RACING AND TROTTING

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22592, 23 December 1938, Page 12

RACING AND TROTTING

RACING FIXTURES

December 24, 26, 27—Manawatu R.C. December 26—Waipukurau J-C. December 26, 27—Dunedin J.C. December 26, 27—Taranaki. J.C. December 26, 28, January 2, 3—Auckland R.C. December 28—Westland R.C. December 31, January 2—Wairarapa R.C. December 31, January 2—Greymouth J.C. December 31, January 2—Hawke’s Bay J.C. January 2—Waiau R.C. January 2—Waikouaiti R.C. January 2—Wyndham R.C. January 2. 3—Stratford R.C. January 2, 3—Marton J.C. January 2, 3—Hawke’s Bay J.C. January 3—Oamaru J.C. January 3, 4—Southland J.C. January 7, 9—Reeflon J.C. January 13, 14—Vincent J.C, January 14—Clifden R.C. January 19, 21, 23—Wellington R.C. January 21—Wairio J.C. January 21, 23—Thames J.C. January 23—Ashhurst-Pohangina R.C. January 27, 28—Pahiatua R.C. January 28, 30—Auckland R.C.

TROTTING FIXTURES

December 26—Ashburton T.C. December 26—Wairarapa T.C. December 26—Gore T.C. December 26, 27—Westport T.C. December 27. 29, 31—Auckland T.C. December 29—Reefton T.C. December 31—Winton T.C. January 2, 3—Canterbury Park T.C. January 5, 6—Greymouth T.C. January 14—Cambridge T.C. January 14—Timaru T.C. January 26, 28—Forbury Park T.C. January 28, February I—Nelson T.C.

TURF GOSSIP

Track Work at Riccarton The weather was fine but cold for the early morning work at Riccarton yesterday, and the No. 1 grass track again provided good but somewhat slow going. Rain fell during the interval, and times were much slower after than before breakfast. Sovereign Lady again opened proceedings by galloping a mile in Imin 43sec, the first half in 50 3-ssec. She carried a featherweight, but did not have to be ridden seriously at any stage to record what turned out to be good figures for the conditions. Capital and In the Dark were companions in a working task over seven furlongs in Imin 37 2-ssec. E. McLennan has had a lot of trouble in keeping Capital sound in view of his West Coast trip, but hopes to be able to win some money with him. , In the Dark was very disappointing at Hurunui, especially after previous good track work. He is also to go to the

Coast. Golden Chest and Bouillon took Imin 30 3-ssec for six furlongs, and similar useful tasks were executed by Supreme Court in Imin 20sec, Synthetic Imin 22sec, and Recollection and Sir Rosenor Imin 22sec. Wandarobe finished in front of Pol Roger, with Windward tailing off. at the end of six furlongs in Imin 19 l-ssec, the last four in 54sec. Windward has been troubled with unsoundness for some time, and will not be brought back to ■ Riccarton after his West Coast racing. Champion Impresses Royal Chief indicated that he will not need much galloping to bring him back to racing trim by reeling off half a mile in 49sec, beating Settlement, who also went well in his first serious sprint since being recommissioned. Studley Royal and Night Shift sprinted three furlongs in 39sec, The former looks in remarkably solid condition, and some good races should come his way in the next few months. Night Shift is an attractive two-year-old colt by Nightly from Minehead, by Lord Warden from imported Pitbrow Lass, and was bred by his trainer, F D. Jones. Lady Leigh ran five furlongs in Imin 4 4-ssec, the last four in 52sec, and her stable mates. Prudent Prince and Moorsotis, sprinted half a mile along the back in 51 3-ssec, the last three furlongsjn 37 3-ssec. Moorsotis is the makings of a good class galloper.

