Silent Orpheus and Poetryman top chances

Press, 30 June 1983, Page 24

Silent Orpheus and Poetryman top chances

By ALEX McMILLAN

Silent Orpheus and Poetryman seem certain to dispute favouritism in the Lucky Petfood Garden City Classic, first leg of the T.A.B. double at the Christchurch Greyhound Racing Club’s twilight meeting at Queen Elizabeth II Park tomorrow evening. A fine field has accepted for the club’s restricted-age event for dogs, with every runner appearing worthy of some support. Silent Orpheus, normally a swift beginner, may have the edge, however, from box No. 8, with Poetryman awkwardly drawn in box No. 6. Luck has certainly deserted Ron Gregory’s classy performer on important occasions this season, and victory in an event of this type would be deserved compensation.

With stake earnings exceeding $lOOO already, the Ray Adcock-trained Poetryman, which does not turn two until September, obviously has immeasureable potential. His clear-cut triumph in the Robinson Rosebowl was no fluke, and a reasonable passage early is all that is required to make him a big threat. Bark Man Bark is a highly promising youngster which may find the rapid rise in class he will encounter here a problem, and better prospects could be Humbug Star and Beaumaris.

The second leg of the double, the Roneo Laurels, for bitches, has attracted an even, rather than a brilliant field, and if Cecily Mae is ever going to produce her outstanding Southland form in Canterbury it will surely be in this event. A wide draw should ensure a trouble-free run in the early stages and this looks her big chance to confirm her reputation. Wadderin Girl, World (Eclipse and Bourbon Star are reliable types sure to be ;handy throughout, but a win, or even a placing by of

the others would be a surprise. Much interest will centre on the performance of the veteran stayer, Kilty Hobbs, in the 805 m Combined Stakes.

In what will possibly be his final public appearance, the former Merv Gibson Trophy winner, which has been successfully campaigned in Australia, can expect spirited opposition from Misty Isle, Roaming Ron and Captain Kilty. Unfortunately, the club has found it necessary to make this season’s New Zealand Cup winner, Charlie’s Irish, a reserve for the event.

The club has been granted an extra two T.A.B. quinellas for the meeting. There will now be six T.A.B. quinellas — on races one, three, four, six, nine and 10. SCRATCHINGS Race 1: Smooth Majestic, Typhoon Charlie, Pardon My Shade. Race 2: San Fleur, Placid Fella, Pardon My Shade. Typhoon Charlie re-enters. Race 6: Southern Wind. Smooth Majestic re-enters. Race 7: Brindle Vixen. Busy Inas re-enters. Race 8: Lord Shannon. April Music re-enters. Race 9: Humbug Lass. San Fleur re-enters. Race 10*. Macluke, Patreka Lass re-enters.