Racing: Distance may test Jovial Jock

Cambridge trainer Darrell Lang would love tomorrow's Foley Memorial at Avondale to be 1600m rather than 2000m.

He would then be more confident of Jovial Jock being fit enough to win.

He and training partner - father Roger - still believe Jovial Jock will be competitive.

The giant-sized, under-rated galloper broke down after winning the Wairoa Cup at Riccarton in April last year.

"He had a hole in his tendon and we gave him a long spell," said Darrel Lang.

"The tendon looks fine now and we're extremely pleased with where he is."

Jovial Jock's condition gave out when he faded out to beat one home over 1400m in his recent first start back at the racetrack.

He s a lot fitter now.

"We gave him a run at the trials on Tuesday and it's brought him on."

His rider in his first raceday run this preparation was Andrew Calder, who left this week on a three-week South America holiday and his jockey this time will be Jason Waddell.

Sand Hawk is likely to be the quick improver.

Given the margins in the race and given he was not that far way last start and with his enormous ability when in form, he could lift this race.

The chances by no means end there with Diamondsareforever and Expectalite well worth an each-way ticket, both having won on the track.

Should there be rain on the day and the track become slushy, Expectalite will come further into favour. He won by a huge margin in such conditions here last winter.

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Owner-trainer Kevin Vanstone, who recently died suddenly at his Cambridge stables, was a well-known and respected horseman. From his farm property he bred and agisted many thoroughbreds, including several for long-time clients. He also broke in and prepared young horses for the sales.

Although he seldom trained more than one horse of his own at a time he had a good winning strike rate, two of his best in the past few years being talented jumper The Lion King, whose stake earnings exceeded $100.000, and the Sandtrap mare Be Happy To Me.

She was a multiple winner who is at stud and awaiting the arrival of her first foal.