The Duel gave a start to Gay Fire and Chit Chat and beat them home after running half a mile in 52 2-ssec. Garonne was always in front of Rebel Star and Rebel Queen over seven furlongs in Imin 32sec, the last four in 54sec. Garonne should win races on the West Coast circuit if he performs up to his ability. Tantivy and ■ Palmyra ran half a mile in 5102-ssec, Real Lady taking 54 2-ssec, Great Baby 56 2-ssec Second Innings and Lord Hawke 51 2-ssec, Bit o’ Blue 53 l-ssec, Chanteur, Courtyard, and Bright Prospect 53sec, Metal Bird 55sec. and Maki Ahi beat Tint o’ Tan in 53sec. Juvenile Amiss Montessa sprinted three furlongs in 38 l-ssee. This likely Brazen filly is to accompany Royal Baby to Wingatui to-night. Miss Otis will not be taken because of a serious breakdown on Tuesday. Kilrobe easily accounted for Cape Gabo over seven furlongs in Imin 33sec. the last six in Imin 19 2-ssec. Miracle strode over the same ground in Imin 36sec. Great Bramble led Dropped Catch throughout a mile in Imin 49sec, the first half in 52 l-ssec. Dracula covered seven furlongs in Imin 34sec, the first three in 39 3-ssec. At Awapuni Dungarvan is well fancied for the sprint event on the opening day at Manawatu to-morrow. He showed signs of returning form in the sevenfurlong event at Levin, and it may be that he is ready to show his best again. However, the race bears a very open appearance, and Dungarvan has several opponents capable of keepin;; him busy, even if he produces his best form, specially on a track like Awapuni. Biding at Ellerslie Riding engagements announced for the Auckland Racing Club's summer meeting include:—L. J. Ellis, Quadroon, Defaulter, Marie’s Acre. Wapaugh, Beaupartir, White Gold; H. Wiggins, Birthday Boy. Paddy the Rip, Disdain, High Caste; S. Tremain, Erination, Bronze Emerald, Chelandry; G. Humphries, Mazir, Trench Fight, Good Passage, Paper Slipper; A. C. Messervy, Knight of Australia, Olympus, Royal Message. Thurnavaals; G. Cameron, The Trimmer; A. G: Murray, Konneta; J. Mclnally, Blonde Princess; J. Nicolson, Shy; H. Turvey, Chikara; P. Burgess, Te Hero; G. Gilchrist. Kelly, La Vie; W. Broughton, Smoke Screen, Arctic King, Beau Repaire; P. Atkins, Padishah. Courtcraft, Silver Stick, Beaulivre; H. Stokes. Electric Flash; F. Baker, Celtic Lad. To Fulfil Engagement Dictate, although failing in the Te Awamutu Cup, at Te Rapa last Saturday, was credited with running a good

race, in spite of the heavy going, and reports of the track work at Ellerslie since suggest that there is. nothing wrong with his condition. His Auckland Cup rider, L. J. Ellis, has. however, been granted leave to change his mount to Quadroon, and this has led to a suggestion that Dictate is not to start in the Auckland Cup. The gelding’s owner, Mr M. O’Brien, said yesterday that unless anything happened in the meantime, Dictate was to fulfil his Cup engagement and he did not anticipate that he would have much trouble in securing a suitable rider at the horse’s weight 7-6. 'Mr O’Brien said that Ellis had elected - to ride Dictate some weeks back, and was still keen on the mount when lie left for Ellerslie last week, but has evidently changed his opinion of the horse’s prospects since the Te Rapa race. Although Dictate has always been partial to a yielding track he has not acted well in heavy going, and the conditions at Te Rapa on Saturday were right against him.

