LIKELY CANDIDATES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 281, 26 November 1937, Page 16

LIKELY CANDIDATES.

THE WAIKATO MEETING.

SIR FRANK'S CHANCES.

AX MINSTER NICELY PLACED

Prior to the Auckland meeting last month Dick Redmond was showina some improvement in his work, but three days before the fixture opened the lour-year-old struck one of his tpiarters, and rather than take any risks his connections decided to allow him to forego his engagements. The injury did not prove as serious as as first thought, and after a week's let-up he was again placed in commission. The Australian-bred trotter lias been showing a useful turn of speed in his latest track efforts, and. providing he goes on the right way during the next few days, he will probablv contest the unhoppled events at the forthcoming Waikato meeting.

One of the most consistent pacers of late has l>een Sir Frank, and this gelding has rarely run a bad race. He wag ill the money both days at Epsom last month, while he occupied a minor position in the two-mile event at the recent Manawatu meeting. According to reports from the Waikato the bay pacer has taken no harm from the racing, and he should not lack on the score of condition when paraded at Claudelands on Saturday week. He is engaged in the Xewstead Handicap, in which he figures on 60yds, but in all probability he will be reserved for the Farewell Handicap. This is a mile saddle event, and although set to give some speedy sorts 24vds, he is sure to be solidly supported.

The outiug Axnrinster had in the, maiden event at Epsom last month should have benefited the three-year-old a good deal, and he promises to play a leading part in the decision of the novice races at Claiulelands. Considering that the Mangere pacer registered 2.48 3-5 to finish fourth at Epsom, there was little disgrace in his defeat, and as he is handicapped on a 3.5 mark next week it will take a pretty fair maiden to bring about his defeat. J. T. Paul also has Eyre engaged in the same races, and she should be an excellent second string. May Prova Useful. The maiden performer Xative Fern has been acquired by a patron of S. JL August's stable, and she is getting through plenty of solid jogging work. She .has tilled out a little as the result of a short spell in the paddock, and when she has had the benefit of a little more experience this half-sister to Rockella may prove a useful proposition. Great Chum, in the same stable, who was in the money in the Goldtields Handicap at Thames last month, is bearing a bright appearance and is accomplishing his work in a satisfactory manner. At Thames this pacer registered 4.30 off a- 4.43 mark, and, seeing that he is only on 4,41 at Claudelands next wefk, his prospects will have to be seriously considered.

The Travis Axworthy pacer Cavan Chief drew attention to his future prosj»ects by acting as Ainuer-up in the novice races at the recent Manawatu meeting. On both occasions his lack of experience resulted in his losing valuable ground at the starts, and although the class opposed to him was by no means strong he registered two very encouraging performances. The outings should improve his smartness out of the barrier, and his appearance in the novice races at the Waikato meeting will be awaited by supporters of F. J. Smith's stable.

The Great Bingen gelding- Ratepayer was showing a useful turn of s]*eed in the Xgatea Handicap at the Thames meeting when he broke his overclieck, and this caused* him to go to a bad break. Ratepayer has only had a couple of races since joining R. A. McMillan's stable, and he has shown a fine burst of speed on each occasion. His turn should not be far off. He is a five-year-old full-brother to Refund and Taxpayer. but at present he is nowhere near their class. Showed Promise. Lady Potts, who showed undoubted promise by finishing an excellent second at Thames when having her first outing, was expected to have her next outing at the YVaikato fixture. However, her connections decided to miss this meeting with the filly, and she will probably next appear in tlie maiden rares at Kpsoin next month. Providing she goes on the right way. she should not lx» long in repaying some of her purchase money.

The class engaged in the unhoppled races at the Waikato meeting is anytliing but strong, and as (Jrand Triumph has a second to bis credit at hi* la-t start lie is not likelv to be neglected by Iwckers. This gelding has more speed than the average trotter, but does not always d<\ his work correct Iv. However. he appears to be improving in this respect and maybe his turn will come shortly.

The manner 111 which Xawton Parrish scored in the Puru Handicap at the recent litanies meeting sii2;:este<.l th*t the (ireat Parrish gelding should be >e>'ii to further advantage, now that the tracks are beginning to harden up. Reports from Hamilton credit him with being in first-class order, and it reserved for the Te Kowliai Handicap ;it Claudelands he should set the back-markers a difficult task. One thing in hi-= favour is that he is a splendid beginner, and this should ensure him gaining a good position early in the contest. =