RICCARTON TOPICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 173, 24 July 1930, Page 15

RICCARTON TOPICS.

ABERFELDY'S feet crack.

MAKING GOOD PROGRESS

SOLGELE LOOKING WELL.

(By 'Telegraph.—Special to "Star. )

CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday.

Seaboy, who claims an engagement in the Grand National Steeplechase, has started, three times and has won one race, the Lawford Steeplechase for qualified hunters at the Christchurch hunt meeting last August. He was trained at that, time by E. Scoullar. On resuming work some time ago he went into R. W. King's stable, but he shaped disappointingly in his work and now he is under the care of his owner in !North Canterbury. Aberfeldy has given R. W. King some trouble lately on account of two of ins feet cracking. He is making good procrress, however, and it is hoped that be will be readv to show his best form in hurdle events at the Grand National meeting next month. W. McDonald has Solgele looking in crood health at present and expects to produce him at the Grand National mee incr next month at the Cashmere Plate. This race, run over six furlongs, has attracted some smart young horses, but Solgele will keep them moving along. McDonald is also working Miss Mercia, an Australian-bred five-year-old. She is a useful "ulloper, who should be ready to show good form at the spring meeting.

Count Cavour has rejoined T. H. Cillett's active team after a spell, and he has started on another preparation. He has now reached the veteran stage, as he was foaled in 1921, so that he will be nine years old on August 1. His racing last season showed that he had slipped back a lot, but he may pick up another stake before he goes into honourable retirement.

T. H. Gillett ha 3 three members of the Solferino-Bon Bord family in work at present. They are Count Cavour, The Viscount and Gustavo. The first-named pair are owned by Mr. J. S. Barrett, while Gustavo, a rising three-year-old of considerable promise, carriea the colours of Mr. J. R. McKenzie.

F. P. Claridge claims three candidates in the Claremont Handicap at the South Canterbury hunt meeting—Beau Geste, Haze and Royal Mint—and they are all likely starters. Beau Geste has been off the scene for a long time, and he may be in need of some racing before he is at his best again. Haze is very forward, but is a disappointing horse, while Royal Mint should be just about ready to run a good race, especially if the ground is soft.