 | RACING HISTORY |
YEAR: 1963
FEATURE RACE COMMENT
1963 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP
Min Scott gained her most important success to date when she finished too well for Mighty Hanover in the Dominion Handicap. Winner of two races earlier this year, Min Scott was prominently placed throughout and her final sprint was reserved till into the straight. Her success was a most convincing affair.
Min Scott cannot boast a great deal in the way of size, but she is beautifully put together, and has a perfect action. By U Scott, she is a five-year-old black mare out of Royal Charge, a half-sister to a one-time most capable pacer in Prince.
Min Scott's success was a real family affair as she is owned by Mrs G N Hunter, whose husband J S Hunter trains Min Scott, who was driven by C S Hunter, a son of the trainer. Min Scott trotted the two mile journey in 4:18.8 from 12 yards - a very smart run.
Mighty Hanover was responsible for most of the pace in the race, and he was far from disgraced in going under to a trotter of the calibre of Min Scott. Front running is something unusual for the Lucky Hanover-Betty Maxegin trotter, but no other runner appeared anxious to take the lead off him. Mighty Hanover attempted to slip the field racing to the straight, but was run down in the race to the post.
Having his first start since being trained at Belfast by C S Donald, Front Line drew attention to his immediate prospects with a forward showing for third. A full-brother to Battle Cry, Front Line has been a difficult horse to keep sound, but the effort points to him yet living up to the fine promise he showed as a young horse. Our Jimmy pulled hard in behind his stablemate, Mighty Hanover for most of the way in the Dominion and he battled on for fourth. Moon Boy pulled a shoe during the running and finished last. He was showing signs of lameness on returning to the birdcage.
Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar20Nov63