TURF GOSSIP

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22661, 16 March 1939, Page 14

TURF GOSSIP

Reminder Acceptances for the first day of the Oamaru Jockey Club’s summer meeting will close at 8 p.m. to-day. Attractive Programme at Waimate The Waimate Racing Club has received the best acceptances for its annual meeting on Saturday for . many years. The fields will not only be larger, but class will be strongly represented, and with the promise of a good track after last week’s rain, the racing should be full of interest. The Waimate fixture has always attracted a large gathering of racegoers from all parts of Canterbury and from Otago, and a record assemblage is expected bn Saturday. Intending patrons from towns north of Waimate will be able to travel by a special train leaving Christchurch at 6.33 a.m., and arriving in the city on its return at 11.6 p.m. Good Prospects The Buoyant Bachelor three-year-old, Prime Quality, had only one race at New Plymouth, and lost by a neck through being forced out at the homo turn. He is to be at Trentham this week with other members of O. Cox's team, and will contest the high-weight event to-morrow. His mission on the second day is the champion hack race. Disappointed . There was support at New Plymouth for the three-year-old filly Mazy, in the maiden events, but she did not justify it in either start, though she was badly away on the first day, losing aIT chance. Mazy is a three-year-old by Lord Warden from Mazatuko. and is a half-sister to Superex and Mazamarch. She is trained by W. H. Dwyer at Wanganui for Mr G. Lupton. Back to Riding F. R. Foster has relinquished training at Pukekohe, and intends to confine his activities to riding. Foster, who is now settled at Ellerslie, is a very capable rider, both on the flat and over fences, and is not likely to lack mounts at the coming meetings. Weight-Carrying Successes Some big weights have been successfully carried in the Thompson Handicap. When Waiuku won for the third consecutive year he carried 10-3. Boreas won under 9-9, and so did Sasanof and Arrowsmith. Reremoana won his second success in the race under 9-8, Gay Crest and Autopay with 9-4, and Silver Ring with the record burden of 10-6 in 1936. Made the Grade Te Huia left a good impression when he led all the way with 9-9 in a hack race on the first day at Taranaki, and there was plenty of support for him when he tackled the open sprinters on Saturday. In this event he scored an easy win and it was not all due merely to his ability to handle the greasy track better than his opponents. Te Huia is a full brother to Silk Sox, a good class hurdler. Te Huia was tried as a hurdler 12 months ago, but was too ke-.n and appeared likely to knock himself about. Like Silk Sox, he may do well on the flat»before finally being put to hurdling. Well Bred Mare Dawn Star, winner of the maiden event on the opening day at New Plymouth, is a five-year-old chestnut mare by Lord Warden from Gold Dawn, who is a sister to the consistent-performer fright Glow. Dawn Star showed much promise when tried three seasons ago, but. went wrong. She was paraded last Thursday with an ugly, knee, and was above herself in condition, but she led practically all the way. : On Saturday, under handicap conditions, she was the first horse beaten. Another Siegfried Winner One. of the most improved horses to graduate from the maiden ranks lately is Fiancee (Siegfried—Betroth), who carries the colours of Mr H. E. Card, of Wanganui,, at one time owner of The Banker. ■ She has built up a good deal and her irtlprovement in physique induced many to support her in the novice handicap at New Plymouth bri Saturday. The class she had to deal With was not strong, but she disposed of them with the greatest of ease; in fact, her rider treated the opposition as though the filly had no chance of. being beaten. His view was correct, for, after waiting till inside the last furlong, she walked past them and won with ease. Eiahcee is bred to be something more than a sprinter and her performance at Taranaki suggested that she would run a good seven furlongs or a mile. “Melancholy Story” Mr G. J. Barton, who recently arrived at Melbourne for the autumn racing, expressed some interesting opinions to an interviewer. The report states; “Mr Barton is one of the few New Zealanders who does not consider that Defaulter would beat Ajax. ‘Defaulter is good,’ said Mr Barton, ‘but he is not as good as Ajax, who is the best horse over a short course I have ever seen. I cannot imagine any horse beating him.’ Mr Barton had rather a melancholy story to tell about racing in the Dominion. He said that it made New Zealanders miserable to see Australians buying all the best yearlings at the national sales at Trentham. The high prices were in the main caused by the competition among the Australians themselves. The action of the Government in preventing money leaving New Zealand is worrying to men with interests outside the Dominion, and Mr Barton added that unless owners had-credits in Australia it was almost impossible to send horses to Australia to race.” , Unlikely Starter / It is. understood that Smoke Screen is an unlikely starter in the Thompson Handicap to-morrow. Up till last week-end D. Marks'was experiencing difficulty in securing a suitable rider for him.