High Priced Filly At a recent sale of bloodstock at Newmarket (England), Lord Glanely paid 8100gns for the filly. Seaway, winner of the Chesterfield Stakes and the Cheveley Park Stakes. Seaway is by Fairway put of Cachalot, by Hurry On, paternal grandsire of Defaulter. Last season Miss Dorothy Paget paid the record price of 15,000gns for a yearling colt by Fairway. Valuable Purchases At the later stages of the December sales in England last week Mr S. Green made further purchases of mares for the Underbank Stud. He paid 1000 guineas for Sunshine Lady, by Solario (son of Gainsborough) from Love Oil, by Amadis from Paraffine Lass, by St. Frusquin from Yvonne, by Sheen from Phosphine, by Foxhall from Illuminata, by Rosicrucian. She is a half-sister to those good performers, Legatee and Trinidad, and to Hasty Love, the dam of Medieval Knight. For Young Lavinia Mr Green gave 1050 guineas. She is a well-bred young mare, by Gainsborough (son of Bayardo) from Passion, by Black Jester (son of Polymelus) from Radiancy, by Sundridge from Queen Elizabeth, by Ladas from •St. Elizabeth, by St. Simon. Mr Green has got together a most attractively bred lot of mares, and they should make valuable additions to the Underbank Stud. Valicare’s Death

Mr P. H. Osborne has lost his great mare Valicare, who died a few hours after foaling to the imported horse Cheveley Lad (says a Sydney writer). Valicare must be ranged with the great Australian mares, and was certainly one of the most brilliant. She was bred at the Arrowfleld Stud by Messrs W. and F. A. Moses, and was by" Valais (son of Cicero) from Courante, by Maltster (son of Bill of Portland) from Cross Step, by Stepniak from Firecross, by Patrol from Crossfire, by Goldsbrough from Powder, by Blin&hoolie. As a yearling Mr Osborne paid 1700 guineas for her. She started in 18 races for nine wins, three seconds, and two thirds, and the stakes won by her amounted to £12,335. When she retired to the stud her first mate was Magpie, to whom she bred the Cantala Stakes winner. Care Free, who has since become the dam of Royal Sceptre, a winner (dead-heat) of the last Breeders’ Plate. Valicare was then sent to New Zealand and mated with Night Raid to breed The Raider, who was a winner._ The Raider was followed by that brilliant filly Siren, who was by Salmagundi. Siren won the Edward Manifold Stakes, Wakeful Stakes, and Oaks. Siren was followed by Princess, a winner of two-year-old races last season. Mr Osborne is fortunate in having three good daughters of Valicare, in Siren, Care Free, and Princess, to carry on the Valicare line.

Starting Methods Discussed ' “In an interview after his return to New Zealand with the Metropolitan winner, Royal Chief, trainer F. D. Jones expressed the opinion that the starting on Sydney courses is better than in Melbourne.” says the Sydney “Referee.” He did not advance reasons, but his opinion cannot be passed over lightly by those people who are always clamouring for a different method of starting in Sydney. “These people, incidentally, are rather wide of the mark when they instance the satisfaction that walk-up starts give in Melbourne. If ever they go to Melbourne they will change their tune, for walk-up starts there are the exception, and not the rule. Only occasionally are they attempted. As a tule the horses are lined up at the barrier, and off they go. But there is this difference between the States, and probably Jones was referring to it' when he made his statement. “Many Melbourne races are marred by straggling starts, and, as one wellknown man remarked after his return from the Victorian spring carnival, ‘lt doesn’t seem to matter whether all the horses are in line; near enough appears to be good enough.’ He was speaking broadly, of course. But, while Australian Jockey Club starter, Mr J. Gaxieu, has his critics, his percentage of indifferent starts is low. “At times he has appeared over-leni-ent in the matter of riders persistent!/ trying to anticipate the start, and of others who apparently take no heed of the draw for positions, but a series of punishments for disobedience is cramping the style of offenders. “Mr Gaxieu’s patience with unruly horses, even after they have been sent to the outside, however, has sometimes been at the expense of well-backed and well-behaved runners, and this is still a sore point with some owners, trainers, and backers.”

Tongue Straps The trainers at Riccarton have recently been asked to sign a petition to the Racing Conference praying that the ban on the use of tongue straps be removed. The opinions expressed in writing on the petition suggest that no valid reason for prohibiting the straps can be advanced; but on the other hand it has been claimed by some that their use in races would not be dangerous or detrimental to a horse’s welfare. These straps are used on a horse who has developed the unfortunate habit of getting his tongue over the bit when racing, and once this occurs, it is almost impossible to control him or- pull him up. a process that causes them much suffering, certainly considerably more than that entailed by the use of the preventive gear.

