UNHOPPLED HORSES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 109, 4 November 1939, Page 23

UNHOPPLED HORSES

SELECT ADDINGTON FIELD

(By "Ariki Toa.")

Unhoppled horses can always be re/» lied upon to provide plenty of interest for light-harness enthusiasts, and the Dominion Handicap, which comes up for decision at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Spring Meeting next Tuesday, should prove no exception. The field is not strong numerically, but what is lacking in .quantityis made up in quality, and the contest should arouse spectators to their usual high pitch of excitement.

The limit brigade constitute a formidable lot, and it is possible that the winner will come from this particular mark. Nell Volo drew attention to her nrospects by two sterling performances from well-nigh impossible .marks at the Auckland Meeting recently, and she should appreciate the tightening d£ the handicap.. A. few seasons ago. this mare was the best squarergaiter m commission, but owing to unsoundriess she - was retired to the: stud, only to prove barren. She has secured three placings since her return, and recent displays suggest that it will not be long before she rejoins the winning list. . ■ "■ ' . .■;,-'■ *:.■.'■.■;■".■■•■;■ ■ .

Gerfalcon has never really.been overraced, but has built, up a fine record for consistency, and his solidness will take him a long way towards' success on this occasion. In four outings this term he has secured a first,- two seconds, and a third, and he is not likely to be neglected by backers. Recent reports, from the- south state that the gelding is at the peak of his form. - .

Aristotle and Pilot Peter are fspeedy candidates, but both are apt to make a "mis-step at the start. Pilot Peter does his best work when in front, and in the event of his hitting out, on the right foot he will probably take up the role of pacemaker. Royal Romance and Bittersweet may find the distance a shade beyond them. Few horses race-with the consistency of Lament, but in the past he has invariably done better.with a race into him. At Addington in- August lie started on each'of the three days for two "thirds and -a. 'win; on the, middle day registering 3min 21 l-^sec for the minor • money. jHe has. proye.d,himself equal;to successfully compassing two miles, and he should not return" 'emptyhanded from Addington., ... • is by no means a good-stayer, but his solidness will take him a long way. Captain • Bolt and -Wahhooka wijl be bracketed, and . . could t the former be relied upon to trot correctly he - would take a lot of beating. Sea Gift is. a grand trotter, but, she has her work cut out from 96yds Joehind. At-this stageta trio that can.be expected to. race promineritly are Nell Volo, Gerfalcon^ and Pilot Peter.