NEW SEASON'S PROSPECTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 165, 15 July 1938, Page 14

NEW SEASON'S PROSPECTS.

Metropolitan August Meeting—F. J. Smith s Candidates.

LARGE STRING.

Several Importations.

Just a few years ago Takanini was to all intents and purposes not on the map insofar as trotting was concerned, but with the advent to the district of the successful trainer F. J. Smith a decided change came o'er the scene. Other trainers followed the example set by Smith, the interest of local propertyholders in light-harness sport quickened, with the result that to-day Takanini is properly regarded as a very important part of the Auckland trotting world. \

F. J. Smith has a large and valuable string of horses fn his stable, many of them winners of important races, others giving every promise of doing likewise. In -addition he has several beautifullybred importations from America, who, if they emulate the deeds of their illustrious parents, will enter the class of record-makers. Off to Christchurch. In King's Warrior Smith has a performer of whom he holds an exceptionally high opinion, and he intends to take him to the "National" meeting at Christchurch next month, after which the son of Blue Mountain King will probably race at Auckland. The racing at the southern centre is calculated to improve him, and he should prove a worthy companion to Cavan Chief and Ironside, both of whom are in excellent condition. Ironside won the Adams Memorial at the recent Auckland fixture in impressive style, and in winning a couple of good-class races earlier in the season Cavan Chief impressed as one who is likelv to enter the best class during 1988-1939.

Van Derby, an Australian-bred horse, who has not yet raced, and Parauri, who won "on the bit" at Auckland, are two other members of the Smith "string" from whom big things may reasonably- be expected.

With a team of five undergoing preparation, W. Clifton is in a favourable position, more especially as four of them are winners who have yet to reach their best form. The team is comprised of Bronze Queen, (iold Dredge, Gay Sister, Lady Potts and Bronze King, the first four being the property of the Auckland sportswoman, Mrs. C. McGregor.

A Handy Trio. S. Matthews, who was formerly associated with P. J. Smith's establishment, ha-s Musketeer. Ataraii King and Tagua under his care, and of the trio Musketeer may be tlie first to return to winning form. At the last Waikato meeting he finished well in third place behind Gay Sister and Proletarian. This was encouraging, and as he is in fine condition for the new season there is every justification for viewing his prospects with optimism. Atarau King has been backed with great confidence on more than one occasion, but, so far, his supporters have been left lamenting. However, the racing experience should be of great benefit and it would not surprise if he showed considerable improvement in a race in the not far distant future. C. H. Ooodall is another Takanini trainer with a very useful team, and at present Kewpie's King, Ranfurly Lass, Grattan Girl, Baron Alfonso. Militia and a rising three-year-old full sister to Ranfurly Lass are undergoing preparation for 1!)38-193!>. The firstnamed pair have recently returned to the stable after having been under other care during the past few months. The team is well-balanced* with one in each class, and their prospects of doing well in the future are bright. Militia, regarded as a very promising novice, has been in the money twice in her last three starts, and is expected to quicklv earn promotion. Goodall is also expecting a new arrival in Alpine Prince, who has been leased by a patron of the stable, and is to be shipped from Asliburton at an early date.

Clifton's Good Position. Bronze Queen is a particularly fine type of mare, who, although a winner of three races during the year, is expected to do much better in improved company next term. Unlike some horses—far too many, in fact—she wonderfully consistent and rarely runs a bad race. Rising five years, she has registered 3.24 2-5 off a 3.32 mark and has yet to put her best foot forward. Gold Dredge only won one race during the season, but she was unfortunate in that she put a leg through the wheel of a sulky and was off the scene for some time. When she finished second to Rongomai at Epsom she went 3.16 4-5, and promises to do better, particularly on firm tracks. Distance does not worrv her, for, as well as being a good sprinter, she stays well. Gay Sister has more than paid for her eats since she entered the stable at the end of January. At her first start she took the Thames Cup and shattered the time record for the race bv runnin" 4.29 3 5 from a 4.43 mark. * She then went on to take the big event at the Waikato meeting. She is a good honest mare. Lady Potts scored her first success at the last Epsom fixture, and, despite a failure in a tighter class on the second day, is another improver who should be well in the limelight as the season advances. She is by Jack Potts from a Galmdo mare, and is a robust sort, who acts well in any going. She has not been raced extensively up to the present and should be in fine order for sprin" engagements. ° Bronze King is a half-brother to Bronze Queen, and he showed considerable promise on the tracks, but failed to repeat that form in races. However he is expected to justify his existence' in no uncertain manner before very loii"