Spotlight On Doings Of Takanini Horses

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 88, 15 April 1942, Page 9

Spotlight On Doings Of Takanini Horses

While there has been nothing in the way of fast work to interest trackwatchers at Takanini sinci i!,<? recent Easter meeting, the f fijki many horses still remain in work enc urages the belief that there will be a good local representation at the Avonrtaie meeting next month. The fact that the clr.b is retaining the two-year-old event intended for this month's meeting will also ensure that some youngsters will be kept going. Beau Vaals got into winter quarters after a rather strenuous season, in which he proved one of the best of the juveniles although not master of Bonny Pay. The son of Vaals was very consistent, and. all going well, he should do well in 1042-43. Round Up has been eased up, and a further preparation for the Lord Quex gelding is doubtful. He never regained form after his trip to Australia, and, despite luxury imposts, failed to win. Flood Tide's defection from the President's Handicap was due to a slight injury. His complete recovery is anticipated, and it is expected that he will rejoin the workers this week. Now that tracks will become soft. Flood Tide will have an opportunity to make that lookedfor return to form. Has Bright Prospects There is not much of Minko, but the stamina she displayed at Ellerslie was rather remarkable for one of her inches. Minko has been very lightly raced, owing to an injury received earlier in the season, but her two wins and a fourth in as many starts indicates that she is a little above the average. The Dozer's defeat in the Brighton Hurdles was not costly, but it was thought generally that he would have made a better showing. A proved performer. The Dozer has only to remain sound to'take honours among the jumpers during the coming winter.

For a filly which had just recently earned promotion from the novice ranks. Water Vixen ran a surprisingly good race in the Great Northern St. Leger to beat all but Battledress. As she seems none the worse for the outing. 'Water Vixen should have bright prospects of saluting the judge on her return to hack company at the Avondale meeting. Another three-year-old filly to make a creditable showing was Honeywood, which ran fourth in the Oaks. Normally, this filly might have been closer but, at the pace this contest was run, Premature gave the others little chance. The time was not bettered by the handicappers in the Nolan Handicap on Monday. Honeywood certainly gave evidence of staying ability, and she will do better. Soft Track Will Suit Another failure was registered against Gold Money Song at Ellerslie, but the sprinter remains in work with a winter programme in view. There is no doubt that Gold Money Song possesses as much pace as most sprinters, but his generosity is doubted. His partiality for soft tracks, however, should make his future prospects more hopeful. Bronwen has been retired and is to go to the stud to be mated with Coronach. The Cambria Park mare is entitled to be ranked with the best of the sprinters raced in recent years, if only for her splendid record at Ellerslie, where she won eight races, including two Railway Handicaps. T. F. Verner, who conducts a fairly big string of horses for the Hon. E. R. Davis and Mr. O. Nicholson, will have his attention occupied during the next few months with the preparation of three yearlings for these owners. A nice bay colt by Vermeer—Aureola, thus a half brother to Foxola, has attracted some attention, as has the bay colt by Vaals—Queen March. The last-named ranks as a threequarter brother to Route March, and resembles his relative at the same age. The third member of the team is a filly by Oration from Miss Egypt, a half-sister to the well-performed Cornish.