up to Viewfield Prince, in the Methven Cup, will be a firm fancy for the first leg of tonight’s T.A.B. double, the Avon City Ford Pace over 3200 m. Final Offer, credited with a nett time for tonight’s distance of 4:6.48 when nosed out by Imperial Time under these conditions at Addington last month, and a creditable fifth against Bionic Chance and company at Motukarara last Saturday, warrants respect even from 30m behind.

Willow Chip, which unleashed a dashing closing 400 m of 28.4 to win at Addington last Wednesday over 2600 m, is racing well, while Cool Charm Girl, a brilliant 1:57.71 mile winner first-up at Ashburton, and the ever-consistent Jay Ardee, are other possibilities. The in-form C 6 squaregaiters, Nooky Bear and Game Nian, are ideally placed to lead the field home in the second leg of the T.A.B. double, the Anglo Pacific Trot for C4-C6 trotters under free-for-all conditions. Nooky Bear has not looked quite as comfortable in his action since his staggering 3:20.46 clocking for 2600 m (stand) when winning in August, but has still raced soundly and is too good to dismiss. Game Nian, which won a double at this meeting last year, is a last-start Addington winner over Yankee Loch and Nooky Bear on September 10 in smart time, while Point Away and Le Due are obvious dangers to the two favourites.

Jelbet: 8 Race 1 TF 5.45 GEORGES HOTEL HANDICAP TROT $5500; C2; 2600 m 1 2410 Innes Lass 1 L. O’Reilly It 2 272 Perfect Du Jour 2 D. G. McCormick It 3 70 Soma Fire 3 K. Lancaster It 4 30 Princess Armbro 4 S. Miller It 5 314 Primula 5 M. Pash It 6 1730 Special Star 6 A. Cowan It 7 93 Bruno Host 7 R. Prendergast It 8 5977 Roydon Pride 1 W. Fletcher 20 9 Midlands Del 2 R. D. Butt 20 11 1 Look 4 D. Townley 20 12 1105 Galleon Lobell 5 J. Curtin 20 13 Iseult 6 M. de Filippi 20 14 17 Circular Note 7 R. May 20 15 1 Swinging Billy 8 D. Nyhan 20 16 2936 Earl Evander 9 R. Alfeld 20 Scratched: Game Sparkle. Race 2 TF 5.15 MCKENDRY’S CONCRETE PACE $5700; four-year-olds; 2000 m 1 053 Kotare Salvo 1 M. Rennie It 2 36 Quest For Glory 2. . .M. de Filippi It 3 2 Aquatic 3 R. Cameron it 4 Rocky Rio 4 B. Kerr It 5 0 Income 5 L. Wigzell It 6 352 Spanish Armada 6 ... C. de Filippi It 7 0 Special Draught 7D. G. McCormick It 8 3 Precious Wave 8 J. Hay It 9 0 Mister Innocence 9 J. Curtin It 10 0 Get Happy 10 G. Court It 12 Browngate Lumbar 12 M. McKendry It 13 06 Gaines Skipper 13 P. Jones It 14 3333 Franco Reign 14 ..J. W. Smolensk! It 15 005 The Indiscretion 15 Gerard O’Reilly It 16 2242 Finvarra 16 R. May It Scratched: Clever Maddie. Race 3 T 6.45 WYATT AND WILSON MOBILE PACE $5000; Cl and C2; fillies and mares; 2600 m 1 84 Vonnie 1 J- Curtin It Latest efforts at Hutt Park. Might need luck here. (4 starts, 1 win, 0 placings, $2470). 2 0321 Bay Loch 2 R. Prendergast It Last-start winner at Gore over 2200 m mobile in 2:53.4 and placed here in mobile 2600 m last month. Keep on side. (14-2-3, $6885). 3 0900 Raspe 3 C. de Filippi It Continued run of outs at Gore last month. (36-2-2, $6292). 5 5530 Clare Lobell 5 K. O’Reilly It Freshened since last racing. Solid placing behind Kotare Platinum, Dakota, here in August. (19-2-1, $6640). 