Pointers to speed racing likely

Press, 6 October 1989, Page 43

Pointers to speed racing likely

Some solid pointers to speed racing in the intermediate classes in the weeks ahead should come out of the Ben Area Handicap, the last leg of the treble at Timaru today. The field is an open one, containing plenty of talent, and luck of the running will obviously ■play its part. Resuming is Outlet, the Mavis Harris-trained mare which showed so much potential last season. The lightly-raced seven-year-old was placed in six of nine starts then and looked forward at the trials on Sunday. Also fresh-up 'is Marty, one of the better performers from Garth Jackson’s stable last season. Marty was particularly adept at the 1200 m distance and despite a widish draw should go close here on his best three-year-old form. Yaldara, a fast former northerner, disappointed at Orari, but it might pay to forget that run next time she lines up. Michael Pitman could bypass today’s race, however, if the track is rain-affected as the War Hawk mare likes good ground, the firmer the better.

Fury looked to have a lot of potential last season, but has not come up so well this time in. She went nicely at the trials on Sunday with blinkers on and the Beaufort Sea mare will wear the "sunhat” again today. St Pierre, which showed up in stronger company last season, is another speedster in the line-up and Triana should resume on a high note. She was unbeaten outside Riccarton on her last campaign and the half-sister to Belmura Lad should handle softer footing if necessary.

Oban Lad is much improved, Extra Plush looked ready for a bold race at Sunday’s trials and Count Nicolai was knocked from pillar to post last start.

Silver Scholar is another to consider. He battled honestly without being able to win one through the winter and did not strike fields of this calibre. But he goes well freshened and has not raced since August 12. He also likes Timaru (four dividends from seven starts) and could bob up in a place at good odds. All in all an absorbing race which should prove a real incentive for treble punters.