THE OPEN SPRINT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 128, 1 June 1937, Page 14

THE OPEN SPRINT.

MEMBERS' HANDICAP,

EVENT AT ELLERSLIE

A good, field of sprinters is engaged in the Members' Handicap at Ellerslie on Saturday, and the event should provide a most interesting race.

hirling i s top-weight with 9.9, but when it is considered that the minimum is 8.0 he is not unduly burdened. At JLe Kapa recently he ran third in the Maeroa Handicap, seven furlongs, with 9.0, the minimum being 7.7. He and Johnny Walls settled themselves in that event, lor they got out in front and set a very fast pace, the result that both tailed to see out Hi? .. . iuilong successfully. It was \\ hirling s first effort for some weeks, and he should be improved. Peter Beckford accounted for the open six at the same meeting on the first day, and the manner in which he won was most impressive. He had 8.1 on that occasion and now has 9.7, his impost having been raised bv comparison on the different scales 131b. He has been working well since he came to Ellerslie and is sure to again be in the picture, tor he is a horse that looks up to a bit-of weight. Mata Hari has only been in a short time, and although she is working well she may not be forward enough to hold her own with the more seasoned horses in the event. Black Thread has not been overtaxed since he arrived, but he looks well At Te Rapa he was drawn wide out, but he was soon up with the leaders and half-way down the straight looked as though he would win, but he weakened oyer the last bit and Gay Seton got up in time to dead-heat with him for second a length behind l'eter Beckford. Clack Ihread is now meeting Peter Beckford on 81b better terms, and that should materially assist Black Thread to bridge the gap. Kiltowyn has not raced for a long time, but liis track work suggests that lie is very near his best again. He has been sprinting in great style at Ellerslie, but may be handicapped by lack of racing. Greek Gold was in the money at Hawera and was solidly supported on the second day at Te Rapa and made a fair showing. He has previously raced well at Ellerslie, and his track work since his arrival at Ellerslie has been satisfactory. Adalene, who has disappointed in her recent engagements, ran fourth on the second day at JLe Rapa and may be a possibility. Prince Acre was a winner at Whangarei and at i he showed up for a good way on the first day, but died away at the end. However, he is a capable galloper under winter conditions. Shy has no recent form, but Kilonsa is a smart mare, who is always a possibility. She has been working nicelv at El lei sue. Paso Robles won the chief sprint at Pukekohe, which was his first attempt in open company, and with 8.5 is entitled to respect. Surella won two races at Egmont and seems to be racing more solidly. He has an earlier engagement, but if reserved for this event is not without

prospects. Versant has been shaping well in his track work recently and may show up with his light impost. Some who may find favour at present are: Whirling, ]\ ter Beckford, Black Thread and Paso Robles.