At Westport Riccarton stables are represented by the following in the list of nominations for the Westport Jockey Club’s meeting on April 1 and 3:—Aggravate, Comus, Lord Hawke, Phenomenal, Nplana, Real Lady, Skyrena, Pladie, Studley Royal, Palmyra, Rebel Queen, Capital, Rebel Rank, Shangri La, 'Pol Roger, >ai\d Passenger.

The Juveniles Moorsotis will be put to his first serious test in the Pacific Handicap. There is a tendency in the North Island to overlook southern two-year-old form, but in Moorsotis, Trentham racegoers will see a good-class youngster with decided staying ability,-and trackwatchers will be surprised i- he is not on hand at the end of the six furlong journey. He won the Middle Park Plate and his race at Wingatui at the right end, and the straight six tomorrow will suit the long-striding colt. Scold does not make appeal in this company as she appears to be too slow over the early part, while Not Out, although likely to attract attention by his good looks, will lack experience. His turn will come later. Sole Candidate The first horse from south to parade will be Improvident in the Trial Plate, and although he will be up against some smart gallopers from the North Island, including recent winners in Ruling Star and Yours Truly, his chance must be seriously considered. A Select Riccarton Team Riccarton stables have been strong supporters of the Wellington Racing Club’s meetings for 'many years, and the representation from the centre for this week’s autumn fixture is well up to the high standard of previous teams. Invariably a good share of the stake money is lifted by the visitors, and on this occasion indications point to them returning with honours. Practically all of the winding-up work of the horses engaged has been done on grass tracks, and the trouble experienced by many Riccarton horses on previous visits to Trentham during the summer months caused by the sudden change from galloping on a plough track to a firm grass surface will not be this time in evidence. It is thus safe to suggest that all of the contingent can be depended upon to race prominently. Unfortunately from a speculation point of view, difficulty will be experienced in selecting the right horses to follow, as with the exception of the opening event, Riccarton has more than one representative in each race, and in two races as high as four. Classic Aspirant Capricious will carry the southern banner in the St. Leger Stakes. She has won her two recent races by staying on, and bred as she is, by Night Raid from Egotism, there is every reason to expect her to see out tomorrow’s journey. She will certainly be well tried out by the two colts, Beaupartir and Coronation, but is likely to take part in the finish. The Thompson Handicap Royal Chief will no doubt be in keen demand for the Thompson Handicap. He has not been weighted out, and has done well su.ce racing at Dunedin, but may be handicapped by the fast pace which is certain to be set from the outset. Reasonably well placed, however, over the first two furlongs, he will make his presence felt over the business stages. Although Royal Chief won over a mile at Wingatui last month, his form was far below what he attained in Australia, but he has gone on the right way since, and incidentally has had a good deal of his final work on grass tracks. Trench Fight must be considered handily placed with 8-8, and it might be the handicapper has taken a risk with him. A mile journey will be to liis advantage, as over longer distances, it has always been necessary to restrain him early. He is certain to go to the front to-morrow, and no doubt his rider will allow him to run his own race. In that case, he will be a source of trouble to the remainder. Haughty Winner is also engaged in the Railway Handicap, but it would seem as if he will start in the big mile event. North Island racegoers saw him in winning action in January, and although he failed twice since, he will be in the right order for the ordeal. Dictate has come into favour since his good race at Motukarara, and his attractive gallops since. He is generally a tough proposition, when fit, over a mile journey, and on this occasion makes appeal as a place-getter. The four representatives are all deserving of strong support, but Trench Fight may prove to be the best of them. A Solid Filly Great. Flight has every credential to be one of the favourites for the Tinakori Hack Handicap. Her four Wins to date have all been attractively accomplished, and she has been improving all the time. She will be opposed by some strong North Island hacks, but over seven furlongs she must have bright prospects of adding to her good record.