TRACK WORK AT ELLERSLIE

SEMI-FINAL GALLOPS

(PBMS ASSOCIATION TBLBOBAM.) AUCKLAND. December 22. The semi-final gallops for the Auckland summer meeting took place at Bllerslie this morning. Some excellent efforts were recorded on the course proper, on which the poles were out 35 feet. The course was in excellent order and conditions were good, with the exception of a heavy shower during the breakfast interval. A feature of the work was a mile and a quarter oy four Auckland Cup candidates, in which Mazir and The Buzzer impressed most, while Quadroon also pleased. The best half-mile was credited to Submission and Smoke Screen, and those to register the best figures over five furlongs were Disdain and Valerian, while Marie’s Acre was responsible for a good trial over six furlongs.

Useful Tasks Trench Fight completed seven furlongs in Imin 30 4-ss#c, after taking 51 l-ssec for his first half. He was doing his work well at the finish. Paper Slipper, after running his first two furlongs in 24 4-ssec. was finishing on at the end of five in Imin 4sec. Coronation ran a mile in Imin 46sec, the first half taking 54sec. He had a little in reserve at the end.

Homily got to the end of six furlongs in Imin 20 2-ssec. She ran the first three in 38 2-ssec and was going comfortably over the latter stages. Wotan. a Chip candidate, hit out very freely while traversing half a mile in 50 l-ssec. He ran the first furlong in 12 4-5 sec, and finished full of running. Kelly led Knight of Australia and Efination over a mile and a quarter in 2min 17 2-ssec, the last round in 2mln Bsec and the final seven furlongs in Imin 33 3-ssec. Kelly worked well and showed no signs of his recent soreness.

Entail broke away at the seven furlongs post, and after running his first half-mile in 51 4-sse'c, covered the full distance in Imin 31 4-ssec. This horse looks well, but as yet no rider has been engaged for him.

Defaulter was going comfortably alongside Good Passage and Old Bill throughout seven furlongs in Imin 32 3-ssec, the first three in 39 l-ssec. It was a very satisfactory work-out. Thurnvaals came home from the six furlong post in Imin 22 2-ssec, and Valspear was running on at the end of five furlongs in Imin 4sec.

Cup Candidates One of the most interesting trials was that of Mazir, The Buzzer, Quadroon, and Padishah, who were in that order at the end of a mile and a quarter in 2min 13sec. The last round took 2min 3 l-ssec, seven furlongs Imln 32 l-ssec, and the final halfmile 52 3-ssec. Mazir was about half a length in front of The Buzzer, with Quarron close up and Padishah several lengths away. The performances of Mazir and The Buzzer are sure to bring them into favour for the Cup. Smoke Screen drew attention to his Railway Handicap prospects by reeling off half a mile in 49 l-ssec. He was going very solidly at the end and could have reduced the time.

Maries Acre. Gay Son, and Courtcraft ran six furlongs In Imin 17sec. Marie’s Acre was doing the best at the finish, though Gay Son, who had the worst of the weights, was not disgraced.

Juveniles Sprint Fast The two-year-olds Submission, Scandal, and Wapaugh finished as named at the conclusion of half a mile in 49sec. It was the best time of the morning over the distance, and Submission was revelling in her task at the finish. Willie Win and Dictate finished clear of Arctic King at the completion of a round in 2min 5 l-ssec. The last seven furlongs took Imin 31 l-ssec, and the last half-mile 53 l-ssec. Willie Win had something in hand, .though Dictate also pleased by his effort.

Disdain Impresses The best five furlongs of the morning was credited to Disdain, who finished clear of Surella in Imin 3sec. The first two furlongs took 24 3-ssec. and Disdain gave the impression that she could have done a good deal better. The unbeaten Valerian was In front of Silver Stick after traversing five furlongs in Imin 3 2-ssec, the first, two taking 25sec. Valerian is an exceptionally smooth galloper and should run well in his engagements next week.

