WAIKATO TODAY

Press, Volume C, Issue 29518, 20 May 1961, Page 4

WAIKATO TODAY

Craddock Fancied

"The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND. May 19. A fine contest over the country is likely in the £2250 Waikato Steeplechase at Te Rapa tomorrow. The runners are a good mixture of fast jumpers and proven stayers. Many have further big engagements this winter so the outcome of the race is being awaited with great interest. The hardest to beat might be Contract, Patrick Molloy and Marvo. An elght-.year-old gelding by Foxbridge from Pinocle, Contract has won twice over the last two miles and a half of tomorrow’s three mile course in events for backs. This time Contract has a stronger field to beat as well as the extra half-mile and four fences to cover. At the same time he is down 191 b from the amount he carried when successful last week in the Melville Steeplechase, and he looks thoroughly fit. Patrick Molloy looked ready to improve when he paraded for the Vercoe Steeplechase, and so did Marvo. Neither had ar\v luck in the running, otherwise they might have been in the finish. Marvo threw his rider with about a mile to go and Patrick Molloy came down when he misjudged the last jump. Overseas the top-weight with 11-2, is a dashing jumper which seems bound to run very prominently even though he has a fair steadier Sea Contour (10-13) is in form and with 9-2 Fend is well placed for a good showing.

The steeplechase is the big event on the third day of the Waikato Racing Club’s winter programme. Other important items will be the Tyler Handicap and the Flying Mile, which are the races of the double.

The Takanini four-year-old gelding. Craddock, is in high favour for the Tyler Handicap and there is every likelihood that he will touch a very short price. Everything points to his success.

White Oaks might show improvement. especially if there Is further wetting of the ground, but if she beats Craddock It will be a big surprise. Nephite. from Awapuni, On Demand and Ruthless Tax, are three of the candidates for the Flying Mile, which looks full of oossibillties.

The going has kept wet and there seems little chance that it will be other than very holding. Selections :

11.15 a.m.—Winter Hurdles: Golden Ascot. Toy Tiger, Cretan. Noon—Gordonton Plate: Blue Beard. Blue Sprite. Surf Queen. 12.45 p.m.—Seddon Hurdles: Count d’Azure. Peter Night. In Town. 1.30 p.m—Tyler Handicap: Cradock, Whiteoaks. Pin Money. 215 p.m—Waikato Steeplechase: Contract. Patrick Molloy. Marvo. 3 pm—Manning Handicap: Alphie. Hellowin. Surging. 3.45 p.m—Flying Mile: Nephite. Ruthless Tax. On Demand. 430 pm'.—Farewell Handicap: Fairenda. Wish Me Luck, Obrana.