THE OPEN SPRINT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 13, 16 January 1941, Page 16

THE OPEN SPRINT.

AND HACK CUP. SOME LIKELY FANCIES. RECENT EFFORTS DISCUSSED. The Flying Handicap, the open sprint at the Thames meeting on Saturday, has drawn a useful lield and a good contest should result. Sure J , ay. the top weight, scored over six furlongs at the Auckland meetiii" in .November with 7.4, defeating Pirate King and others. The next day Dinky Di beat him when carrying 8.0, while he was fourth at Waipa with 8.3. On Saturday he has 8.12. Dinky Di is not to make the trip. Maxam galloped well at Takanini during the week and at her best she would have to be considered. Earlier in the season she won at Paeroa and has been placed since then. Nile was one of those that did not get away in a bad start at Whangarei which was her last effort. Cold Money Song was another whose prospects were spoiled in the same race, but despite the many lengths he gave away he finished third, anil with a clear run over the concluding stage might have won. He was fourth in the Railway Handicap since then. Flying Acre has no recent form, but Miss Te Kowra has been staying on better and winning over the distance this season. Trilliarch. who finished second in this event last year, was runner-up to Zest over six furlongs on the first day of the recent Stratford meeting. Gay Seton has been fourth on three occasions this season, while Xgawiri was second over seven furlongs at the Waipa meeting last month. Tea Lass occupied a similar position to Edna's Birthday at Whaugarei. JVrhaps Gold Money Song, Sure Pay and Miss Te Koura may have most friends just now. The Hack Cup has attracted a dozen, but it is stated that Surpai and Venture will not fulfil their engagements. Star Vaal has little recent form, but Wildore had been placed up to nine furlongs this term. Karatoki has won up to a mile recently, and though he disappointed at Ellerslie during the holidays he should go better here, for he is stated to be doing well at Te Rapa. C'orot succeeded over seven furlongs and a half at Whangarei and was beaten by Karatoki over a mile the next day. He had one race at the recent Ellerslie meeting and should do better in the event under review. Gold Spot has done nothing since winning over nine furlongs at Paeroa in September, but Lady Acushla was third in the Fergusson Handicap, one mile. at the recent Auckland fixture, and has 'been galloping well recently. Snow White, after beginning slowly, was finisiliimj on solidly at Che end of six furlongs et Waipa. and in a likely improver. Karatoki. Corot and Lady Acushla look to have the best prospect*! in the event.