The Railway Handicap Counterblast has always raced well at Trentham, and the favourable going to-morrow will suit her even better than when she won on her trip there in January. Haughty Winner will no doubt attract attention should he. be reserved. Density will be an interesting candidate, as she won two races in a decisive manner on her visit to Trentham in January, and has done some outstanding sprints in the last few weeks. She can command such a burst of speed that she is certain to be one of the leaders, if not the actual pacemaker well into the -run home, but the last few chains may find her out. Lady Leigh is also a light-weight possibility, and will have going in her favour. From a staying point of view, she may be one to beat Density home. Counterblast is likely to carry most South Island support. Wild Talk Appeals Should Great Flight win the Tinakori Hack Handicap, her stable-mate, Wild Talk, will be in keen favour for the Silverstream Hack Handicap, as both have been galloping together for some weeks, and there has been nothing between them. Wild Talk raced well at Trentham in January, and filled a close second place to Moorsotis in the Middle Park Plate, her last race. Waka is also eatitled to respect in this race. He was prominent on his last two trips to Trentham, but always after having had a race at the meeting. Wild Talk is certain to carry the confidence of southern visitors. TROTTING NOTES Reminder Nominations for the New Brighton Challenge Stakes will close at 5 p.m. to-day. Cheviot Trotting Club The win and place, not the single pool, system of betting will be in operation at the Cheviot Trotting Club’s meeting on Saturday. The totalisator investments at the Cheviot Trotting Club’s meeting last year totalled £6709. With good fields of fair quality horses this total should be exceeded at Saturday’s fixture. Answers to Correspondent J. N., Spreydon.—(l) On September 4, 1937, Worthy King (G. Caddy) won the Electric Handicap, of one mile, at New Brighton in 2min 21 3-ssec. The track was heavy. (2) Helen’s Bay has yet to win at Addington. (3) Writing. Record Classic Entries The entries lor the" New Zealand Sapling Stakes, 1940, New Zealand Champion Stakes, 1940, and the New Zealand Futurity Stakes, 1941, are a record for the Ashburton Trotting Club, according to a report made to the committee of the club on Monday evening. The secretary (Mr J. B. Nicoll) reported that the entries for the three events totalled 364, compared with 298 last year. Ashburton Trotting Club Arrangements for the Ashburton Trotting Club’s meeting, which will be held at Addington on April 1 because of alterations to the Ashburton racecourse were confirmed at a meeting of the committee on Monday evening, when Mr H. F. Nicoll presided. The admission charges will be as follows: Admission to course 2s; lawn enclosure (men) ss, (women) 2s 6d; cars Is. The first race has been timed to start at 12.8 p.m. The Ashburton Silver Band has been engaged to provide the music, and arrangements have been made to broadcast a running description of each event. Transport to Cheviot A special passenger train will leave Christchurch for Cheviot on Saturday at 8.20 a.m. Passengers from Bryndwr, Styx, Chaneys, Flaxton, and Southbrook should travel to Rangiora by the 7.1 t a.m. train from Christchurch and join the 8.20 train at Rangiora. A special fast train, taking horses and attendants, will leave Christchurch at 6.30 a.m. The passenger train will leave Mina on the return journey at 5.50 p.m. and is due at Christchurch at 8.55 p.m. Southland 'Notes Jimmy Bond, engaged in the Perry Handicap at the Wyndham meeting, is a six-year-old , gelding by Worthy Bond from Gipsy Lee, and this will be his first start. Gipsy Lee is also engaged in the same race. It is not often that a mare and one of her pro-

ducei meet in a race off the same mark. Starting times at the Wyndham meeting on Saturday are as follows: 12.30 p.m.. Ferry Handicap; 1.40 p.m., Trial Handicap; 1.50 p.m., President’s Handicap; 2.30 p.m., Wyndham Cup; 3.10 p.m.. Juvenile Stakes; 3.50 p.m., Menzies Handicap; 4.30 p.m., Edendale Handicap: 5.10 p.m.. Final Handicap. Bankstock, who is to make his first appearance in a race at Wyndham, is a three-year-old gelding by Worthy Bond from Lovematch, the dam of Gold Bank, also by Worthy Bond. With Debenture, Gold Bank, and Sydney Grand this maternal line has been much in evidence in Southland this season, and Bankstock is also considered capable of holding his own. He is trained by W. A. Thomas,

The Wyndham Cup * The Wyndham Trotting Cup Handicap to be run on Saturday has drawn one of the strongest fields ever to ■ contest a race of this class in Southland. Vinola, who was narrowly beaten by Gentleman Joe in the Southland Handicap, will be given a chance to make amends, although the opposition on Saturday will be even stronger. The. merit of Vinola's second placing can be gauged from the fact that it was one of the fastest run two mile events in Southland in recent years. Night Voyage should be held safely by Vinola, as also should Tritoma, College Boy, and Embark. Coherto is quite capabe of making a race of it, as he retains all the speed he showed as a three-year-old, but an inclination to break in his races makes it impossible to recommend him. Tne square trotter, Parrish Guide, is set a difficult task, but Gay Lady, a winner at Timaru on Saturday, as well as at Invercargill the previous week, is almost certain to be one of the favourites. The manner in which she finished on at the end of a mile and five furlongs when she beat Kid Wolf by half a head points to her seeing out a solidly-run two miles. She is a brilliant mare, and in her present form must be one of the favourites. Two other Canterbury representatives in King Potts and Mazaire will be favoured. King Potts has shown himself to be a young pacer above the average, and well up to the opposition he will meet here. Mazaire has some useful performances to his credit, but will require to improve on anything he showed at the last Forbury meeting. Sydney Grand has the best credentials of the handicap lot.* He won the Winton Cup in decisive style, and off 12 yards in this field should be one of the hardest to beat, as he is an out-and-out stayer. Gay Avon was a good fourth in the Southland Handicap, but Vinola should beat her again. Vinola and Sydney Grand read as the best of the Southlanders, but they will be well tried by Gay Lady and King Potts, and this quartet is likely to be given most consideration at this stage.