AUSTRALIAN TURF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 216, 12 September 1934, Page 14

AUSTRALIAN TURF.

THE A.J.C. DOUBLE. BACKING FOR lIMARCH. FAVOURITE FOR METROPOLITAN. So extensive was the commission for the Epsom and Metropolitan double, Australia Fair and lAmarch, that the lull extent could not be placed last week (says a Sydney writer on September 4), and the combination was supported again for a five-figure amount in Sydney yesterday. Limarch has now gone to outright Metropolitan favouritism, and with the continued lameness or Nightly, the withdrawal ct Kogilla, and the doubts whether Topical will start, lie has touched a comparatively short quote. For the Epsom Australia Fair is 011 the second line, behind only Chatham and Golden Wings. Limarch has progressed so well in his spring preparation, and he is so favourably handicapped, that only an accident can send him back in the quotes. With his two runs behind him, lie is more forward than the majority of outstanding spring possibilities. Although bis trainer; F. D. .Tones, is displaying 110 worry over Nightly's trouble, the New Zealand horse's lameness is having its effect upon the Metropolitan market. The mere hint of lameness is sufficient to cause a favourite to ease, and yesterday Nightly was two points longer than ! towards, the end of last week. AUTOPAY'S CONDITION. Tn quest of his second Epsom, Autopay ar it veil by the Wanganella last week from New Zealand in charge of his trainer, E. Simpson (says a Sydney writer). Autopay, or, as he is known 111 the stable, Jack, is becoming quite used to travelling, he having now made seven trips across the Tasman. The horse

seemed none the worse for his trip, and looked fit enough to race at once. His trainer stated that all going well Autopay would keep his engagement in the Epsom, in which he has 9.2. "Much will depend," said Simpson, "whether the horse stands a preparation. lie has had only two runs since returning from a four months' spell in the paddock, and he showed a glimpse of form last start. I have not yet decided when he will have his first race." Autopay has already contested two Epsoms. He won the race in 1931 with 8.(3, and was fourth to Chatham the next year. Last spring he visited Sydney, and became one of the fancied candidates following his success in the Campbelltown Handicap with 0.10 at Warwick Farm. Unfortunately, however, the horse went wrong, and was unable to take his place in the field. However, he recovered sufficiently to run in the Flying Handicap at City Tattersall's Club meeting, in which ho was unplaced. CUSTODIAN AND NIGHTLY. The New Zealand trainer Fred Jones is having an anxious time with Custodian and Nightly (stated a Sydney writer last week). The former, after galloping at Ilosebery, was so lame that lie could scarcely walk, but on returning to his stable at Randwick he showed no signs of lameness. Jones relieved the colt from his engagements in the Welter Handicap at Tattersall's races last Saturday. He thinks the trouble is in the ligament, but is puzzled by the fact that the colt is not permanently lame. Custodian worked on the cinders at Randwick later, and again appeared quite normal in his action. Nightly cast a shoe on Tuesday, and tore the hoof slightly. The following morning he worked without any apparent soreness, and walked away as free as could be. "These two are causing me a deal of anxiety," said Jones, "but I have had this experience before with Limerick, and he managed to with good races, despite his poisoned heel. So there is still hope that both horses will be able to meot their engagements." [Nightly raced at Tattersall's meeting last Saturday.] ROSEHILL MEETING. The Rosehill meeting will be held on Saturday, and among the New Zealand horses engaged are:—Jayeon (Hurdles); The JVlasquerader, Ko.val Hunting, Diatomous, Silver Ring. Golden Hair, Autopay (Camellia Stakes); Shatter, Caliente, Lavington, Red Rufus, Melisande, Limarch, King March (Rosehill Spring Handicap); Nightly, Golden Wings, Silver Ring, Golden Hair, Limarch, Autopay (Hill Stakes); Saltapray, Martian Chief, Royal Amphora, Capris, Wahroonga | (High-weight); Capris, Marcu9 Cicero (Guineas). ——