WAIRARAPA MEETING

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 91, 19 April 1939, Page 13

WAIRARAPA MEETING

THE CHIEF EVENT

JOAN GRATTAN IN FAVOUR

(By "Ariki Toa.")

The acceptances received for the Wairarapa Trotting Club's Annual Meeting, to be held under the auspices of the Wellington Trotting Club at Hutt Park on Saturday next, are exceptionally good, and the club looks certain to stage an outstanding carnival. The list includes some of the best improving prospects seen out on the West Coast (N. 1.) trotting circuit, and it will be surprising if a high standard of light-harness racing is not maintained.

At New Year a decision was reached to wind-up the Wairarapa Club, and amalgamate with the Wellington Club. Owing to a few hitches arising and the fact that the Wellington Club is not permitted under the rules to hold more than four meetings a season the permit could pot be taken over, and the carnival oh Saturday is being staged by the Wairarapa body, with assistance from Wellington. .

[ The chief attraction' on Saturday is the Carterton Handicap, and with an I acceptance of 17 a splendid contest is assured. At this stage it is possible that the early favourite will be Joan Grattan, who has previously been seen to advantage on the Hutt Park course. At her last appearance the Grattan Loyal mare was responsible for an outstanding performance by registering 3min 17 4nssec from a 3,38 mark, and as she comes in off 3.32 this week the figures serve as an excellent illustration of the task set the backmarkers to concede her a start and a beating. Another factor in her favour is that she is a brilliant beginner, and thus is able to secure a good position early in the running. Good prospects are also held by Kilrea and Popeye. The former has never been altogether a lucky mare, and if there is any trouole going in a race she is the most likely to suffer. However, she has previously registered 3min 19 l-ssec to finish second on the course, and she*should again be equal to playing a prominent part. Popeye has recorded three firsts and three seconds in his seven starts since the Wellington Meeting last month — a most .creditable performance. It is all the more impressive when it is considered that he was a maiden with absolutely no form six weeks ago, and Ihe has now worked his way back to a 3.32 mark. He is a good beginner, and his gameness in a tight finish cannot be questioned. C. S. Donald appears to hold a strong hand with the coupled Major Guy and Sans Pareil. The former made short work of the field opposed to him hi! the sprint at Wanganui earlier in the month, but owing to soreness he has J not been started again on the circuit. •He is particularly smart at striking his hopples, and his early speed will ensure the pace being on all the way. Sans Pareil has to be taken a little on trust, for he is not a good beginner, but once on the journey can unwind a brilliant turn of speed, The presence of this pair will add interest to the event. . Of the remainder on the limit the best prospects may be held by Tinker and Silk King, who have both proved themselves capable performers over a mile and a half. Tinker has not been a lucky pacer, but he can always be relied upon to give of his • best, ..no matter how strbng the opposition; Although having hone the best of.it on 24yds Purina is an honest rriare, who should be in the piqture when heads are turned for home. . ~, It is possible that the running at the Manawatu Meeting today will furnish a further line, but some that appeal at this stage are Joan Grattan, Popeye, Kilrea, and Purina.