Swift Venture in line for unique double

Press, 24 June 1983, Page 19

Swift Venture in line for unique double

Special correspondent Wellington The Cambridge visitor, Swift Venture, has a chance to complete a unique double when he tackles the Winter Handicap, the first leg of the T.A.B. double at the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club’s meeting at Hastings tomorrow.

Last season the son of Trelay won the Winter Handicaps at Awapuni and Hastings. Last week he completed the “first” double at Palmerston North and this time he faces probably a weaker lot in the Hastings encounter. /

Swift Venture is a good winter galloper. He won three races last winter and has already picked up a

couple of good prizes this year, at Avondale and at Awapuni. His ruggedness in bad ground last Friday at Awapuni brought him a half length decision over Solitaire and though he will carry 55.5 kg, an extra three kilos on last week, it should not pose problems. Swift Venture won last season’s Winter Handicap with 56.5 over Tarbela and the South Islander, Good Way. Master Trac, a five-year-old from Otorohanga, could prove as difficult a customer as any for him to beat. Well supported last week, with Jim Cassidy up, he managed only eighth at Te Awamutu. His good late dab on the roomier Ellerslie track to finish fifth in the

Cornwall may be a better guide to his prospects. Gaimoss, a mudlark from Awapuni, could be an improver. The mare has had only a couple of runs this time back but was sixth each time, her run on the first day at Awapuni being a really good one. Saddlelight has shown fair form and will be due some support following reasonable showings at Te Rapa and Wanganui. He missed out at Awapuni, but deserves another chance.

The second leg of the double, the Mahora Handicap, looks more even. Pro Royale, despite a last-start failure at Ellerslie, may be the best chance. In just two previous races he was

second at Woodville and first at Trentham. He has not been over-raced. Indian Game also makes appeal. The mare has three seconds to show from her last four outings, her most recent effort bringing a second at Te Awamutu. Rua Whero won at Paeroa and then in Class 1 company at Ellerslie.

Anderil has raced well at Hastings before and did not turn in a bad effort to get fourth at Wanganui with 56 up last time. Sweet Nell, a winner at Wanganui, is in good form. She was fourth at Awapuni. Tallboy, Chick’s Vain, Derbin, and an improving Golden Brigade may be the best of the others.