RACING AND TROTTING

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23494, 24 November 1941, Page 7

RACING AND TROTTING

RACING FIXTURES November 22—Southland R.C. November 29—Ashburton C.R C November 29, Dec. 1-Auckland R.C. November 29, Dec.a—Feilding J.C, December 6, B—Woodville D. J.C. December 13—Otaki-Maori R.C. December 13—Hororata R.C. December 13—Waipa R.C, December 20—Wairio J.C. December 26—Waipukurau J.C December 26. 27—Taranaki J.C. December 26, 27—Dunedin J.C. December 26, 27, 29—Manawatu R.C. December 26. 29, Jan. 1. 2—Auckland R.C. December 29—Westland R.C. TROTTING FIXTURES November' 29, Dec. I—Forbury Park T.C. December 6—Wairio T.C. December 6—New Brighton T.C. December 26—Ashburton T.C. December 26—Gore T.C. December 26, 27—Westport T.C. December 27—Winton T.C. December 27. 30. 31—Auckland T.C.

MATINEE RACING OWNERS AND BREEDERS HELP THREE CAUSES To raise funds for Christmas cheer for the crippled children, for the Plunket Society, and for the Makogai Leper Fund the Canterbury Owners’ and Breeders' Association held a most successful matinee !l?, e( r t , ing on Ibc New Brighton Trotting Club s track on Saturday. The weather was fine, the track in splendid order, and the programme included children’s pony events,' trotting races, and a draught horse derby. Gold Bar (A. Holmes) and Springfield Globe (R. B. Berry) gave an exhibition of pacing over a mile, and while the time, 2min 10 2-ssec. was not fast the last half-mile was done in Imin I Ar® seC- trotting events drew big fields and were keenly contested, and the draught horse derby, in which the competitors were ridden bareback by the best-known Riccarton jockeys, was won by C, T. Humphries, whose patience and tup steadiness of his mount earned a popular victory. Trophies ranging in value from £35 down to £2 had been given by Christchurch sportsmen and the fund received solid support from the different racing and trotting clubs. Results were as follows: ' CHARITY HANDICAP, 3min 49sec class. One mile and a half. Mr E, Berryman's LEE BERRY 84 R. Donald 1 Mjss J. and A. F. C. Rushton’s Lady Scott 72 ..A. F. C. Rushton 2 Mr H. Williams's Windsor Lad 60 Owner 3 Won by two lengths. Time, 3min 27sec. MAKOGAI HANDICAP, 3min 43sec class. One mile and a half. W. Warren’s b m JILL scr Owner 1 V. Leeming’s Integrity scr -.. Owner 2 W. Lewis’s Silver Flash 12 L. M. Lewis 3 Won by three lengths; two lengths between second and third. Time, 3min 22 2-ssec, PLUNKET HANDICAP, 3min 24sec class. One mile and a half. H. Rattray’s CLOCKWORK scr R. Donald 1 Cross Bros.* Gold Bank 12 L. O. Thomas 2 G, Aitcheson's Southern Smile 24 F. G. Holmes 3 Won by a neck; two lengths second and third. Time, 3min 16 2-ssec, FARRIER HANDICAP, For C grade drivers. 