VETERAN trainer Jim Wallace, who coached Eric Smart to success in the

1988 New Year Sprint at Meadowbank and has backed him again, has a

second string to his bow this time.

Wallace has laid a #200 bet on Hugh Tracey, a virtual unknown from

Crieff, to win #5000 from a mark of 10.5 metres.

Wallace had already backed Smart to win #5000 in addition to the #3500

first prize if he repeats his 1988 success.

According to bookmaker Bert Logan, Tracey is now joint 5-1 favourite

with Smart, Jim Watson (Edinburgh) and Australian Chris Perry, who is

bidding to match George McNeill's feat of winning the Stawell Gift,

Australia's biggest race, and the New Year sprint.