Should be Difficult to Beat.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 February 1940, Page 9

Should be Difficult to Beat.

Concertpitch should be difficult to beat in the Craven Plate at Riccarton on Saturday, in spite of the fact that he has not had a race for two seasons. On the plough at Riccarton this week he cleared right away from Nightcalm in a spin over six furlongs, running the distance'in Imin 15 3-ssec, the first three furlongs taking 38 l-ssec. Concertpitch was ridden by D. Hall, and Nightcalm by D. Corboy. From the start. Concertpitch soon took the lead, and racing for the straight was three lengths clear. He increased the gap in the run home, though Nightcalm did not make any serious attempt to catch him. Still, it was an excellent trial and as Concertpitch is nicely weighted and has done plenty of work, he should make a bold showing first time up. . Should Do Well Over Middle Distance. Ripley, which is not eligible fo compete in Australia, owing to the sight of one eye being impaired, has been passed for racing in New Zealand. He was brought from Australia with Defaulter by F. A. Roberts, earlier in the season and after having an easy time has been set a number of useful tasks and is shaping satisfactorily. Now held on lease by Roberts. Ripley is a four-year-old bay gelding .by Rivoli or Bonnement from Lero. Ho won two races over a mile last season and. at the A.J.C. Easier meeting was the runner-up to Herarde in the mile and a half City Handicap, and third to Feminist and Will Rogers over a mile and five furlongs in the Dangar Handicap. On the form Ripley should do well over a middle distance.