METROPOLITAN T.C.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18925, 14 February 1927, Page 10

METROPOLITAN T.C.

SUCCESSFUL MEETING. JACK POTTS SHOWS FORM. A BHiLI.IANT JUVENILE.

Delightful weather fa\ouiei! the New Zealand Metropolitan '1 rottL; y, tlmfor its Miiniiicr Meeting at AJdingi'i: 9" Saturday, and though the .>andei» tup contest at Lyttelton attracted a hirg" mini' cr of City tulk. ami fanning o;h;ratl lis prevented many country sp.:rtsimn from being present. the atu'ii lanco wa.s well tip to the a. crag".' ol a Summer Meeting's crowd. 'l'ho long sp<ill of dry ue-ather lia-J caused the track to become hard, and though it was watered during the intervals between races, it provided very fast going, and generally the times registered by thoi winners were better than the handicapper had thought tliein capable of. The lawns and tlower-lwds s-poko eloquently of the care bestowed upjn them by the club's gardener, ami the bright frocks of the ladies made "a showing extremely pleasing. I'nder the direction of the club's secretary, Mr A. I. ltattray, all detail arrangements were capably carried out and the Meeting went from start to finish with a swing that has become characteristic of Meetings held at headquarters. Mr F. C. Thomas, acting for Mr H. Brinkman, who is indisposed. brought the fields well together and set the betting public a stiff task that they tackled in a determined manner. Mr A. Dickson, judge, had several closo finishes to decide, but the numl>ers were hoisted with a promptitude that the public appreciated, and the stipendiary steward, Mr H. Davev, found little to engage his attention in tho conduct of riders and drivers.

After the running of the Juvenile Handicap, the Judicial Committee was cnlle<l together to consider the running of Patsy Phegan, who it was thought was not driven out to gain 6econ<l money. The driivor, R. B. Berry, however, satisfied the Committee that all was in order and that his horse occupied the position it should have filled at the finish. ■ Generally the racing appeared clean. The totulisator investments, which amounted to £20,502 10s. showed a slight decrease on the £27,844 10s invested at flie corresponding Meeting last year, but this drop in no way suggests that trotting is losing its hold on the sporting public. The outstanding and most pleasing performance of the day was that registered by Author Jinks in winning the Juvenile Handicap. Opposed by, perhaps, the strongest field that has aver contested this event and giving all but one of his opponents starts ranging up to 60 yards, he simj>ly buried the field, for speed and won in ridiculously easy fashion in time that would have done credit to many older and n»re experienced horses. "When gathering tip his field he showed a phenomenal buret of speed and could have token the lead much earlier than he did. Over tho last two furlongs he merely jogged and won pulling up. Author Jinks anpears a worthy representative of TTTs sire, Author Dillon, one of the greatest racehorses that has' ever graced a New Zealand or Australian l trotting track. It was a distinctly popular win. The principal event, the Miilsummer Handicap, gave Jack Potts an opportunity to show his best form, and, beginning better than he lias done in some of his recent essays, tho American-bred paoer had thie race in safe keeping before tho final 6tretch was reached. Jack Potts in his racing efforts has not been favoured with tha best of luck, but' of his brilliancy there can be no doubt, and now that he has started on the winning list, there is no knowing what fame he will earn. For consistency during tho present season thd record of Trenand takes a lot of beating, and again he filled the position of runner-up. His trainerdriver, O. E. Hooper, was to a certain extent compensated for his exasperating run of Juok when he drove- Queen's Own to a brilliant victory in the Craven- Handicap of one mile and a quarter, defeating well-backed opponents in Peter Bingen, St. Maura, and the bracketed pair, Bonny Logan and Tklaro. The Liverpool Handicap provided the sensation of the day so far as the betting was concerned, for after a great battle with Avenger B. Jatden drove Haunui home a winner, returning his supporters a most satisfying price. The Cashmere Handicap, oonllued to unhoppled trottere, provided a thrilling finish between Amlobcll, Peter McKinney, anil Rose Bingen, and at the finish tin* judge was the only one in a position to give a correct decision, Audobell's display was distinctly pleasing, and on fhis form there seemed to be good reason for his owners to refuse a substantial offer mnde for the gelding some little time ago. One of the easiest wins ■ of the daj wns attained by Nimble Direct, who, sent out favourite in the' Papanui Handicap, led from start to finish ano won easily. It was easily the best exhibition given by this pacer since he came from Australia, and his form suggested that he will go on winning. Altogether the sport provided was of a very high standard, and the Meeting will go down in the records as one of the most enjoyable held at Addington.

