Anderton riding Chook a Rook

Press, 12 February 1986, Page 46

Anderton riding Chook a Rook

Special correspondent Dunedin Shane Anderton has been engaged to ride Chook a Rook in the White Robe Lodge Handicap at Wingatui on Saturday. Chook a Rook has been ridden in his last two races by the apprentice, Kelvin Wood, for a win over 1400 m at Omakau and a second to Nipper’s Son over 1600 m at Ascot Park last Thursday. He prejudiced his chance by hanging on Thursday.

Anderton rode Chook a Rook to win over 1600 m at Oamaru in August. Chook a Rook, ridden by John Dowling, finished second to Noble Note in the White Robe Handicap 12 months ago. White Wine and Our Turn impressed in their work at Wingatui yesterday morning. White Wine was shading Highway Boy after 1000 m in Imin 01.8 s, the last 800 m in 48.85, on a fast plough. Both members of Ted White’s team should not take long to clear maiden ranks. White WinejFjJid well' to finish third! at

Gore on January 28. Highway Boy finished fourth at Wingatui in December. Our Turn jumped six hurdles with Cara’s Breeze. Our Turn impressed with his accuracy and speed. A member of Brian Anderton’s team, Our Turn is a six-year-old by Native Turn from San Gabriel. He has been unplaced in three starts on the flat this season. Beau Geste and Super Sea ran 800 m in 49.35. Beau Geste was a dashing winner on a wet track at Gore last month and he won on top of the ground at Omakau.

The hard course proper at Wingatui is a cause for concern and it seems the Otago Racing Club will have to give consideration to installing an irrigation system. It is the type of project that should receive the fullest support of the racing authority in view of its policy to channel funds into the main courses. Some Palace will wear blinkers on Saturday and Anzonetta will race without blinkers.