CALIBRATE'S CHANCE AT AUCKLAND

Chronicle (Levin), 31 December 1949, Page 6

CALIBRATE'S CHANCE AT AUCKLAND

L.M,

.M.)

' * (Special — From

' WELLINGTON, Dec. 31. New Year racing will be continued on "Monday when, besides the coneluding day of the Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay and. Greymouth meetings, Marton and Stratford will open, while Auckland will continue, its four days fixture, which will" conclude on Tuesday. ;(Mapy enth.usiasts from Horowhenua who had attendedithe M'anawatu Christmas meeting will patronise the Marton fixture, where Awapuni form is going to prove very f helpful. Excellent fields are carded at Marton, the majority of the' horses having raced at Awapuni last week.

Jhe chief eveiit will be the Marton Cup,v which has drawn a grand field of middle-distance runners. Recent winning form is held by the Northerner Prince Chat who won well at Awapuni on the middle on an easy track and Gay Gordon, a promoted hack. Terrific ran two sound races at Awapuni, one of which, but for interference, he might have won. His form is consistent and I expect him to give a grand account of himself on Monday. Imperial is improving and should win at the meeting. Of the others Yasda, who is improving with racing, is. the best prospect. Unlucky to get blocked in up the straight in the sprint on the last day at Awapuni Servile -should hold a good chance to make amends - in the McManaway Memorial, even though stiff opposition can be expected from Nakura, The Pagan, New Deer; Johnny Peep and Castlebrae, the extra furlong should suit Servile. At Ellerslie the Auckland Racing Club Handicap will be an interest.ing race as it contains some class stayers, but on Auckland Cup form Calibrate will hold high respect by northern punters. I expect him to orove his real quality in this race. Prospects for Marton, Auckland and Stratford are: