OF ROYAL MERIT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 40, 17 February 1943, Page 5

OF ROYAL MERIT

WYNYARD PLATE ACE

IMPRESSES AT TAKANINI Takanini track watchers of late are very impressed with Royal Merit, which looks better than ever. Victor in the Plate, the son of Mr. Standfast wiA next appear in the Hack Cup at Te Ha pa on Saturday It will be remembered that at Christmas he ran a creditable race in the Great Northern Derby, and he should successfully negotiate a handicap distance. Balfron in Training Back in training after a lengthy spell, Balfron is in nice state, and it is apparent that the two-year-old Bulandshar gelding has been doing a little work prior to resuming on the tracks. His appearance suggests that his connections are hopeful of an autumn campaign. To Make Comeback? Another to make a return is Saccone, looking in fine order and ready to undertake a preparation for late autumn and winter racing. Saccone, a Northern hope until he broke down a couple of seasons ago, is a capable hurdler, and he will win races if he remains sound. Taking the Waters Yorkish, which' has been racing consistently but unluckily, is taking swimming exercises. He was suffering from soreness before the last Auckland meeting, where he was defeated by Gaymeer, but he ran a fine race in the circumstances. Recovered from Cold Sweet Biscuit had a cold recently, but she has quickly responded to treatment, and should not be affected when next raced. The daughter of-Broiefort showed all her speed when last started, but weakened quickly in the last few yards, possibly attributable to the development of her recent ailment. A Te Rapa Candidate Meermint is due to make his next appearance at Te Rapa. At his last start he -ran second to Expanse in the Royal Stakes, and as he has gone along the right way meantime, should be capable of making a showing on Saturday. Change of Stables Golden Valley has been transferred from P. E. Pope's stable to F. Gilchrist at Ellerslie, and her place at Takanini has b#en taken by a two-year-old filly by Nightmarch owned by Mr. V. Parsons. Representative in Form Out of the news lately. Representative, which las lost some of his glamour, is again working well, ond it is anticipated that he will soon show he has to be reckoned with. His staying powers are now open to question, but it is admitted that he is a good galloper when right. A "First-up" Proposition Dinki Di agaiii fell down on his job at Matamata. He had been burning the tracks prior to the meeting, but failed to make a showing. This horse comes to < hand quickly, but there is abundant evidence that he does not stand up to racing. Apprentices Doing Well P. E. Pope, who is having a successful run with apprentices. Trebes and Wood, is now introducing a third youngster of promise. This is M. Harrison, recently licensed. The lad rides good work and weighs just under 6.0. Seen to advantage on Monte Cristo at Matamata, apprentice S. Brown is maintaining a good record for the riding he receives, and his efforts are worthy of better patronage. He is attached of T. F. Verner's stable at Takanini.