Details of the racing arc as follows: SPREYDON HANDICAP (in harness), of 300 sovs: second 60, third 40. For unhoppled trotters. 3.52 to 3.42 class, lm Sf. 1. G. J. Barton's b m ELZEAR by Petereta —Lady Elwood syrs 24 W. J. Tomkinson 1 5. H. Oaskill's br g Little Logan aged 36 Owner 2 6. E. Berry's b m Lady Fan aged scr Owner 3 8 Rose Audo scr; 7 Queen Ida scr; 10 Nourmahal scr: 2 Herbilwin scr; 12 Wild Hebe 12; 13 Brigand 12; 3 Merry Bingen 24; 9 The Toff 48; 11 Blue Thorpo 60; 4 Duke Bingen 72 also started. Lady Fan and Queen Ida were the smartest away, and led. from Rose Audo. Merry Bingen. Little Logan.' The Toff, and Herbilwin. Going down the back Lady Fan and Queen Ida opened up a big break on the rest of the field, and past the stand still held the advantage, most prominent of the others being Rose Audo. Little Logan, Elzear, and The Toff. Three furlongs from home Elzear commenced to bridge the gap, and trotting in faultless style caught Lady Fan, who went to a break. Elzear won easily by four lengths, while Little Logan caught the breaking Lady Fan and beat her by two lengths. Queen Ida was fourth and Merry Bingen fifth. Times—3.44 3-5, 8.45, 8.49.

LINWOOD HANDICAP (in saddle), of 300 sovs; second 60, third 40. 2.17 to 2.13 class lm 2. Mrs H. P. Findlay's br g HONOUR BRIGHT by Brent Locanda—Prime Imperial mare aged scr M. Holmes 1 1. E. It. Husband's blk g Firpo 6yrs scr . M. B. Edwards 2 10. G. Cameron's b m Diamond Child aged 24 .. .. G. Stewart S 13 Lady Wildwood scr; 7 Harley Dillon scr; 13 Nipper scr; 6 Hydaspes scr; 11 Irish Whispers scr : 4 Hacanda scr; 8 Ben Dillon 12; 8 Double Event 12; 9 Albert Logan 34; 13 Rose Pointer 24; 5 Ouimet 36; 15 Tarzan 36 also started. Honor Bright and Macanda were the early leaders, and with Hydaspes, Nipper, Lady Wildwood, and Firpo handy, they piloted the field past the atand and into the back stretch. Three furlong* from home Firpo made a dash to the front and led Hononr Bright into the straight. Under the whip Honour Bright drew level with Fbso 09a hogdjred jkjU irog Uia

post, and then went on to win comfortably by three lengths. Diamond Child passed a lot of tiring horses in the straight and gained third place eight lengths behind Firpo. The next to finish were Hydaspes and Lady Wildwood. Times—2.l2 4-3, 2.13 2-5, 2.13 1-5. MIDSUMMER HANDICAP (in harness), of 700 soy* : second 175, third 73. 4.32 class. 2m. 2. A. Anderson's b h JACK POTTS bv Walter Direct—Margaret Steiner aged HO . . C. Donald 1 4. F. I'. Sutton's b g Trenand fiyr« sir O. K. Hncper - 'J. Miss N. (itinn's blk g Locanda Xlae aged '!*> . . A. Fleming 3 j. W. F. Slarson's blk g Talent aged rj H. Frost 0 3. V. Alborn's rh g Golden Devon aged 24 Owner 0 1. A. Il'iulrik-cn's b g Cardinal Logan n?ed :;r> . . Owner 0 4. D. Speiice's b m Queen's Own aged 4 5 brrtckcted with Trenand P. Riddle 0 7. G. W. Dransfield's b g Loganwood aged 4 S L. Frost 0 6. Grant and Winter's blk g Black Admiral fiyrs no . . M. B. Kdwards 0 3. G. S. Simpson's b g Logan Chief aged i'iU .1. J. Kennerlev 0 lt>. i'. I'rcquer's b m Logan Lou aged S4 . . D. Withers 0 Logan Chief anil i'.larlc Admiral lost ground at the start, and Trenand at once took the lead from Talent. Lncjinda Mae. r.nd Golden Devon. At the stands the fir-t time Trenand led from GoMi-n Devon. Talent, Locanda Mac, .rack Potts. Cardinal Logan, and Loganwood, v.ith Queen's Own travelling fast. With the exception that Queen's Own improved her position, there \.r,s little alteration in the positions durin; the next round, and passing the stand the second time the order was Trenand, Golden Devon, Tal-.-nt. .lack Potts. Cardinal Logan, Locanda Mac, nnd Loganwood. Jack Potts raced up to Trenand three furlongs from home, tool: the lead before entering the straight, nnd went on to win very easily by three lengths. A good finish for second place saw Trenand defeat Locanda Mac by half a length, with Cardinal Logan a similar distance away fourth. Queen's Own and Loganwood were next to finish. Times—4.23 4-5, 4.29 1-5, 4.26 2-5.

