GOOD CLASS ENGAGED IN BIG EVENT ON TO-MORROW’S CARD

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 November 1946, Page 2

GOOD CLASS ENGAGED IN BIG EVENT ON TO-MORROW’S CARD

Carrying a stake of £BOO, the Levin Handicap, principal event at the Levin Racing Club’s spring meeting to-morrow, ranks as one of the important provincial races, and it may be expected to throw some light, on other big spring events. Included in the acceptors are four New Zealand Cup candidates, but it may be expected that the majority of those engaged will continue to do their racing in the North Island.

For some years the Levin Racing’ Club’s meetings have been held at Otaki because the home course was occupied by the military authorities, and after the war it was net available because the buildings were not ready to be used in the club’s operations. Al Otaki th? support accorded thi’, club by Wellington racegoers ensured totalisator turnovers ranging up to £60.000, hence the club’s ability to offer generous stakes for its fixtures.

Twelve months ago, when the meeting was held at Otaki. Langue d'Or won the Levin Handicap, with Black Plato and Broiefleld in the minor places. Langue d'Or then went on to Riccarton to finish third to Golden Souvenir and Chung Chong in the New Zealand Cup. Black Plato and Broiefleld. it may be noted, are again engaged to-morrow.

With 21 engaged to-morrow, provision has been made for divisions, the safetv number being exceeded by the number of acceptors. Should divisions be required the stake-money will be increased. Probably the first division will prove to be the tougher oroposition for backers, as Master Robin, Hormuz, Roval Victor, Saludos. Alright and Broiefleld all have goo.l credentials. Master Robin finished third in the mile Wainui Handicap at the Wellington meeting at Awapuni, and if the going is better at Levin he may he well in the picture. Hormuz may be reckoned a likely improver.

Royal Victor won his way out of hack comnanv when he carried off the honours in the .Champion Hack Handicap 12 months ago. and since then he has proved his ability over a middle distance at Trentham.

Saludos was defeated at Awapuni, but he appears certain to have derived a considerable amount of benefit from that race.

Alright was taken through to Ellerslie for the spring meeting, but failed to gain a placing i n his two essays. However, he ran a very creditable race for fourth on the second day. He has been seen at his best over sprint distances, but he should be capable of running out ten furlongs. especially on such a course as that of Levin. Alright is in capital order, but he did not fulfil his engagement at Bulls last Saturday because of transport difficulty.

Leighon's Glory ran several useful races last season and should show up in his early engagements, and other likelv prospects are Lady Scholar and Gay Lena.

Valley Boy, an Auckland visitor, heads the list in the second division. He won the Poland Cup at the Ohinemuri meeting, but. has not been prominent in later essays.

Hulabaloo was a big dividend-payer when he won at the Otaki spring meeting, and he showed that it was no fluke when he finished on solidly for third to Hakim and Lord Darnley in the Wellington Handicap at Awapuni. He should show up to-morrow if his connections require encouragement to continue his New Zealand Cup engagement. Black Plato has raced consistently and is generally to be relied on as a probable place-getter. Imperial is a likely’ improver on his most recent displays.

Barrage has shown improvement in recent outings, and Dileas, a winner at the Wanganui winter meeting, should appreciate the firm track. Likely sorts among those on the minimum are Delinquent and Incline.