TE RAPA MAIN RACE DECIDED TOMORROW

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22951, 20 May 1949, Page 2 (Supplement)

TE RAPA MAIN RACE DECIDED TOMORROW

(Herald Special Service)

AT Te Rapa tomorrow, when the Waikato Racing Club holds the middle day of its winter fixture, the main event of the meeting, the Waikato Steeplechase, will be decided.

This event lias drawn 12, the smallest field of the afternoon. Perhaps the maximum of 12.0 kept some horses from competing against the champion ’chaser Brookby Song.

HACK & HUNTERS’ STEEPLES

The virtual top-weight, Shepherd’s Call, has proved his ability over country and his second last Saturday in a hack hurdle race points to him being in the right condition. Default at Avondale recently impressed in a win over country at his first attempt, but the fences at Te Rapa are a little more formidable. Jason Lad schooled exceptionally well last week and is reported to be in the condition to give a good account of himself. In his favour is his experience. Glenfayle, second at Avondale, has a little form, but last week in the cross-country event was not very impressive. Murphy, backed by hunting and steeplechasing experience. is one to ponder over. Others who are qualified jumpers are Harris Twceil, r ""h Mint, Vindicator, Flying Attack, and Ilazsoult, seventh last week in the race won by First Act. Among the nine stoners is Kohunui, who won a flat race on the East Coast February circuit. Last season he was oualified with the H.B. hounds and with his pace he is one that might surprise. OTOROHANGA HACK HDCP.

The recent impressive winner Dora Lee heads this list and is sure to be among the best liked. Second on the card is the Great Northern Hurdles candidate Kauri Pine. Royal Chat is capable of being in the money, and further down the list Kintamani, Spiteful Lad, Vienna View, Ilerowin, Lady IJlandford, Fair Fox and Brer Acre, all have recent place form to act as a guide in summing-up the First Division.

In the Second Division Rare Fox heads the card, with Lady Revel and Baron d’Or following close no and all three seem to be in the right racing order. Taiwa was third last week so must be Riven at least a place chance again. Jildi Jow was not a starter the first day and enters calculations, as also does the first day’s runner-up Shaahnaz, Toss-up (second last week in his division!. and Chatacre. ★SEDDON HURDLES

Last week MOUTOA LORD was putting up a good show in the Waikato Hurdles when he fell, and although it is a matter of opinion whether he would have won, he might have been in the party. Now over a shorter course he must be given a good show. OBSERVATORY the first day was sixth and with the five horses that beat him on that occasion now absent it star.ds to reason that he must be seriously considered. HUNTO, a Northern winner, would only need to be anything like his old self to be a “cer-

tainty” with 9.13, but it seems to be accepted that he has slipped. However, you never know in a jumping race. Also on the 9.13 mark are SIR JOVIAL and .BRITISH MINT, proved fast jumpers. TOWN ECHO, third the first day in the amateur riders’ race, is a smart mare and at 9.11 is sure to have a solid following. DIAMOND KING has had good form at different times and he. too, is not counted out, but BRONZEMAN will be liked more. DARK VICTORY, JON ROSA-PLEA-SANT BAY bracket and RULING MASTER are all at least place possibilities. Several of these acceptors figure in the Great Northern, so for that reason the form shown will be closely watched. ★PRESIDENT’S HANDICAP Last week the top-weight CONSPIRACY' was sixth and he seems of late to be running just badly enough to get beaten. FOXBAY', who is right at the peak of his form, was placed in the Hamilton Handicap a week back and must be regarded in a favourable light again. DARK ARROW, second the first day, may be all the better for that outing and on a soft track might be a favourite. NAPREDAK, a recent winner, was not produced last week. WONDER BOY, another “fresh” one, was recently placed over a mile and he too, will not be neglected. .PRINCE RAN A is not an easy one to keep an eye on; no more is FRONTIER MAC, but either could easily be in the money. SAFFRON WALDEN came home strongly in the Hamilton Handicap for fourth just ahead of the veteran CIIUKG-CHONG, who is again engaged. so that the pair are to be included iii a final sifting. GANJAII (seventh on the opening day). THE GENT and FOXFAELE are lightweights capable of popping up.