ASHBURTON PROSPECT

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 148, 20 December 1945, Page 12

ASHBURTON PROSPECT

IMPLACABLE SMART

PLACED AT ONLY START

(By "Ariki'Toa.")

■The Timvald trainer B. Grice has a habit of producing a novice oi above average ability, and it is interesting to note that he has Implacable engaged at the forthcoming Ashburton 'Meeting. Although a five-year-old, Implacable has been produced on' only one occasion for a third placing at Methven last September. On that occasion he was a trifle slow to strike a gait but unwound a brilliant burst of speed over the later stages to-,finish in third place- and register 4.39 for the two miles. It was a most promising effort, and he would only require to reproduce the display to be hard to beat over a similar distance at Ashburton. Incidentally, Implacable is out of that brilliant pacer stud matron, Regal Voyage, who has already achieved fame through the deeds of Haughty and to a lesser degree through Traverse. Bright Prospects. With four wins to his credit in his last four starts, Galvena is not likely to be,, at dny fancy price when he contests the St. Helier's Handicap on the first day of the Auckland Meeting. Apart from Emulous (whom -he •beat at their last clash), Galvena is not opposed by a particularly strong.field, and his splendid beginning ability should enable him to take up a prominent position early in the running and thus be free from any interruptions. Galvena is one of the best pacers in his class, and he should experience little difficulty in working his way back to a much tighter mark. To Clash Again. The leading three-year-olds Sir, Michael and Globe Direct are to clash for the fifth time this season when they contest the Champion Stakes at Ashburton on Boxing Day. At the moment honours are even, and perhaps this event will decide for the season the relative merits of these brilliant pacers. Sir Michael won the New Zealand Derby comfortably at his last appearance, but it would be wise to remember that on that occasion Globe Direct made a lapse at the start and lost practically all chance. He subsequently displayed outstanding speed to finish just behind the placegetters, and the impression was that had he got away on terms with his opponents ' c would have won the Derby, from Sir Michael. However, Boxing Day should settle the issue. Consistent Pacer. Scottish Lady has three seconds to her credit in her last three starts, and surely a winning turn is overdue for the U. Scott mare. Each time she was responsible for a pleasing performance, but just when it looked as if she would win she weakened a shade and thus lost the thick end of the prize. She is down to make her next appearance in the New Brighton Handicap on Saturday, and as she figures off the front of the handicap should have bright prospects of returning to the winning list.

Useful Trial

Volo Senwod, one of F. J. Smith's candidates for the Auckland Trotting Cup, was responsible for a sound trial when he competed at a matinee meeting at Epsom recently. Handicapped on 168 yds behind he had literally no chance of winning but finished fairly, handy to the placed horses and registered a shade worse than 3.16 from post to post. Actually, he would have required to better 3.11 to win, so one can easily see the magnitude of the task set him. However, the display drew attention to his immediate prospects, and he promises to be a very fit horse on Cup Day. He will be coupled with Medical Student, and the bracket appeals strongly for a place. Promising Improver.

C. S. Donald is taking quite a useful team to Auckland for the Summer Meeting at Epsom, but it is possible the star of the team will prove to be [ Air Marshall. This pacer has not raced since finishing right up behind the placed horses in the Metropolitan Stakes at Addington last. month, but he has progressed in the interim and should not lack condition. • At his last visit to Epsom he was a winner over two miles in 4.30, and in a similar class on this occasion he should take a lot of, beating. An Able Trotter. In the early stage of his career Rerewaka was generally recognised as . a trotter above the ordinary, but he invariably ruined excellent winning prospects by breaking in the running. However, he appears to have come solid with age and experience, and in his last four starts he has secured two firsts and a second. He is to contest the Trial Handicap at New Brighton on Saturday, and although he will not have everything his own way in this class he should at least secure some of the money. Speedy But Unsound. When Gold Chief finished fourth at Addington last month he was having his first race for over 18 months, and there is every reason to anticipate the race will improve him considerably. He suffers from unsoundness and great difficulty is experienced in getting the gelding to stand up to a preparation. However, he appears to be back to his best again, and for this reason alone must be considered among the favourites for the President's Handicap at New Brighton on Saturday.