The two-year-olds Heroic Maid, Pern, and Lutanist finished as named at the conclusion of five furlongs in imin 4 1-5 sec.

Among those to work on the No. 3 grass track were High Caste, Jack Tar, and Konneta.

EPSOM TRACK NOTES

INTERESTING TRIALS

fTHE PRESS Special Service.l AUCKLAND, December 22. At Epsom to-day Colonel Grattan, Toorak, and Lawn Derby set off from the two miles on the outside of the course proper, and a large attendance of spectators eagerly waited to see the speed turned on. The mile took 2min 27sec, the mile and a half 3min 40sec, but pressure was not applied, as they ran home in 4min 50sec. It was useful work for Toorak, who went very easily. Comfeiiora (Imin 13sec), Effie Parrish (Imin 12sec), Reception, and Romfin Chief (Imin Hsec), and Big Kauri were the other visitors to use •the grass. On the dirt some smart efforts were recorded. Noble Prince, who beat Forest Jewell and Lucky Love, went 3min 25sec, the last half in Imin ssec, time that was equalled by Star Pronto at the end of two miles in 4min 44sec.

Glorietta accounted for Eighteen Carat, Petite Jewel, 'and Gipsy Light in 4min 43sec, the last half in Imin 6sec.

Silver Watch never let Stargum or Handicapper up to him in 3min 27sec, the last half in Imin 7sec. Vandora beat Pukemiro in 3min 30 3-ssec, the last half in Imin 7 3-ssec.

Kewpie’s Bingen did well in going 3min 28sec with Whitstone, the last half in Imin Bsec, while Sequoia, who chased them from behind on the final lap, ran Imin 6 3-ssec. Bedford ran 2min 50sec, and Mandalay 2min 51sec, both showing Imin Bsec for the last half. Great Surprise trotted the last mile of two in 2min 20sec, Canadian taking 4min 53sec for the full journey.

Icevus, Harlequin, Sentiment, Gentleman Joe, and Franz Derby were allotted easy tasks. More southern horses are due to-morrow, and with the addition of Smith’s Takanini string on Saturday morning the final grass trials should have much interest.

HAWKE’S BAY J.C.

ACCEPTANCES

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) HASTINGS, December 22. Acceptances for the first day of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club's summer meeting are as follows:

WINGATUI NOTES

VALANTUA SHAPES WELL

HEAVY TRACKS IMPEDE WORK

(PBBSS ASSOCIATION TELEGBAU.) DUNEDIN, December 22. The weather was fine for the early workers at Wlngatui this morning, but cold rain fell before training operations concluded. The sand track provided fair going, but the horses that worked on the extreme outside of the course proper were getting into it fully hoof deep. Over the final furlong they were not going more than half-pace. The most interesting work-out of the morning was Valantua’s effort over 10 furlongs. He was sent fast over the first two furlongs, where he was picked up by Our Pal and Atiia Bere, and ran the first half-mile in 54sec. From the seven furlongs -barrier to the three furlong the trio were racing in close order and registered 54 2-ssec for half a mile. Valantua fan his last nine furlongs in 2min 2 4-ssec, and the last seven in Imin 35 3-ssec. This trial took place on the sand track, and in addition to showing Valantua up, also drew attention to Atua Here’s chance in the Trial Handicap.

On the Sand Violenta was easing up over the final stages in a five furlong gallop in Imin 10 2-ssec. New Note was under restraint throughout four furlongs in 60- 3-ssec. Moneymore was better than Knight Pal over the same distance in 53 3-ssec.

Nightwings and Peacock were companions over nine furlongs. They travelled fast over the first two furlongs, then were steadied, and ran the first six in Imin 34 l-ssec, and the full journey in 2min 15 2-ssec. Nightwings was drawing out at the end.

