TAKANINI HORSES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 76, 30 March 1935, Page 18

TAKANINI HORSES.

GAY SHEIK IMPROVED. FLOOD TIDE PLEASING. FULL MEASURE'S PROGRESS. Gay Sheik looks a much improved colt as a result of his recent southern trip, and just now appears to have excellent prospects in the Great Northern Champagne Stakes at Easter. The Gay Shield colt's good performances at Wellington and Palmer9ton brings his earnings into the vicinity of four figures, and he has already won more than his sister, Gay Blonde, at the same age. He was under offer to an Australian sportsman for 5000 guineas, but nothing further, has been heard, and possibly the deal will not go through. He was entered for the Australian Jockey Club's autumn meeting, but is not making the trip. If all goes well with him, however, it seems almost certain that he will contest the A.J.C. Derby in the spring. Gay Blonde did not do so well as her brother on the southern trip, and it was owing to the fact she was not travelling well that her trainer decided not to start her in the Awapuni Gokl Cup. Gay Blonde is also under offer to an Australian sportsman for 3000 guineas, but no business has as yet eventuated. She is to be raced at Ellerslie at Easter, and will not be taken to Australia for the Doncaster Handicap.

Flood Tide has been shaping very pleasingly of late, and R. Miller will have him in first-class order for the coming Easter meeting. His failure to begin well in his efforts at the Takapuna meeting cost him the thick end of a purse, but he filled a place on both occasions, and he should take some beating in the minor two-year-old events at Ellerslie. Matorni has not been overtaxed since racing at Te Rapa, and his tasks have been only of a light nature. The Paper Money gelding has raced well in open company, but did not shape too well over a handicap distance. Possibly he may be seen at his best at either seven furlongs or a mile. Full Measure is now m nice order to undergo a preparation. He has been on the scene for a couple of months, but extreme patience is being exercised with him. At his best he is one of the most promising hurdlers in commission, and if he should survive a solid preparation should take a high place among the jumpers during the winter months. C. Morse has commenced the rebuilding of his stables, and the work is well under way. In the meantime, Lord Willonyx and Merry Lap have been located at Ellerslie, and after that pair have raced at the coming northern meetings they will probably return to Takanini. Arch Ruler, another member of the team, is being kept going with a view to competing in the hurdle events at Dargaville and Whangarei. Lap Up has been kepi; going, and is to race at Whangarei. Although he_ has not been showing quite as much promise as his Rotorua success suggested, the Lapidary gelding may not be long in winning another race as he is in first-class order. Kilonsoa is being kept going with some nice work, which has been undertaken in a satisfactory manner. The Kilbroney filly is another Whangarei candidate, and one who should make a good showing if she races up to her best track efforts. E. Pope's pair of maiden two-year-olds, Gar Ya;Ss and Whirlette, are both doing well, and both should be ready to show the benefit of their Pukekohe outings when produced at Whangarei. Other horses doing useful work are Greek Gold, IVun Nicer, the Tidal gelding, Lady "Valma and several yearlings who are receiving their education.