4min SOsec class. Two miles. E. J, Ahfield’s JACK SPRATT 36 C. Waters 1 W. Rogers’s Portfolio scr Owner 2 K. Smith’s Jill Tar 72 .. K. Smith 3 Won by a neck; two lengths between second and third. Time, 4min 46 l-ssec. HOSPITAL HANDICAP, 4min 56sec class. For trotters. Two miles. E. Ashcroft’s PEGASUS BAY 36 J. B. Pringle 1 R. H. Butterlck’s Echoist scr .. Owner 2 Misses M. and W. Madden’s Inquisition scr .. .. J. Bryce, jun. 3 Won by half a length; four lengths between second and third. Time, 4min 44sec. CHRISTMAS CHEER HANDICAP/' 3min Isec class. One mile and a quarter. Mrs F. Kingsland’s MORTLAKE J. B. Pringle 1 W. Parkinson's Serapeum G. S. Smith 2 J. M. Samson's Glenlee D. C. Watts 3 Won by three lengths; neck between second and third. Time, 2min 46 2-ssec. 1 NURSES’ HANDICAP, 2min 54sec class. One mile and a quarter. J. Brosnan’s NIGHTBEAM scr R. Donald 1 W. E. Sticklngs’s Blaydon scr C. Isaacson 2 Miss J. Cuff’s Southland scr D. C. Watts 3 Won by a length and a half. Time, 2min 44 l-ssec. WAIKATO T.C. KATENE WINS MEMORIAL (P.A.) AUCKLAND, November 22. The spring meeting of the Waikato Trotting Club was" held to-day at'Claudelands in ideal weather. The track was In splendid order and the totalisator handled £31,518 10s compared with £24,519 on the corresponding day last year. Results:— INTRODUCTORY HANDICAP, Of £135. 3min 49sec class./ One mile and a half. 6. S—GAYNOR 72 .. C. G. Smith 1 1. I—Roble scr .. L. N. Vernal! 2 7. 6—Frontier Boy 72 .. H, Garnett 3 6, 6 Arabin scr; 14, 15 Avalon Bingen scr; 7, 6 Crown Thorpe scr; 8, 12 Etta Girl scr; 7, 8 Flying Scott scr; 12, 11 Homo Guard scr; 11,14 Loyal Star scr; 2, 3 Paul Parrish scr; 10, 10 Soldier Sam scr; 5, 7 Tanworthy scr; 3, 2 Twice Worthy 12; 9, 0 Bara Avis 48; 13, 13 Gold Kip 60; 4, 4 Nfelson’s Glory 60 coupled with Esther 84 also started. . Won by two lengths; four lengths second and third. Times—3min 34sec, 3mln 40 2-ssec, 3min 36sec. EUREKA HANDICAP, Of £125. 3min ssec class. One mile and a quarter. First Division 3. 3—EXPORTER scr .. L. McMahon 1 2. I—Oxford scr .. M. Smith 2 19. 19—Silver Plane scr .. A. Norris 3 10, 11 Everest scr; 4, 5 Guiding Light scr; 8, 7 Joan’s Jewel scr; 16, 17 Kallula scr; 5, 4 Übakim scr; 6, 8 Master Lawn scr; 11, 12 Flambe scr; 12, 14 Shirwin scr; 18, 18 Winter scr: 16, 10 Rama Direct 12; 14, 10 Guide Peter 36 also started. Won by two lengths. Times—2mln B4sec, 2min 54 2-ssec, 2min sflsec. Second Division 2. I—EYENEW scr .. F. J. Smith 1 7. G—Press Gang 12 A. W. Broughton 2 21. 22—Plnnochio scr C. S. Prendergast 3 10, 11 Dulux scr; 1, 2 Gallant Pointer scr; 15, 15 Gay Spark scr; 4, 5 Right Ring scr; 22, 21 Our Find scr; 8, 7 Modern Parrish scr; 9, 9 Marminga scr; 20, 19 Sequoia scr; 12, 14 Lord Axworthy scr; 12, 13 Sonja Henie scr; 14, 10 Auto Bingen 24 also started. Won by a length and a half; four lengths second and third. Times—2min 47sec, 2min 40sec, 2min SOsec. TAMAHERE HANDICAP, Of £135. 3mln 49sec class. One mile and a half. 6. S—FLOWER POTTS scr R. August 1 2. I—Symphony 36 .. F. J. Smith 2 1. 