Camerino, who shaped well over a mile, ran the last seven furlongs in Imin 37 2-ssec.'

Georgia beat My Mistake over three furlongs in 40 2-ssec on the extreme outside of the course proper. - Pilot’s Love and Adina ran four furlongs along the back in 57sec. Straightdel and Tupai took Imin 17 3-5 sec to cover five furlongs, the latter shaping the better. Gusto and Song Boy took Imin 52sec to run seven furlongs.

Counterflight and Withdrawal finished together at the end of six furlongs in Imin 32 2-ssec.

Norseman was sent a circuit at a strong pace, finishing up the last three furlongs in 45sec.

Arrowvane, in receipt of over a stone, just beat Araboa home over five furlongs in Imin 16 4-ssec.

Dissemble was stopping badly at the end of half a mile in 62 2-ssec. Gold Don schooled well over three hurdles, easily his best effort to date.

AT AWAPUNI

WILD CHASE AND ARGENTIC IMPRESS

C?ttES3 ASSOCIATION TELEOEAM.) PALMERSTON N., December 22, Wild Chase, whose principal mission has been made the Manawatu Cup in preference to the Auckland Cup, was in great form this morning on the Awapuni track. Revelling in the soft going, he simply outclassed The Bigot, another Cup candidate, over seven furlongs. The course was dead after recent rain, and the flags were 40 feet out. Fine weather prevailed for what were practically the flnal gallops for the meeting. Trainers appreciated the improvement in conditions, as no time trials had been possible during the last two days.

' The Best Work Wild Chase and Argentic were responsible for the two best gallops of the morning, and promise to be a very fit pair on Saturday. Good gallops were also recorded by Laughing Lass. Counterblast. Royal Choice, and Corroboree. ■ Wild Chase had The Bigot for a companion over seven furlongs in Imin 35sec, the last six in Imin 21 l-ssec. They covered the distance between the six and five furlongs posts in 12isec. Wild Chase cleared out from. The Bigot at the end to finish very strongly. Argentic made better time. Imin 34sec, for seven furlongs, but did not finish with so much in reserve as Wild Chase. He was assisted by Haughty Winner, who picked him up at the five furlongs post, and ran the sprint distance in Imin Bsec. Laughing Lass continues to impress in work. She beat Oratory decisively over five furlongs in Imin 6 l-ssec—the best time of the morning for this distance.

Ecstatic went nicely over half a mile in 52 3-ssec to beat Copy Cat. Cheetah and Diamond Cutter, travelled smoothly over three furlongs In 40sec. Royal Chance covered the last six of seven furlongs in Imin 22sec, travelling very fast over the first three in 37Jsec. Counterblast ran five furlongs in Imin 7sec.

Le Bru finished in front of Vascones over half a mile in 54sec, the youngster galloping very well. Great Flight got to the end of five furlongs in Imin 9fsec. Dainty Sue was well clear of Royal Record over six furlongs in Imin 22sec. Snigger finished in front of Titter and Colonel Bogey over five furlongs in Imin 9Jsec. Old Surrey ran seven furlongs in Imin 36£ sec, but was not under pressure in the early stages. Taillight beat Golden Ridge over six furlongs in imin 22 4-ssec. Taillight is very well. Sporting Gift and Oriwai took imin Bsec for five furlongs, and were slowing up at the finish. Hirangi and Ned Prior occupied Imin lOJsec for the same distance. Bing Boy gave a very satisfactory display in a schooling round over the hurdles. Conveyer finished in front of Bumble over six furlongs in Imin 23sec. Corroboree, who had track conditions to his liking, finished full of running well ahead of Seyfried over seven furlongs in Imin 37Jsec, the last six in Imin 24sec. Jazz Boy was not extended to run five furlongs comfortably in Imin 9Jsec. . Florence Mills and Xna, both going very well, ran five furlongs in Imin 7 l-ssec. Duncannon was too good for Deflation and Classform over half a mile in 55sec.