6 5967 Chocolate 6 J. W. Smolensk! It Lacking punch in her races. (6-1-0, $1765). 7 000 Amorous 7 T. Butt It Improvement needed. (9-1-1, $3780). 8 58 Strathbawn 8 I. Cameron It Improver’s fifth first-up, but not so good last time. Could upset. (7-1-1, $3330). 10 0960 Little Rapa 10 J. Hay It Surpise placing here last month, but others appeal more. (20-1-3, $4770). 12 6 Laurene Dale 12 K. Townley It Should improve on first outing for four months at Motukarara last Saturday. Respect. (9-2-0. $4535). 13 804 Lanielle 13 R. Austin It Lacked final punch at Motukarara last

Saturday. Could still be on the improve. (8-1-1, $3225). 14 0955 Pan Flute 14 J. Versteeg It Solid run from similar draw in tougher line-up here last Wednesday. Should be running on again. (40-3-8, $13,590). 15 9160 Belle Hattan 15 M. de Filippi It Has battled since leading throughout at Methven in Cl grade, but worth considering. (31-2-9, $11,115). 16 1323 Prime Rate UR D. Butt It Big late finish for second here last Wednesday (mobile 2000 m), then game third at Motukarara after slow start and being in open last lap. (9-1-3, $4315). Scratched: Issa Viska, Russley du Jour, Haughty Nugent. Race 4 T, TF 7.15 GOVERNOR’S CHOICE MOBILE PACE $6700; C 3 and C 4; 2600 m 1 9320 Charming George 1. . .F. Newfield It Place chances look brightest in this lineup. (28-3-8, $15,100). 2 1619 Dakota 2 C. Nordqvist It Never clear at Addington last week, but tough winner over 3200 m at Ashburton and at Addington (mobile 2600 m) earlier. Should go close. (15-4-3, $14,370). 3 730 Flashdance 3 R. May It Looking bright at trials but win would surprise. (41-4-8, $17,738). 4 212 Finest Hour 4 R. D. Butt It Run down by Willow Chip last week after pacemaking. Adept front-runner which should keep field honest. (13-4-4, $18,570). 5 958 Lady Rana 5 It Not fancied. (59-3-13, $21,200). 6 2232 Weltimed 6 M. de Filippi It Game runner-up to Wait A Moment in Superstar Championship last month after pacemaking. Has to be tough back to handicap racing. (21-3-9, $26,315). 7 National Tabella 7 G. Hope It Former northerner resuming. Trials winner in slow time at Rangiora last month. (31-5-0 $l7 992). 8 5360 Smirk Jones 8.... K. W. O’Reilly It Usually performs honestly but might find a few here with a bit more ability. (72-3-13, $17,857). 10 72 Donegal Castle 10 .... P. O’Reilly It Every chance last week but couldn’t peg back stablemate, Chiddock. Draw against this time. (11-3-4, $12,165). 118161 Roimata Lad 11 A. Butt It Has recorded all three wins at Addington over 2600 m mobile, the most recent last Wednesday in 3:18.78. Sticks well. (31-3-11, $17,080). 12 300 Graecol 12 G. O’Reilly It Methven trials winner last Sunday, but not liked from this draw. (37-4-8, $19,430). 13 1404 Crowley 13 It Solid finish from third line last Wednesday over 2000 m, but extra distance may suit better this time. (13-4-3, $13,970). 14 5123 Wood Chip 14 D. Butt It Flew home late over 2000 m mobile last Wednesday, confirming earlier good form. Leading chance. (14-3-4, $12,735). 16 93 Mistabell 16 G. Court It Sound third behind Willow Chip, Finest Hour, last week after being handy throughout. Draw against this week. (27-4-4, $14,025). Scratched: Kincaid, Young Honkey.

