THE TURF REEFTON HANDICAP MAY GO TO WEE MAC

Grey River Argus, 3 September 1948, Page 6

THE TURF REEFTON HANDICAP MAY GO TO WEE MAC

Trench Meter Likely in Maruia The Reefton Jockey Club’s meeting to be held to-morrow should provide excellent racing, and judging from the excellent response from owners, the move to hold a meeting in the Spring is undoubtedly a wise one. It is doubtful if the course has everbeen in better order than is the case at present. In the Junction Novice Stakes, Lewis Pass Hack Handicap and Cronadun Hack Handicap, the acceptor's being in excess of the safety number, provision has been made to run these events off in divisions. Wee Mac on the strength of his good performance in the Jumper’s Flat on the opening way of the Grand National meeting, when he only went under by a short head to Corineus, may be the elect ol backers in the Reefton Handicap, principal event on the card. He has ■ raced well on the turning courses, and should prove one of the hardest to beat. A winner at Waimate, Renege, has shown promise as a stayer, and she appears to have gone on the right way since. Double Cross has been placed in much better company than he is asked to meet to-morrow. When trained at Riccarton, he showed ability above the average on the tracks, but did not produce it with the colours up. He would' only have to give of his best to get in the money. Ten furlongs may be a shade far for Trench Meter, which appears to be better placed in the Maruia Handicap. Having his first tilt at the open ranks, Shenandoah will have a big following. Staying would appear to be his forte, and his fine third to Mangatiti and Corineus at the Trentham Winter meeting would point to his having prospects in this class. Velvet Slipper has run some of his best races on the Reefton course, and is always liable to surprise. Dash o’ Dink has not shown any form for some time, and would appear to be held safe by Rival Chase, which won over seven, furlongs at the Christchurch Hunt. He has not raced over a mile and aquarter, but is bred to stay. In what looks to be a very open race, the chances of Wee Mac. Shenandoah and Renege are favoured. All the hack races have drawn good fields. Cn the way she has been racing, Deficiency must be respected in whichever event she contests. Others likely to give a good account of themselves in this division are Young John, Sword Dancer, Leeston, Skyzami and Post Graduate.

A big field will probably go to the post in the Junction Novice Stakes. It is a long time since such a strong maiden field has been carded on the West Coast, several of those engaged showing good form on Metropolitan tracks of late. Morning Watch and Cricket Field have been most consistent, while Te Tara, Blue Print. Regal Lily and Early Astir have all gone close to winning. Betting will be under the win and place system, and the following runners appeal:—

Inangahua Hack: Young John, Sword Dancer. Newel Post. Ikamatua Trot: Piquant, Skyhook, Artful. Junction Novice Stakes: Morning Watch. Cricket Field, Blue Print. Reef ton Handicap: Wee Mac, Shenandoah, Renege. Lewis Pass Hack: Deficiency, Leeston. Victory Night. Waiuta Trot: Piquant, Scotch

Drift, Loyal Volo. Cronadun Hack: Skyzami, Skt, High, Post Graduate. Maruia Handicap: -Trench Meter, Flying Orders, Double Cross. ADDITIONAL ACCEPTORS Golden Pye, Phoebe’s Pride, both off the limit, and Scotch Drift who is giving away 48 yards, were omitted, and are acceptors in the Waiuta Trot at the Reefton J.C. meeting to-mor-row.