Miss Bairnsfather May Be Best Of The Sprinters

Chronicle (Levin), 10 December 1948, Page 6

Miss Bairnsfather May Be Best Of The Sprinters

L.M,

,M.)

(SPECIAL-^FROM

.WELLINGTON, December 10. It is many years, if ever, since the Raukawa Handicap, principai event at tomorrow's summer meeting of the Otaki Maori Racing Club, has drawn such aJarge fie^d as to resort to divisions, there being six over the safety margin.. At time of writing there did not appear much like'lihpod of sufficient scratchings to avoid the race being divided. All. the other events have drawn excellent fields. The Kuku Maiden appears suire to be run in divisions, but with only one scratching required in -the Tararua Highweight Handieap and Kuao Stakes, divisions should be avoided in thdse events. ,, . . • • If the weather continues fine tliis most progressive club should experience one of its best summer fixtures. Secretary Nepia Winiata has everything in readinessfor a successful meeting, while, thanks to the untiring efforts of the course superintendent, Mr. Albert Meta, the course is in ideal condition and the going should be in excellent order. Form at Otaki general]y works out well as a guide for Christmas holiday racing.

, It is rather unfortunate that the main event the Raukawa Handicap, will be run in divisions, as has been proved in the past, such races are far from popular With the public. The first division has drawn five outstanding prospects in Imperial, Beau-Or, Embrolita, Yasda and Riverview. Beau-Or, Yasda and Riverview have shown best recent form, but Imperial is overdue and, having a penohant for the Otaki course, I expect this fine middle distance performer to give a very good accouht of himself. Embrolita disappointed "at Woodville but such showing can be discounted. Yasda comes in with good prospects. The second division is not exceptionally strong, which should enable Zealander to reach the winning list. An improved showing should be forthcoming from Barrage, Clyde Bridge and Merry Robin. If a turn-up is in store in this division it would not surprise to see Dunbar, who is in with a handy weight, being the likely sort. .Mission is a promoted hack with form to recommend. The Huia Handicap, which has drawn a splendid field, is very open, but in such good performers as Miss Bairnsfather, Castlebrae, Air Belle, Full of Fun, Cressida and Carmelita, the public should not go far astray in selectihg one of the above as the favourite. There are other prospects in the race, but. in the consistent Miss Bairnsfather the public will have good form to carry it through.\ If the going is firm Air Belle is expected to race prominently. Carmelita is more forward than generally expected, having executed good track work at Levin.