Big Three Meet In Inter-Dominion Heat

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30983, 12 February 1966, Page 6

Big Three Meet In Inter-Dominion Heat

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

SYDNEY.

Robin Dundee meets the two undefeated Australian challengers for the Inter-Dominion pacing title in a third-round heat at Harold Park, Sydney, tonight in a race regarded as a sure guide to the final.

The champion New Zealand mare, which was beaten in her heat on the first night of the championships, will meet Dale’s Gift (Victoria) and Chamfer Star (Tasmania) which both won their heats on the first two nights.

On the strength of her magnificent win on Wednesday, Robin Dundee is favourite for the race, but there is less than a point in the early market to the other two.

Tonight’s heat, the last race on the card, is regarded as a full dress rehearsal for the £12,000 grand final on February 19, and the outcome will certainly decide the favourite for the title.

The three pacers, which with the New South Wales mare Scotirra (winner of Robin Dundee’s first heat in the championship), dominate betting for the final, are likely to be first, second and third tonight, according to bookmakers. Robin Dundee’s trainer, Jack Walsh, says that whatever beats the mare will win the final, and Chamfer Star’s trainer, Max Truer, says his pacer is a “good thing.” But Dale’s Gift, winner of eight races in succession, has not put a foot wrong in gaining the maximum 14 points to date, and is sure to be in there at the finish. The New Zealander Tactile, which has only two points to his credit at this

stage, must finish at least second in his heat to be sure of a start in the final. He will race against Scotirra (also off 12 yards), and the other points scorers Tenth Rose (Tasmania), Golden Rule (N.S.W.), Flaming Star (N.S.W.) and Lookout (N.S.W.). Tactite did not come up to his surprise even-money favouritism when he ran unplaced to Chamfer Star on Wednesday night but connexions are hoping for a better showing tonight. The New Zealanders Jacobite and Garry Dillon will meet the South Australian backmarker Minuteman in the second heat tonight. Minuteman is favourite for the heat. Jacobite has only one point in the series so far, and Garry Dillon has yet to make his mark on the championship table. Neither will qualify for the final unless , they produce something worth while tonight. Trotters’ Final The £2400 Trotters’ Grand Final will be held tonight and . it looks like being a battle royal between the maximum points scorers, Maori Miss and Corop McElwin, from Victoria, and the South Australian 72-yard backmarker, Gramel. Gramel is likely to start favourite after her recordbreaking run when she ran second to Corop McElwin on Wednesday, and the reduced" field of 10 should suit her. Only eight trotters scored points to qualify for the final, but the handicappers added Hammerhead and Palmara Bay, which ran fourth in their heats on Wednesday, to the finalists. N.Z. Runners New Zealand interest in the trotting title is held by Queen's Cord and Lucky Song. Lucky Song gained only one point in the two qualifying divisions but was unlucky on Wednesday when she fell in the first lap, tipping her driver. P. J. Hall, from the gig. Queen’s Cord gained two points in the first division but was unplaced in her heat on Wednesday. She will be driven by D. Townley. Although Sugar ’n’ Spice was leading points scorer in the trotters’ qualifying sections, bookmakers do not rate her chances high. A proved stayer, she will be suited by the 15f 92 yards, and could prove a surprise. Fields, with New Zealand starting times, are: INTER-DOMINION TROTTING CHAMPIONSHIP 11.30 p.m.— GRAND FINAL, £N.Z.2400; 15f and 92 yards.—Yamamoto (N.S.W.), Palmara Bay (N.S.W ). Panther s Flight (Vic.) It: Maori Miss (Vic.) 12; Corop McElwin (Vic.), Hammerhead (N.S.W.) 24; Queen’s Cord (N.Z.) 36; Sugar ’jn’ Epice (S.A.), Lucky Song (N.S.W.) 48; Gramel (S.A.) 72. INTER-DOMINION PACING CHAMPIONSHIP Third Qualifying Division 10.30 p.m.— FIRST HEAT, £N.Z-800; IHL Snip Star (N.S.W.), Golden Rule (N.S.W.), Future Raider (N.S.W), Tenth Rose (Tas.), Billabong Chief (N.S.W.), Flaming Star (N.S.W.), Kalama’s Peak (N.S.W.), Lookout (N.S.W.) It; Stormy Bruce (N.S.W.), Scottira (N.S.W.), Tactile (N.Z.) 12. 12 p.m.— SECOND HEAT, £N.Z.BOO; llff. —Tacloban (N.S.W.), Medium Blue (N.S.W.), Bangaroo Prince (N.S.W.), Duke Winston (N.S.W.). Van Nut (S.A.), Double Adios (N S W ), Blue Pennant (N.S.W.)

It; Harcoola (N.5.W.),. Jacobite (N.Z.), Little Maori (N.S.W.), Garry Dillon (N.Z.) 12; Minuteman (S.A.) 24. 12.30 a.m.— THIRD HEAT, £N.Z.BOO; lljf First Lee (N.S.W.), Chamfer Star (Tas.), Last Song (N.S.W.), Paddy’s Night (N.S.W.), (W.A.), Bluff (N.S.W.), Doctor Dan (N.S.W.), Single Tax (N.S.W.) It; Blazing Globe (N.S.W.), Dale’s Gift (Victoria) 12: Robin Dundee (N.Z.) 24.