MATAMATA GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 215, 11 September 1931, Page 12

MATAMATA GOSSIP.

PRINCE VAL AND LORD VAL,

BOTH DOING WELL,

Ths name' Merry Lap has been granted ! for the full-brother to Gay Lap (Lapidary —Lady Swift)- * Mr. C. Casey has a three-year-oJd geidang by Lapidary—Sans Gene rounding into, shape. The gelding will do his racing under | the name of Chief Lap. . Valorous Knight (Valkyrian — Hoity Toity) is being jogged about at Matamata preparatory to going into serious work again. When trained by E. Watson at Pahnerston North last season Valorous Knight showed promise, but failed to get winning honours. He is now in the hands of his owner, Mr. W. C. Vincent, who also owns and trains Valueless. . The tasks of Prince Val are again being confined to short distances and it is probable that the chestnut gelding will compete in seven-furlong events at Avondale. i Both -he and Lord Val bear very bnght appearances. Little has been seen 01 Mr. Clothier's pair on the Matamata track since the Pakuranga meeting, although they have had plenty of ME work. Although Slump has been nominated lor the Avondale meeting, it is stated to be doubtful if he will be sent. A stablemate of Slump's, Lord Snow, is .be»rm g - an improved appearance, but R- EW Martin is giving him plenty of time, and he will not race until later in the season. R J. Mateer has the largest team in work here, and it is on the cards that he is in for another successful season. i±is team consists of Standfast, Valroe, Gay Lap, Merry Lap, Gastronomy, Laptown, Lady Lulu and Dark Marble. Of these the most forward are Valroe, Standfast, Lady Lulu and Gay Lap. In view of his Avondale Cup engagement Vairoe's tasks are being extended to it him for a mile and a -quarter journey. He has done most of--his racing' from seven furlongs to: a mile, but a strong opmion is held that ten furlqngs;vill not be beyond him It is in his favour that he has usually been travelling on at the end of his races.