CANTATA'S CHANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 49, 26 August 1939, Page 22

CANTATA'S CHANCE

NEW BRIGHTON MEETING

(By "Ariki, Toa.")

The appearance of the handicaps for the New Brighton Trotting Club's Spring Meeting on Saturday next will stimulate interest in the light-harness sport in the south, and judging by the strength of the fields engaged in the respective contests the form displayed is likely to furnish a good line for future races.

The chief attraction on the first day will be the Harper Handicap, and an illustration of the evenness of the field is afforded by the fact that there is only 24 yards separating the limit and back markers. Possibly early favouritism will be awarded to the coupled Donald Dhu and Cantata. Donald Dhu gave an indication * that he is at the top of his form by an excellent display over two miles on the final day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Meeting, and as he is equal to handling any kind of track, even though partial to soft going, he should be prominent throughout. Cantata ran three splendid races at Addington, and she is certain to improve considerably with the runs. She is just the type of mare to win a lot of races this season.

Nervie's Last rarely runs a bad race, and he should be equal to running a sound race from the front. Ray Spec showed up promisingly at Addington, but there is a doubt as to whether he can return to his best again. Glenrossie is another getting towards the veteran stage, although still possessing a lot of speed. Colonel Grattan can be expected to improve considerably on his Addington displays,'for he was palpably short of work and was not properly tuned up for hard racing. He raced most consistently last term, and he is looked upon as a very promising pacer, sure to race prominently as he advances. The distance of this event will suit him admirably. Graham Direct gave glimpses of his best form at Addington and is equal to upsetting the favourite division.

Renown's Best is a trifle "iffy" at the barrier, and she does not enhance her prospects by dwelling on the mark. The remainder may be held safe by Gallant Knight, who is just coming to the peak of his form. He can both sprint and stay and should be a good winner this term.

A favoured quartet at this early, stage may be Cantata, Donald Dhu, Colonel Grattan, and Gallant Knight.