TROTTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 196, 19 August 1936, Page 17

TROTTING.

AUCKLAND MEETING.

THE CHIEF EVENTS.

RECENT FORM REVIEWED.

Trotting in the North Island appears to be flourishing, judging by the success of the Cambridge meeting last Saturday, and the next fixture to attract trotting sportsmen in Auckland is the Auckland Trotting Club's August meeting, to be held at Alexandra Park on Saturday week. The winter meeting of this club proved an outstanding success, and there is 110 reason to expect next week's carnival to prove otherwise. Splendid liekls are engaged in the respective events and fine racing should be witnessed. Numerically there are not big fields down to contest the two principal races —the August Handicap and Massey Memorial, but this is more than made up for by the material entered. The August Handicap has attracted a field of nine, and included in the race are several likely stayers. Nervie's Last failed to show anything like stamina in both two mile races he contested at Cambridge and Claudelands towards the end of last season, but atoned somewhat for his defeats with two fine efforts at the Auckland winter meeting. These races were run over a mile and a half, and Nervie's Last ran the races right out. He has got through a solid preparation at Takaiiini of late, and it will not be through lack of condition if lie fails to show up on this occasion. Our McKinney gave promise of turning out a really good performer when he first commenced racing, but last Easter lost form, and several defeats were registered against him in weak classes. He was then given a good spell and made a reappearance at the Auckland meeting in June, when in two starts he gained a second and a first placing. It was something like liis best form, and, freshened up, he may have to be considered. Rockella displayed excellent form 011 the Taranaki circuit and succeeded in one two-mile race, besides being placed in three other events. He is a most reliable pacer and can"be relied upon to record a sound elfort. Star Pronto has given out distinct signs of possessing staying ability, but he is always likely to stay 011 the mark. Tie has won at his last two appearances, and produced in his present form would onlv have to pace correctly all the way to take all sorts of beating. Ironside won the principal race each day at the Wanganui fixture at Easter in a stvle suggesting a true stayer, while lie also filled third place to Bonny Azure and Gold Dredge on the final day of the Ilawera meeting. He has not started for some time, but is reported to be getting through a sound preparation at Otahuhu. King's Play has won at his only two starts over two miles, and he promises to develop into a high-class performer. He is inclined to be a shade unreliable at the start, but once 011 the journey is particularly fast. His victories were gained with such decisiveness that he looks well placed in this event. Cimarron has the ability, but has only started twice in the last couple of seasons. He is training 011 satisfactorily. Gold Dredge is the backmarker on 48yds, but is such a good mare that in all probability she will be one of the hardest to beat. SIIO lias started 111 three two-mile races and has gained three second placings, on each occasion being beaten bv the brilliant pacer Bonny Azure. Gold Dredge does not race much, but can usually be relied upon to record a good performance. The race bears an open aspect, but a trio that appeal at this stage are: King's Play, Gold Dredge and Star Pronto. „ . . The Open Sprint. Of the nine engaged in the Massey Memorial Handicap, the principal sprint race of the day, six also claim a nomination in the August Handicap earlier in the day. Ironside is a useful sort at the distance and can Handle any kind of going. Nervie's Last appeals more in this event than in the big race, and the prospects of the Australian-bred pacer appear fright. He is a brilliant beginner and will be among- the leading division all the way. Our McKinney has a chance but a bettei prospect may be Rockella. 11ns gelding is one of the liardy sort, who stands plenty of racing, and he is sure to go well. Cimarron will have to begin better than in the past to hold his own, but it has to De remembered that there are few speedier pacers than the Otahuhu-tranied gelding. Holioro does not appeal, but may have to be respected if the going is heavy Gold Dredge won at her last start over this distance! and would only have to be produced to command attention. Lady Fame gave out distinct signs by running a useful race at Cambridge last Saturday, and as she should derive a good deal of benefit from the outing may have to be considered. Manoeuvre will have to improve on past performances. A good line on the respective chances may be shown by the running in the August Handicap, but some that may command support are: Iservies .Las , Rockella and Lady Fame.