Race 5 T 7.45 LION BROWN RISING STARS SERIES (HEAT ONE) $10,500; three-year-olds; mobile; 2000 m 1 177 Agile 1 J. Versteeg it Stylish first-up winner at Methven in track record time, but has failed to fire since. Drawn to show improvement. (14-5-2, $39,525). 2 5459 Patronazo 2 G. Hope It Maiden which should be outclassed. (4-0-0, $475). 3 National Glory 3 R. Dunn It Talented juvenile last term which resumed with trials win at Rangiora last week. Could place. (4-2-1, $16,275). 4 8682 Torch Song 4 J. Curtin It Every chance last Wednesday in Sires’ Stakes heat. Trifecta chance. (7-1-1, $5615). 5 Tight Connection 5 . M. McKendry It Last term’s top juvenile which should resume on a winning note. Going well at trials and likely to record another end-to-end win. (10-9-1, $283,240). 6 Innocent Arc 6 B. Court It Useful juvenile of last term resuming. Unsighted at trials and take on trust. (16-1-3, $44,060). 7 123 Kotare Helmsman 7 G. Court it Placed in 2:32.91 this trip last Wednesday. Will need to do better this time. (4-1-2, $3645). 8 2071 All A Dream 8 E. Cowie It Gritty winner in 2:32.6 this distance last Wednesday, but this tougher. (8-2-3, $8925). 9 21 Motu Mister Smooth 9 R. Cameron It Sprinted clear for authoritative mile win last Wednesday, and fine second to Inky Lord the time before. Should place. (8-1-3, $14,980). Race 6 0 8.15 AVON CITY FORD HANDICAP PACE $8000; C 5; 3200 m 1 0451 Willow Chip 1 C. de Filippi It Unleashed sharp final sprint to win over 2600 m (stand) in 3:22.64 last Wednesday. Should be close up again. (17-5-2, $21,665). 2 Loch Rannoch 2 . . J. W. Smolensk! It Newcomer to Carmichael stable. Unsighted at trials. (38-5-4, $15,305). 3 3115 Bay Timer UR .... M. McKendry It Big finish late over 2600 m at Addington last Wednesday. Stays well and could surprise. (37-5-8, $20,630). 4 212 Wait A Moment 1 J. Curtin 10 Superstar winner two starts back in fast time, then big run from rear for second in Methven Cup (3200 m Looks the one to beat. (23-6-6, $55,870). 5 996 Venus Boy 2 M. Heenan 10 Improved showing last week but on a hard mark. (33-6-5, $19,975). 6 1 Cool Charm Girl 3 S. O’Brien 10 Resumed with exceptional 1:57.71 mile victory at Ashburton. Won in 4:12.37 this trip last term and adds to possibles. (30-6-6, $29,840). 7 45 Jay Ardee 4 L. Grant 10 Genuine stayer which could get some of this. Good fourth, first-up, in Methven Cup. (41-6-14, $33,185). 8 7490 Blythbank Del 5 . . . . G. D. Shand 10 Not fancied. (109-6-18, $27,740). 9 7 Application 6 R. May 10 Useful stayer which failed to make any impression in 1:57.71 mile at Ashburton. This suits better. (27-6-9, $39,945). 10 3100 Willy Run 7 K. W. O’Reilly 10 Has gone off the boil after earlier good efforts. (35-7-8, $31,850). 11 World Of Fame 1 J. Hay 20 Hard to have. (65-7-15, $34,745). 12 1235 Final Offer 1 R. A. Sharpe 30 Has strong form background including two top runs at this distance lately. Win would not surprise. (26-8-4, $36,270). Race 7 8.45 LION BROWN RISING STARS SERIES (HEAT TWO) $10,500; three-year-olds; mobile; 2000 m 1 01 Viewfield King 1 K. Townley It 2 1 Watch Me Fella 2 . . . . P. O’Reilly It 3 064 Star Kingdom 3 I. Cameron It 4 86 Defoe 4 C. de Filippi It 5 3233 Unique Blue Chip 5 . .M. de Filippi It 6 2788 Vin Ray 6 J. Hampton It

