EXCELLENT FIELDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 171, 22 July 1930, Page 13

EXCELLENT FIELDS.

STEEPLES AND HURDLES.

THE WINTER CUP.

recent form reviewed,

There has been no unexpected defections from the Grand Nationals and the Winter v Cup, with the exception of Mendip'hi the last-named event, and from present..appearances it looks as though the fields will be most satisfactory. Aurora Borealis still holds her place at the head of the Grand National Steeplechase and is sure to go well. Mangani, after winning the Wellington Steeplechase, should run a good race, while Omeo is sure to be one of the favourite division. Re ran a great race in the Great Northern Steeplechase, considering the fact that his preparation was seriously interrupted, and at Wellington recently finished fourth in the Winter Hurdles, which was by no means a bad performance and shows that lie is pretty well. Nukumai is fretting on in years and failed to stay on°at Trenthain, but Snowfall, who performed well at the Dunedin winter meeting, will have some Southern support. However, he will find the course and the company in the Grand National much harder than he has previously encountered. Lord Ranald has not raced for twelve months, but is reported to be going well. He won four minor, steeplechase events on end just prior to the last Grand National meeting, but went amiss on the eve of the big event. Matu won the July Steeplechase at Trentham last season and was second in the Grand National last year, while Hymestrason, who is a good jumper, won two minor steeplechases at the last Wellington meeting. These probably comprise the best engaged, and just now it looks as though Omeo, Aurora Borealis, Mangani and Lord Ranald will find most favour.

The Hurdle Event. The Grand National Hurdles is run on the second day, and twenty have been paid up for. Mister Gamp has been unlucky this winter, and with a stand up ho should be hard to beat. Nukumai may go better in this event than in the steeplechase, and if he could be got back to Ms-form of a season or two ago he would take no end of beating with only 10.13 on him. Carinthia is nicely placed at lO.Sand is sure to be one of the principal fancies, for he easily accounted for the Otago Hurdle Race, two miles, with this impost, and has since won the Winter Hurdles easily. King's Jest won the Great Northern Hurdles and finished third in the Winter Hurdles at Trentham. He should also run well. Mangani won the Grand National Hurdle Race last year and I should again show up if the steeplechase doesinot tako too much out of him,\but it is a singular thing that so far no horse that has won the Grand National Steeplechase has won the Hurdles. Fine Acre's best performance was in finishing second to Carinthia in the Winter Hurdles at the Wellington winter meeting. Lancer was third in the Grand National Hurdle Race last season, and he has recently shown winning form in the South. He has been working well at Riccarton and is expected to be. one of the hardest to beat. Aurora Borealis does not appeal in this race if she contests the steeplechase; neither does Omeo. Just now the public may fancy Carinthia, Lancer, King's Jest, Mister Gamp,

The Flat Event. The Winter Cup is usually a very difficult race for backers. Now that Historic las fallen out Toxeuma is* at the top of the list, with 11.5. The highest weight ever earned to victory in this race is 10.12, and both Vladimir and Kremlin had that impost when they succeeded. Gazique'had lib less when he won and Sunny Loch 10.9, Clean Sweep 10.6, Historic 10.4,. and. Nyland 10.1, were the only others to score with 10.0 or over. Toxeuma therefore will set a new record in weight-carrying for the race if he wins. However, he has proved himself a good horse this season and is reported to be doing well at present. He should go well. Silver Paper is fast, but has not scored a win for a good while. Havering has raced very well this season and he is sure to be in request. The same remarks a pply to Black Duke. Full Feather is stated to be better than ever and when at his best can run a good mile. Teri's prospects may be better gauged if he starts at the Manawatu meeting. Taboo is m good form just now and won nicely at Trentham. He was third in this event last year. Nancy Lee is a likely sort after the way she went at Ellerslje under winter weights, while Best Friend will also have to be reckoned with after his recent successes. Ranelagh, Blimp" and Habit Kay appealmost of the others. A few that may, find favour at present are Havering, Black Duke. Best Friend, cuma j Taboo, Full Feather and Nancy There will be. a final payment for these events on Thursday; August 7. Acceptances are as follows:— NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE of leoosovs, including Gold Cup valued at fwsovs. Maximum weight 12.7» Three miles and a half, i Aurora Hymestrason 9 11 \fo„ > eahs 11 1 Radiate . . 911 J«ngani .. .10 12 Wharncliffe 911 £s"' ,• • •10 11 Flying Swift 9 8 * *10 11 Ka P« na ..96 * • •10 9 Corneroif . 9 0 Ranald 10 5 Valves ... 9 0 Ma tu .... io 5 Seaboy ... 9 0 NA . T J°NAE HURDLE RACE of usovs. About two miles and a half. Gamp 11 2 Omeo ... 9 5 CnrS 1 • •10 13 Pangolin ..93 K& ia T : 8 Amorist ..93 Ar , Jest 10 8 Zippor 9 2 . .10 5 . UynDhu 9 2 AbprfoM •* 913 Apache ... 9 2 Lanrpp *I 11 Craigmore . 9 0 Aurora ' ' ' * Moun t- Guide 9 0 Ttnronr n Radiate ..90 TO.SX ,S a | osn 00 WINTER CUP of TSOsovs. ; One mile. "?! 5 Royal Opera 9 4 Haverim? Per 13 Aritin,li ..93 Bkek ni" ' , 11 Ouellana ..93 11 tourist ... 9 3 Terl 5 Marjoram ..92 Tab™ •* " * 3 Starshooter .92 Naiifv t ' 1 Llyn Dhu °.' 9 O * } Ranelagh ..90 Sta'iihiin'fot. " 2 1 Black Mint . 9 0 ' 9 12 Limosin ..90 Pride £10 Smithereens 9 0 Habit " o 2 Pascal ... 0 0 Wimp * * o I m°- val Qame 0 0 lis liii-i' * ? Topere ... 9 0 Haider 9 G Hounslow ..00