Favourite Had To Work Hard

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31198, 24 October 1966, Page 4

Favourite Had To Work Hard

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON. Star Belle had to work hard to maintain her unbeaten record for the season and carry through a small army of backers in the Desert Gold Stakes at Trentham on Saturday.

There was some concern in the Tucker camp before the race as to whether Mr J. Sarten’s brilliant Summertime filly would handle the track. She prpved herself on firm ground and also in loose ground but Saturday’s track was holding and she was an unknown quantity in that type of going. Although Star Belle won by only a head, was on a loose rein and appeared to be all out, R. J. Skelton said after the race that the track gave her no worries and if he was in the position to do so he would take the mount on her again in her next race, the New Zealand Derby. Skelton has already accepted the mount on Foxvale in the Riccarton classic. Star Belle will go to Riccarton this week with a record of four starts for four wins and £4430 in stakes this season.

Star Belle went ahead almost at once in the Desert Gold Stakes but Skelton did not intend to “use her up” and kept her on a tight rein as they ran down the back. Dee Dee was going kindly in the

trailing position but Janeville, on the outer, was going keenly.

Half a mile out H. N. Rauhihi allowed Janeville more rein. Immediately she joined Star Belle in front and was a clear leader half a furlong later.

Skelton sent Star Belle after Janeville running to the furlong. For a short time it seemed that the Woodville filly would see it through successfully, but Star Belle’s class stood to her in a tight finish and she won by a head. Janeville beat Dee Dee for second by two and a quarter lengths, the second favourite was travelling well while still on the bit but was unable to quicken in the going once the pressure was really on.

Havering was a length back fourth. She saved that place by a neck from Even Break, which was fourth equal on the home turn.

Her Pal, from Riccarton, was ninth. She was one of the last away, made a big run wide out on the home turn, but only plugged on in the straight