PAPANUI HANDICAP (in harness), of 350 sovs; second 75, third 50. 4.37 to 4.32 class. 2m. 1. F. B. McFarlane's b g NIMBLK DIRKCT by Directaway—Nimble Dot aged scr . . .. Owner 1 4. Neale and Berry's b m Escapade 6yrs 48 R. B. Berry 2 5. A. Smith's br g Macaranda Cyrs 12 M. Holmes 3 9 Lee Todd scr; 10 Direct Wood scr; 6 Stunt Artist scr; 7 William tho Great 12; 11 Stormy 12; 12 Prince Lyons 24; 3 Shine Soon 24; 8 Succession 36; 2 Silk Thread 36 also started. Nimble Direct was quickly off the mark and led past the stand the first time from Stunt Artist, William the Great. Direct Wood, Lee Todd, Macaranda, and Stormy. The order was unchanged over the noxt circuit, excepting that Escapade improved her position and Shine Soon, who had started slowly, showed a lot of speed. Down the back the last time Nimble Direct still led, followed by William the Great, Stunt Artist, Direct Wood, Escapade, nnd Stormy. The leader easily held his own to the finish, and won by three lengths from Kscapade. who was a length in front of Macaranda. "William the Great was fourth. Times—l.33 2-5, 4.29 4-5, 4.33. CASHMKRK HANDICAP (in harness), of 350 sovs; scond 75, third 50. For unhoppled trotters. 4.44 class. 2m. 3. A. S. Gtirney's b g AUDOBKLL by Great Audubon—Annie Bells McKin-

ney 6yr» K! J. S. Wilson 1 7. P. Riddle's br g Peter McKinney aged 48 .... . . 2 8. C. Johnstono's b m Rose Bingen aged 84 .. .. R. E. Millß 3 0 Merry Bingen scr: 10 Lady Fan scr; 1 Frisco Beau 12; 5 Blue Thorpe 48: 12 Bingenette 48; 2 Hnppy Rosa 48; 14 Harold Child 60; 11 Our Lridy 60; 4 First Fashion 60; 6 Master Audo 108; 15 John Mauritius 120; 13 Money Spider 132 also started. Bingenette and Lady Fan lost ground at the start, and Merry Bingen set a good pace from Audobeli, Frisco Beau. Bluo Thorpe, Peter McKinney, and First Fashion, and at the end of tho next circuit the order was practically the same, while Rose Bingen had made up ground rather With n round to go Audobell and Merry Bingen wero racing just in front of Rose Bingen, with Peter McKinney, Bine Thorpe, and First Fashion following in order. Merry Bingen retired three furlongs from home, and a most interesting race resulted in a fine finish between Audoball, Peter McKinney, and Rose Bingen, the first-named getting tho verdict by a neck from Peter McKinney, who was a length and a half in front of Rose Bingen. Meary Bingen was fourth. Times —1.40 4-5, 4.38, 4.35. JDVENILE HANDICAP (in harness), of 300 govs; socond 60. third 40. For three-year-olds, lm sf. 1. Wallis and O'Keefe's b g AUTHOR JINKS by Author—Lady Jinks 60 T. Wallis 1 4. C. E. Lindsay's b f Pal Dillon ecr 'F. G. Holmfes 2 3. Mrs E. Berryman's eh g Patsy Phegaa R. B.' Berry 3

8 Itoso Logan scr; 7 Denver's Doll scr; 5 Helen scr; 9 Lady Matchllght scr; 2 Bonnie Prince 24; 6 Rey Logan 108 also started. , , , Rey Logan and Bonnie Prince lost ground at the start, and Lady Matchlight, commencing smartly, led from Helon, Author Jinks, Patsy Phegan, and Pat Dillon. This was the order passing the stand the first time, and there was little altoration during the whole of the next circuit. Three furlongs from home Author Jinks made a rush.tq the front and was never afterwards troubled to win# pulling up by four lengths, while Pat Dillon, also easing up, was two lengths ahead of Patsy Phegan. Helen and Denver's Doll were tho nest to finish. Times —3.44 4-5, 3.51 3-5, 3.52.

