RACING FIRST WASHDYKE LEG

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31120, 25 July 1966, Page 4

RACING FIRST WASHDYKE LEG

Even Chance Should

Test Big Smoke

Some of the South Island’s top contenders for the Winter Cup at Riccarton on August 6 are engaged in the first and second Claremont Handicaps, the T.A.B. double races at the South Canterbury Hunt Club’s meeting today.

Winners of these races will escape rehandicap for the Canterbury’ Jockey Club’s rich mile event next week.

Fieldmaster, Natter and Summer Magic, three of the stars of the last New Zealand Cup meeting, are engaged today. The 1965 New Zealand Cup winner. Fieldmaster, and the 1965 New Zealand Oaks win-

I ner. Natter, will meet in the • first Claremont Handicap. Improver . Summer Magic, which had to be put aside shortly after a brilliant win in the Jockey ‘Club Handicap, should be one ■ of the improvers in the second Claremont Handicap. Provincial loyalties will be reflected in an even spread of betting, with Big Smoke, from Otago and Even Chance, from Riccarton, probably receiving heaviest support in the first leg. Off-course betting for Even Chance, R. J. Skelton’s mount, could make the Riccarton ‘horse favourite. W. D. Skelton will ride Fieldniaster in the six-year-olds first start since the last' Auckland Cup in January. No Allowances Apprentice allowances Cannot be claimed in the second Claremont Handicap. The South Canterbury secretary (Mr L. R. Oliff) said yesterday that some were under the wrong impression about the race, apd regarded the Claremont Handicap No. 2 as a race “other than the main race of the day.” Acceptances for the Claremont Handicap were calledfor as for one race and it was divided on acceptance day.l with stakes of equal value. Three jumping races make for a well-balanced, varied i programe at Washdyke today.! Linred, the top-weight ini

' the Teschemaker Steeplechase, I will attempt his third win in i succession. His stablemate. Sir i Athol, has done even better. This Callander gelding has won his last three races, two as a hurdler, and is one of the strong fancies in the Hadlow Hurdles today. Sir Athol should get tough opposition from Istan Light, which has a string of seconds on his record.