7 05 Happy Haze! 7 P. Jones It 8 1 Inky Lord 8 R. May It 9 1 Montini Royal 9 J. Curtin It Race 8 0 9.15 ANGLO PACIFIC TROT $8000; C4-C6; trotters; 2600 m 1 3713 Point Away 1 P. O’Reilly It Solid third behind Yankee Loch and Bellam over 3200 m at Ashburton on October 1. Easy winner, this course and distance, September 16. Hard to beat. (19-5-9, $22,655). 2 200 Gregory Peter 2 M. Skinner It Southerner which might struggle in this company. Last of 14 at Gore on September 30. (20-4-2, $11,270). 3 Flameaway 3 .... J. W. Smolensk! It Resuming. Has ability and could surprise. (51-6-6, $25,111). 4 Regal Rebel 4 S. Black It Has not raced since scoring impressive double at Waterlea in June. Rough show. (57-6-17, $24,854). 5 Dancing Armbro 5.. K. McCormick It Off the scene since March. Has ability and could go well fresh. One for odds. (41-8-6, 437 1601 7 ’561 Game Nian 7 T. Butt It Impressive winner, this course and distance, September 10. Honest type with definite claims again. (28-6-9, $35,620). 8 8056 Lucky Yank 8 T. McMillan It Battling runs lately. Would have to improve. (65-5-16, $25,460). 9 8543 Le Due 9 A. Butt It Storming finish for close third to Kami over this distance here last week. Win chance. (39-8-8, $32,230). 10 1352 Nooky Bear 10 R. Brosnan It Recovered well from early mistake to finish second to Kami last week. Talented and should win if he does everything right. (26-6-7, $26,450). 11 50 Zebec 11 J. Hogan It Veteran with little hope of figuring in the finish. (81-10-21, $40,555). 12 6631 Kami 12 R. Cameron It Led throughout when recording comfortable win on this course last week. Draw no help. (20-5-7, $37,700). 13 200 Francis Dalrae UR R. May It Top run for second to Point Away on this course three starts back but disappointing since. Boilover hope. (39-5-5, $16,145). 14 0080 Joe Junior UR P. Jones It Not racing well. (76-6-20, $32,758). Scratched: Linda Ellen. Race 9 9.45 RICCARTON PARK MOTOR CAMP MOBILE PACE $5000; Cl; junior drivers; 2600 m 1 8604 Samuel’s Pride 1.. . C. O’Callaghan It 2 9844 Unique Away 2 P. Boag It 3 0800 Paleface Beau 3 J. Lemon It 4 14 Princess Milltown 4 V. Keen It 6 70 Night Hawk 6 T. Butt It 7 5608 Uncle Andy 7 G. Ward It 8 09 Maitland Stream 8 T. Clarke It 10 0016 Stunner 10 G. Nyhan It 115107 Windburn 11 R. A. Sharpe It 12 1000 Madam Melba 12 T. Healy It 13 0806 Apollo Lord 13 R. Austin It 14 Field Day 14 B. Borcoskie It 15 0078 Streak 15 M. Smart It 16 Leon Bigshot 16 B. White It Scratched: Farm Wise, The Oracle. Race 10 10.15 COUPLAND PIES MOBILE PACE $5500; C2; 2000 m 1 0 Anjin San 1 P. Young It 2 858 Bojodine 2 M. McKendry It 3 00 Dainty Dish 3 F. Newfield It 4 186 Jeka 4 M. Edmonds It 5 0873 Silence 5 P. Jones It 6 5370 Avanti 6 R. Tatterson It 8 3123 Tuff Lord 8 J. Curtin It 10 1210 Idle Mac 10 I. Cameron It 11 48 Global House 11 ... .M. de Filippi It 12 8257 Long Fella 12 C. De Filippi It 13 9072 Canasta King 13 R. May It 14 8444 Malvito 14 G. O’Reilly It Scratched: Keeping On, Driannik.