LIVERPOOL HANDICAP (In harness), of 800 sovs; second 60, third 40. 4.42 to 4.37 class. 2m. 14. W. D. Barrett's b m HAUNUI by Han old Direct—Silver Cup 6yrs 12 , B. Jarden 1 5. Q. F. Fairbairn's b g Avenger 4yrs scr J. D. Smith 2 6. Mrs M. Dore's b g High Jinks aged 30 H. Frost 3

10 Alvira'scr; 4 Margalong scr; 16 The Pointer scr; 7 Trimmer 12; 1 Transport 24; 3 Homer 24; 9 Bold Bill 24; 11 Charles Dixie 36; 12 Lord Bingen 36; 15 Colehill 36; 8 General Bingen 36; 2 Loganholme 48; 13 Honour Bright 84 inc. 36 pen. also started. Alvira lost ground at the start, Margalong stopped on the mark, and The Pointer Avenger, Trimmer, Haunnl, General Bingen, and Homer was the order going past the stand the first time. There was little change over the next circuit, excepting that Honour Bright and Loganholme made up most of their handicap. Tlireo furlongs from Hbme Avenger and Hatinui were in front from General Bingen, but tho last-named faded out badly. Haunui and Avenger fought out a Kreat finish, the latter failing badly- in 111e last fifty yards, allowing Haunui to win by one and n half lengths, while High Jinks was four lengths away in third place, followed by Transport and Honour Bright. Times—--4.36, 4.37 2-5, 4.36 2-5.

CRAVEN HANDICAP (in harness), of 300 sovs; second 60, third 40. 2.46 class. l|m. 7. D. Spence's b m QUEEN'S OWN by Adonis—Country Queen aged 12 O. E. Hooper 1 3. If. Norton's b m Bonny. Logan aged 24 .. .. F. Holmes 2 3. C. E. Lindsay's b g Talaro 6yrs 36 bracketed with Bonny Logan

_ M. Holmes S 2 St. Maura scr; 9 Wliarepiann scr; 4 Taurekareka 12; 5 Golden Devon 12; 6 Loganwood 24; 8 Sea Pearl 24; 10 Don Wild 36; 1 Peter Bingen 36 also started. St. Maura stood on the mark, and Whorepiana set a hot pace from Taurekareka and Golden Devon. In the straight Wharepiana broke, interfering with Taurekareka and Golden Devon was left in front from Queen's Own, Bonny Logan, Peter Bingen, with Taurekareka following. Queen's Own assumed the lead three" furlongs from home, and withstanding determined challenges from Peter Bingen and Bonny Logan, won by three engths Bonny Logan beating the fast-finish-ing Talaro by a neck. Times—2.4s 2-5 245 2-5, 2.44 3-5.

NOTES ON THE RACING. In the Spreydon Handicap a verv fine exhibition of straight-out trotting was given i>y Elzear, wno, losing many lengths at .tho.stait, and covering a lot of extra ground, settled down to work over the last circuit and buried the rest for speed. The pace was on from the start, Lady Fan and Queen Ida leading at a clip that had. most of the others doing tneir best. Queen Ida retired threo furlongs from home, and, though leading into the straight, Lady Fan had run herself out and broke badly. Merry Bingen was not dangerous for the greater part of the journey, but put in a good run in the straight which carried him close to the placed horses. Duke Bingen began smartly, but .the handicap was too much for him.

Honour Bright's Win. The Linwood Handicap resulted in a good race between Honour Bright and Firpo, but the former stayed the better and won Tery easily at the finish. After being one of the early leaders, Honour Bright gave way to Firpo when the latter made a fast run three furlongß from home, but it appeared that Firpo made his run too soon. M. Holmes rode a most vigorous finish on Honour Bright, and it was his horsemanship that carried the day. Diamond Child came at the finish* to gain third money, but there was little merit in her performance, as most,of the others were eased up when pursuit of th < leaders was hopeless. Handicapped on 2.1" Honour Bright was required to do 2.12 4-5 to win. a fact that will mafce his rating harder in future.

Jack Potts Strikes Form. There was no scratching in the Midsummer Handicap, and Cardinal Logan was favourite, with Jack Potts, Logan Chief, and the coupled horses, Trenand and Queen's Own. backed in that oriler. The race was full of interest until going down the back the last time, when J«:ck Potts, who began noil and gradually made up his handicap, put in his claim and won most decisively in the fast time of 4.23 4-3. and li.ul the American-bred pacer been driven out he would have reduced this time considerably. Trenand. who was a (jiiict eleventh-hour tip. paced his k\st race to date and was unlucky in meeting the winner on his best belunioiir. The Urent Locanda gelding races in the interest of the Lytt-elton spoilsman. Mr F. E. Sutton, and he lia registered nine seconds and a third since he won a race. Locanda Mac showed a return to form and finished third in -1.2G 2-3, and judging by his effrrt he should soon be found on the winning list. The favourite, Cardinal Logan, did . not enjoy a good passage, with the result that he was beaten into fourth place. Talent and Golden Devon flatteied their supporters for threeparts of the journey, but Queen's Own, Lopiuwood, and Black Admiral were always in 'he second division, where they finished. Logan Chief raced indifferently, and Logan Lou was beaten for speed.

