INTER-DOMINION Ex-Champions Clash Tonight

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30980, 9 February 1966, Page 5

INTER-DOMINION Ex-Champions Clash Tonight

(NX. Pres» Association— Copvriflht; SYDNEY. The clash between the former Inter-Dominion Championship winners, Robin Dundee of New Zealand and Minuteman from South Australia, is expected to be the highlight of the second night of the 1966 series at Harold Park, Sydney, tonight.

The pair, 1964 and 1965 winners, and both backmarkers off 24 yards, will meet in the third heat of the second qualifying division over 15 furlongs and 92 yards.

They are level with five points each in the series so far and more points tonight will gain them a run in the £12,000 Grand Final on February 19. Robin Dundee looked in fine shape when she jogged around the track at Harold Park yesterday for 20 minutes. Her veteran trainer, J. Walsh, who drove her, said yesterday: “She is holding her condition well and doesn’t need a lot of fast work. I expect her to run well but Minuteman is a good horse and her task won’t be easy.” The mare was beaten into second place by Scotirra after an unlucky run in the first division on Saturday, and Minuteman also has a second to his credit, having been beaten by the fast finishing Tasmanian hope, Chamfer Star. The New Zealand pacer, Tactile, has drawn the first and probably the easiest heat. Tactile’s three points for second to Dale’s Gift (Victoria) in the first division may not be enough to get him in the final, but he has a good chance of scoring further vital points. Racing off 12 yards, he will meet Chamfer Star, Flaming (New South Wales), and Double Adios (New South Wales), which were all placed

on Saturday. But Tactile put in a great performance when beaten by only a long head by Dale’s Gift and is favourite to win tonight. Tactile’s part owner, Mr J. Dynes, said yesterday that he was very pleased with the pacer’s progress and was also happy with the draw. Jacobite (New Zealand), which has yet to score any points, has a tough task when he meets Dale’s Gift, present leader in the points table, and Scotirra (New South Wales) in the second heat. Also in the field will be the New Zealand horse, Garry Dillon, and Golden Rule (New South Wales), which was third to Dale’s Gift and Tactile on Saturday.