A CHANCE FOR AMELITA

Southland Times, Issue 23733, 3 February 1939, Page 10

A CHANCE FOR AMELITA

Review Of Tapanui

Fields

ASTRAL FLASH SHOULD SHOW UP TRACK WILL BE IN FAST ORDER Although the fields for the Tapanui Racing Club’s annual fixture tomorrow are not as strong numerically as usual, the material is available for keen racing. In spite of some of the small fields an enjoyable day’s racing is promised, although speculation is likely to be restricted. The track is certain to provide a fast surface. The first race is timed to start at 12.30 p.m. and the single-pool system of betting will operate. * TRIAL HANDICAP ' Although he was given out as an acceptor Bilbao does not figure in the race card for the Trial Handicap. Little form has been shown by any of the five runners and the favourite may be Osprey, a good type of three-year-old filly by Full Feather, who has been doing good work on the Invercargill tracks. Osprey has started only once so far, when she swung round at the barrier, and took no part in the race. A good opinion is held of My Mistake, a three-year-old by Roydon, and he may be expected to race prominently. Dolita has not shown up in any of her races nor has Green Locket. The favourites may be Osprey and My Mistake. PRESIDENT’S HANDICAP Dissemble and Moonraider will be bracketed in the President’s Handicap. Moonraider won from end to end over five furlongs at Wyndham and has trained on the right way since. She has plenty of ability and can be depended on to jump out smartly. Dissemble represents better class than the majority in this field and the turning track will suit her. Final Bell has been off the winning list for some time and other will be preferred ahead of him. Astral Flash was a disappointment at Wairio but her track work since has indicated that she is right back to her best. The Colonel Cygnus mare has only to race up to her Dunedin form to be the hardest to beat in this field. Aravane, who has done little racing was a winner at the Vincent meeting, when he defeated Our Pal and Pride o’Central. He is not without a chance. The favourite will probably be Astral Flash. DOMINION HANDICAP Raven’s Wing has run some fair races and may be the favourite for the Dominion Handicap Trot. The Worthy Bond gelding is a member of W. A. Thomas’s stable, which has had a successful run this season. Night Nurse, who is a half-sister to two good winners in Probationer and Sure, is probably the best-bred runner in the field, but so far has no form to her credit. Mendell is a likely improver and will be one of the favourites. Young Dewey has plenty of ability but does not slay on with it. Irish Guy has quite a reputation for speed. Support will come for Raven’s Wing and Mendell. TAPANUI HANDICAP The Tapanui Handicap, the' chief event of the day, has drawn a fourhorse field. The top-weight, Amelita, with 9.0, will have a full apprentice allowance and she will be entitled to go out at a very short price. In small fields she has always raced best and it is a long time since she struck a field as weak as this one. At Invercargill during the holidays she defeated a useful lot over a mile and at Wairio was narrowly beaten by Foxlove over seven furlongs. Lochie River is an improving hack but has yet to be tried over 10 furlongs. He has won over a mile in an impressive manner and the distance should not greatly trouble him. Bow Street finished third to Boswell and Turaki in the Wairio Cup and this was quite a useful showing. Vanity Queen may be out of her depth in this field. The favourite is almost certain to be Amelita. DWYER MEMORIAL The strongest field of the day is in the Dwyer Memorial Hack Handicap. A good number of the runners are engaged earlier in the day. Pink Bond, who will be bracketed with Dissemble, will be having her first race for more than 12 months. Her track work, however, indicates that she will show up in this field. There is no questioning her brilliance. Western Song won this race last year and can again be relied on to make a bold showing. He is a great beginner and stays on much better than formerly. Strip represents good class and will probably be a firm favourite. He is a member of A. E. Didham’s team and has been working well. Gipsy Fair is capable of running a great five and is not without a chance. The choice will be for Strip and Pink Bond bracket. FASSIFERN TROT Earlier running will provide the best line to prospects in the Fassifern Handicap Trot. A newcomer in Waterloo Direct, who will be coupled with Irish Guy, raced well at Wairio. He has a good turn of speed and the mile and aquarter journey will suit him. Loyal Emblem can be expected to race better in saddle and the earlier form of Raven’s Wing and Mendell will be a guide to their chances. At this stage most support may come for Waterloo Direct bracket and Raven’s Wing. QUIN MEMORIAL Half and Half and Song Boy are both newcomers in the Quin Memorial Han-

dicap, in which Lochie River and Bow Street are the only others engaged. Song Boy has not lost any of his dash since being put to hurdling but the favourite will doubtless be Half and Half. He won decisively at Vincent in his last appearance and on form he stands Out in this field. The favourite should be Half and Half. STEWARDS’ HANDICAP Each of the acceptors for the Stewards’ Hack Handicap has an earlier engagement and it will not be surprising to see several withdrawals. Earlier running may cause alterations but at this stage most confidence may be shown in Astral Flash and Aravane.