Field for Aviation Handicap

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26693, 12 February 1948, Page 10

Field for Aviation Handicap

SURE * HARVEST FAVOURED The principal event for straight-out trotters at the Canterbury Park meeting is the Aviation Handicap, of two miles, and it has drawn a field of 11, with the back-marker, Van Logan, giving away only 36 yards. Of those on the limit Endowed has not won a race this season, having been started eight times for a second, a third, and a fourth. Nationalist has had eight starts without reaching a place and Kildonnin’s only placing in eight starts was a fourth in the Crescent Handicap at the recent Forbury Park meeting, his first glimpse of form for some time. Paul Parrish has had only three races this season and put up a good performance to finish second to Flying Scott in the Crescent Handicap. Royal Dale was raced at Forbury Park after a long spell but her form was not impressive. On the 12-yard mark are Bancor, Great Venture and Sure Harvest, and Bancor’s recent form does not inspire confidence in his chance. Great Venture, one of the most promising of the younger trotters, is building up a consistent record, having scored four wins and five placings in 13 starts this season. In the first five of his starts this season Sure Harvest won twice and was placed three times. At the New Zealand Cup meeting he registered a brilliant performance to win the Intermediate Handicap in 4min 24 3-ssec from a 4min 40sec mark. Castigate, on 24 yards, is speedy enough to win, but he is too liable to leave his feet. Van Logan has been racing against the pacers and his prospects are not bright. Sure Harvest and Great Venture will probably dispute favouritism.