TROTTING NOTES

Reminders Acceptances for the first day of the Canterbury Park meeting will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Acceptances for the first day of the Greymouth Trotting Club’s midsummer meeting will close on Thursday at 8 p.m. The first race at the Ashburton Trotting Club’s meeting on Monday next will be started at 11.45 a.m. Special trains will leave Christchurch at 9.20, 9.35, and 9.50 a.m. Bracketed Horses

Bracketed horses at the Ashburton Trotting Club’s meeting on Boxing Day will include the following;— Mitcham Handicap—Fire King and Violet Wrack.

Wakanui Handicap—Misdeal and Falaise; Braw Lass and Brown Tap. Ashburton Cup—lronside and Indianapolis; Parisienne and Lucky Jack. McLean Handicap—Wee Potts and Ace High. • Winslow Handicap—Walter Wrack and Pilot Peter; Bittersweet and Golden Eagle.

Boxing Day Handicap—Bonny Azure and Glenrossie; Parisienne and Lucky Jack. Penalties Aldershot and Shadowson, each a winner of a classic race, have earned a penalty for the New Zealand Champion Stakes at Ashburton on Monday and will start from 12 yards behind the rest of the field;

Auckland Trotting' Club Splendid fields will parade for the first day of the Auckland Trotting Club’s summer meeting, at which the Trotting Cup, of £IOOO, is the chief event. The fiejd is big as regards the limit brigade, but there is every indication of a splendid contest. Betting will be on the win and place system, and there will be three dividends in each race. The track promises to be good, and fast times may be a feature of the sport. The presence of Lawn Derby will give added interest, and he will attempt a grass track record on the second day.

Selby Trotting Race Elliotvale, Great Surprise, Glen Bingen, and Shirley’s Pal appear the best of the novice lot, but Gold Kip may hold the front line safe. Big Kauri will be improved after racing at Hamilton, and Llanvabon may do better on the right-handed course. Native Princess is useful, and Gentleman Joe and Reception have prospects. The order may be Big Kauri, Gold Kip, and Native Princess.

December Handicap Parishioner has raced consistently to earn 12 yards penalty, but it will not stop him from being well in the picture. Electric Ray is a good pacer, and Harlow is showing vast improvement. Kewpie’s Jewel is a prospect. Kewpie’s Bingen has a good chance. Fancies may be Electric Ray, Parishioner, and Harlow. Grandstand Handicap

Auckland speculators will not see Equipoise being defeated, but he will be tested by Connenora and Icevus, two very smart pacers. Civic is a prospect, and Vanora is regaining form, while Sir Frank is racing in a manner suggesting early success. Best support may be for Equipoise, Connenora, and Icevus.

The Auckland.Cup Fine Art will be favourite, and whatever beats him should win. Toorak has consistent form. Horsepower is to be respected, while Waipahi has a chance. Bexley Girl should make a good showing, while Kewpie’s King is back to his best form. Courage will assist Ken worthy, while Navy Blue, Our War, and Star Pronto are possibilities. Nervie’s Last is likely to go well. Investors may prefer Fine Art, Horsepower, and Toorak. Akarana Handicap

Adversity and Bedford have raced solidly from 36 yards in the slower classes and should take beating off the end. Chaise and Loyal Direct (twice) won at Hamilton, and Sentiment comes with good testimonials. Isabelle

Pointer is being awaited by many, and the veteran Gold Circle is racing in great style. Intrigue will not lack supporters, but the main fancies may be Adversity, Bedford, and Loyal Direct. Rowe Trot

The consistent Reception reads best of the limit lot, and Biworthy is a solid customer with a chance. Elissa is the fastest in the event, but erratic, and Arapai has a steady horse’s chance. The light penalty for his last win will help Great Sonoma, and J. T. Paul’s driving will benefit Mute. Those in demand may be Mute, Great Sonoma, and Pirate’s Last.