An Easy Win. Tlie Australian-bred gelding, Nimble Direct, was installed favourite for the Papanui Handicap. He was the first to show out and, making all his own running, scored comfortably and gave his owner-trainer, F. B. McFarlane, his first win since coming to the Dominion about four months ago. Escapade trotted' a fino race into second place and, although beaten, was not disgraced. The Waimatc-owned and trained Maearonda was alwayß well placed and finished third, with William* the Great fourth. The last-named looked liko playing a prominent part in the final issue, but did not stay well over the last furlong. Stunt Artist. Le Todd, and Stormy wero prominent for three-parts of the journey, and Direct Wood went well for a. mile and a half, when she broke, but Shine Soon and Silk Thread, two horses that wero well backed, never threatened danger. The race was run in fast time, which no doubt was. responsible for the poor showing of the majority of those engaged. The placed horses, Nimble Direct, Escapade, and Macaranda improved upon their handicaps 3 3-ssec, 3 1-osec, and 3sec respectively. An Exciting Finish. All started in the Cashmere Handicap, and after an interesting race and a good finish Audobell won nicely from Peter McKinney, Roso Bingen, and Merry Bingen. The winner, Audobell, is a six-year-old gelding by Great Audubon from Annie Bells McKinney. He was always in a good position, and despite a break going down the back the last time he registered 4.40 4-5 for the journey fftnn off 4.43. Peter McKinney showed a return to form and beat all but the winner, and only for two mistakes would have won. From. 84yds behind Rose Bingen trotted a great raco and was beaten into third place only by a narrow margin. Merry Bingen made a better showing than he did early in the day and finished fourth, with Master Audo and Money Spider at the head of a strung-out field. Lady Fan and Bingenette refused to strike a gait at the start, and Happy Rosa, who was well backed, was always in the ruck.

A Promising Juvenile. Nino well-bred three-year-olds faced the barrier in the Juvenile Handicap. Author Jinks and Bonrtio Prince monopolised the betting and together earned almost half the money invested on the totalisator. Uonme Prince's showing did not warrant the strong support, -bub Author Jinks proved himself a good one. The South Canter-bury-trained youngster mode up his 'liftnaicap in tho first circuit and won. with ridiculous ease. Author Jinks is by Author Dillon from Lady Jjnks. He Avon a race at Winton ana finished third in a two-mile race at the recent Korbury Park Meeting. lie is a fine pacer and can stay, and judging by his display He lias great possibilities. Pat Dillon, a well-grown filly by Great Audubon from Flossie Dillon, finished second and beat the rest of the field

almost as easily as Author Jinks beat her. Pntsy Phegan looked to have a fighting chance at tho turn for home, but faded out and was beaten into third place. Helen, a filly by Brent Locanda from Tui Russell, finished fourth, and Denver's Doll, who did not begin too well, was fifth. An Outsider. Hauntii, a six-year-old mare by Harold Direct from a Starchild mare, winner of the last Greymouth Trotting Club Cup, effected a surprise by winning the Liverpool Handicap from fifteen others. From btart to finish the Addington-trained mare maintained an even gait and won nicely in 4.36, or sscc better than her handicap. Avenger, who has a couple of minor races to his credit this seaspn, paced a sound rtu-e into second place, with High Jinks third. Tho last-named finished well. In the past the son of Logan Pointer and Louvain Chimes has shown more speed than stamina, but may yet win over a journey. Outside the placed horses Transport, Honour Bright, and Bold Bill .made tho best showing. Margalong refused to strike his gait at tho start, while Homer broke during the running of the race, and the ground she lost quickly placed her out of court.

Queen's Own Prevails. A successful day's rating concluded with the Craven Handicap, and what promised to bo a fine race was robbed of considerable interest, as passing tho stand tfic first time Wharepiaua, who war-, well placed, broke badly and. interfered with tho majority of tho3e behind her. When the field straightened up tho leaders included Golden Devon, Queen's Own. Bonny Logan, and Peter Bingen. Golden Devon was the first horse beaten, and Peter Bingen showed signs of tiring at the turn for home. At this stage Queen's Own was well clear of the others, and she went on to win with something in hand from Bonny Logan and tho fast-finishing Talaro and Loganwood, with Peter Bingen fifth.