BLACK ACE AT LAST

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 86, 12 April 1945, Page 9

BLACK ACE AT LAST

OWNER'S RARE TREAT TAKANINI HORSES FAIL The Avondale meeting at Ellerslie last Saturday did not prove as remunerative to Takaninl trainers as was expected, but this was due in no small measure to the heavy track, quite a number of horses being unable to master the conditions. The only winner on the day was the juvenile Black Ace, which disappointed his connections at tne Auckland Easter meeting, but partly redeemed himself by taking the second division of the Nursery Handicap. Black Ace is an attractive colt by Foxbridge from Cardplayer, and is owned by the Suva sportsmen Messrs A. E. Pearce and D. B. Costello, both of whom have been in the Dominion for the last few months. Mr. Pearce, who has been a regular owner for upwards of 20 years, usually has a horse carrying his colours, but this was the first occasion in his career that he had seen one of his representatives win. Black Ace possesses brilliant speed, and all going well he should take a high place among the three-year-olds next season. He is to be added to the list of geldings this week. Out Of Luck Without doubt one of the unluckiest sprinters during the Easter and Avondale meetings was the evergreen Cambria. He appeared to have the Mount Eden Handicap all sewn up inside the last furlong, only to be caught on the post by the fastfinishing Cowper, which came from a long way back to get a split-second decision. Cambria is a great weight carrier, and his advancing years have not yet taken toll of his powers. Some encouragement was shown by the hitherto disappointing Good Armour. His third in the Hobsonville Hurdles was his best effort this season, and it appears that he will be much better suited by soft track conditions, in which case his winter prospects will not be overlooked. In view of Artificer's sprained tendon owner Mr. Neville Souter intends to give the Lang Bian gelding a lengthy spell; in fact the horse may not race next season as a four-year-old. Artificer's staying ability has never been doubted, and as a potential winner of a rich handicap his chances were considered second to none. A Couple of Hurdlers Lapidarian was having his first race of the season when he contested the Hobsonville Hurdles, and for part of the journey he produced some of his former dash. During his long absence from racing he was fired, and there now seems to be every chance of his standing up to another preparation for winter jumping events. The Lapidary gelding Is a proved fencer with prospects in the best class. Spirillum ran an unexpectedly good race for third in the Mount Roskill Handicap— that is, for a gelding which has hitherto proved incapable of handling soft conditions. He is a vastly-improved horse, and his versatality should ensure profitable returns, although it is still doubtful whether the best will be seen of him under winter conditions. Juvenile Disappoints After his success at the Bay ot Plenty meeting at Paeroa Perdition had the confidence of his connections for Easter engagements, but he let them down. He showed a nice turn of speed, but failed to run on. The Beau Repaire gelding has grown into one of the biggest juveniles in the province, and his future should be hopefully regarded, even though he did not measure up to the standard of the best seen out at the meeting. Sweet Biscuit's failure in the Mount Eden Handicap should not be held against her, as she was not suited by the conditions, but it is noticeable, however, that the Broiefort filly's form this season has not been up to expectations, her second in the Railway Handicap being the bright spot. Altogether, she must have been very disappointing to her admirers. Newcomers To Sport C. Morse is now handling a trio of yearlings. They comprise a chestnut filly by Coronach—Amoretto, a chestnut gelding by Vaals —Caliente and another by Medieval Knight—Hunting May. P. E. Pope has added a filly by Tweed ll.— Outcry to his team, making four yearlings, and a further addition is expected ne.\t week. H. E. Grey is also breaking in one by Chatsworth. It is apparent that the district will again be well served by youngsters for next season, as about 17 are already on the scene. Landveyor is again in work under N. Cunningham's guidance. He had been spelling since competing at the Wellington meeting, and is in nice order for a winter programme.