Christmas Handicap This is one of the difficult problems, as Lyn Rey, Marcus, Peter Smith, Silk Lady, Militia, Tommy McElwyn, Gentleman Joe, Gay Lady, and Stargum ere in winning form. Tangaroa, Lady Potts, and Kete Kura are striking form, and eyes will be on the Auckland Derby hope. Contender, who will make his first appearance as a three-year-old. Favourites may be Lyn Rey, Peter Smith, and Tommy McElwyn. St. Hellers Handicap

Although the field is a smart one, with good prospects for Forest Jewel, Royal Grattan, Bold Venture, Effie Parrish, and Bismuth off the end, the main attractions will be Van Derby and Uenuku as far as local talent goes. Van Derby only needs to go right to beat the rest, but any mistakes and Uenuku, Lucky Love, True Trust, and Precious Metal will be troublesome. The order may be Precious Metal, Van Derby, and Uenuku.

12.30 p.m.— MAIDEN RACE, of £ 100. Five furlongs and a half. st. lb. st. lb. Screen Lord 8 7 Charles Hugo 8 7 Po Atarau 8 7 Hillside 8 7 Malmetic 8 7 Royal Ace . 8 7 Arabic 8 7 Elettra 8 7 Byrda 8 7 Misty Bay . 8 7 Mimicry 8 7 Gold Chase 8 7 Halley 8 7 Lady Baron 8 7 Hunting Hunting Moments 8 7 Roya 8 7 1.15 p.m.— HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, of £100. One mile and a quarter. st. lb. st. lb. Red Rufus ,. 10 9 Boatsong 9 2 Sir Nigel . 10 0 Bothwell 9 0 Parry 10 0 Colenso 9 0 Illinois 9 5 Lady Stella 9 0 Taraha 9 5 Red Cockade 9 0 Patches 9 2 2 p.m.— HAVELOCK FLYING HANDICAP, of £100. Six furlongs. st. lb. st. lb. Hagen 9 6 Morning Lady Chat .. 8 8 Flight 7 7 Sternchase .. 8 5 Mimicry 7 7 Kathbella .. 8 3 Royal Ace .. 7 7 Bold Step .. 8 3 Wilful Lady 7 7 Earlscourt .. 7 13 Hunting Quilp 7 11 Royal 7 7 Diana Tetrix 7 11 Classical 7 7 Red Witch .. 7 9 Royal Spades 7 7 Greenore 7 7 Lady Baron 7 7 Red Hunting 7 7 2.45 p.m.— NEW YEAR HANDICAP, of £150. • One mile and a quarter. st. lb. st, lb. Big Dock .. 9 0 Trailer 7 0 Pladie 8 0 Misurina 7 0 Buster Felicitation 7 0 Brown 7 2 Blue Shirt 7 0 3.30 p.m.— JUVENILE HANDICAP, of £100. Five furlongs. st. lb. st. lb. Silver Bat .. 8 10 Hinerangi .. 7 7 Sleeveless .. 8 7 Madonna 7 7 Lord Midas 8 3 Authoress .. 7 7 Kobl 8 0 Tidal Lass .. 7 7 Hui 7 12 Flying Flag 7 7 Trench Law 7 12 River Tide .. 7 7 Sunola 7 12 Dainty Dell 7 7 ' City Song .. 7 7 Queen Ida .. 7 7 4.15 p.m.— STEWARDS* HANDICAP, of £125 Six furlongs. st. lb. st. lb. Joviality 9 0 Huntette 7 11 Flammarlon 8 10 Fosslcker 7 H Okawa 8 2 Nelutnbo 7 8 Solaria 7 13 5 p.m.— WAIPATU HACK HANDICAP, of £100. One mile anc one furlong. st. lb. st. lb. True 9 0 Reay Bridge 8 0 Patter 8 12 Centrepoise 8 0 Tycoon 8 5 The Ring 7 13 Gay Laura .. 8 5 Agog 7 12 Red Witch 8 3 Boatsong 7 11 Blue Shirt 8 0 Imogen 7 7