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1973 DOMINION TROTTING HANDICAP

Backmarker Philemon gave driver Jack Smolenski a notable double for the meeting when he carried off the Dominion Handicap in decisive fashion. On the first day of the meeting Smolenski won the NZ Cup with Arapaho and his win behind the brilliant Oamaru-trained trotter gave him victory in two of the feature events.

Smolenski sent Philemon up from the back when the pace slackened after 600 metres and he was in front with 2400 metres to go. Though tackled in the middle stages by Able Adios and Aronmot (three wide), Philemon remained in front and passing the 800 metres was travelling well.

Easton Light was the first to lodge a serious challenge in the straight from his trailing position on the outer but last year's winner could not catch Philemon and it was left to the unlucky Bachelor Tom to get up for second, a length and a quarter back. Bachelor Tom was travelling well as he improved on the home turn but then jumped some manure lying on the track and was lucky not to lose more groud than he did. He was closing fast at the finished and edged Easton Light out by a nose.

Bambi, who trailed Philemon all the way, was a length and a half back fourth but could have been closer had he taken the gaps which opened for him. Tunza Time fought on for fifth ahead of Able Adios, Mighty Dollar and Le Char.


Credit: 'Lookout' writing in NZ Trotguide