2—Gallant Maid 12 .. R. Sim 3 3, 8 Katoomba scr; 8, 6 Koeslan scr coupled with Nawton Junior 48; 7, 4 Magic Task scr; 13, 11 Scottie Direct scr; 10, 12 Sewana scr; 6, 7 Auto Lad 12; 9, 9 Erua Peter 12; 12, 10 Cam' Derby 24; 11, 8 De Reske 24; 4, 5 Maratua 48 also started. Won by a head; three lengths and a half second and third. Times—3min 23 2-ssec, 3min 20 3-ssec, 3min 24sec. REID MEMORIAL HANDICAP, Of £325. 4min 38sec class. Two miles. 5. S—KATENE 24 .. Greenhorn 1 6. 6—Kinawley scr .. F. J. Smith 2 1. I—Double Peter 12; .. C. G. Smith 3 2, 3 Club King scr; 11, 11 Eighteen Carat scr: 8, 8 Proletarian scr; 10, 10 Kewpie’s Queen 12; 9, 7 Musketeer 12; 3, 2 Bronze Queen 36; 4, 4 Crucible 36; 12. 12 Noble Prince 60; 7, 9 Uenuku 72 also started. Won by a neck; two lengths second and third. Times—4min 27 3-ssec, 4mjn 29 4-ssec, 4min 29 3-ssec. RUKUHIA HANDICAP, Of £2OO. 4mln sGsec class. Two miles. 9. 9—NELSON CARBINE scr J. G. Gillard 1 5. B—Elliotvale scr .. J. Gee 2 2. 2—Dolores Silk 60 .. T. G. Martin 3 7, 6 Barney Bingen scr; 4, 4 Nelson’s Glory scr; 3, 3 Renegade scr; 1, 1 Worthy Worker 12; 8, 7 Glen Bingen GO; 6, 6 Worthy Treasure 84; 10, 10 Roi Grand 108 also started. Won by 10 lengths. Times—4mln 42sec, 4mln 46sec, 4min 44sec. KAIPAKI HANDICAP, Of £175. 4min A'Ssec class. Two miles. 1. I—PASSING BY scr G. T. Mitchell 1 4. 4—Franco 24 .. A. McGarry 2 3. 2—Cynic 24 .. .. C. Moran 3 1,1 Cyone Girl scr; 7, 8 Parrish Lad scr; 9, 9 Derby Lu scr; 11. 13 Ihi Ihl scr; 12, 11 Silver Watch scr; 6, 5 Sir Echo scr; 2, 3 Whanako scr; 10, 10 Albertinl 24; 13, 12 Handicapper 24; 5, 6 Royal Palm 24; 8, 7 Cloverdale 48 also started. Won by a length; neck: second and third. Time, 4min 31 3-ssec, 4mln 29 4-ssec, 4min SOsec. NGARUAWAHIA HANDICAP, Of £125. 3min 43sec class. One mile and a half. 2. I—OXFORD scr .. F. J. Smith 1 7. B—Rama Direct 12 L. J. Mahoney 2 9. 7—Modern Parrish scr L. N. Vernall 3 20, 17 Blush Worthy scr; 4, 4 Castella del Oro scr; 1. 2 Gamester scr; 17, 13 Gay Spark scr; 5, 5 Guiding Light scr; 18. 16 Kentucky Frank scr: 7. 10 Kewpie’s Crown scr; 8, 6 Lady Maxine scr; 14. 12 Rouge Flambe scr; 19, 19 Sequoia scr;

SOUTHLAND R.C.

FIDELIS WINS CUP (P.A.) INVERCARGILL, Nov. 22. The Southland Racing Club’s spring meeting was held in fine weather. ‘ The track was heavy. The totalisator handled £20,716 10s, compared with £20,195 last year. K. E. Wiison, rider of Top Spin in the Roslyn Trial Handicap, was suspended for one month lor causing interference with Hotch Potch. Results; — HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, Of £125. One mile. 6. 6—BLACK BARD 9-12 Boyle 1 4. 4—Prince Ruenalf 9-7 Anderton 2 1. I—Merryl—Merry Simon 10-5 Mackie 3 7. 7 Rosalecn Dhu, 3. 3 Great Swoop, 11. 11 Ocean Singer, 5, 5 Music Hall, 10, 10 Anglo' French, 4, 3 Feather Boa, 9, 9 Batsham, 2, 2 Georgia also started. Won by a neck; a length and a half between second and third. Georgia was fourth. Time, Imin 48 l-ssec. WAVERLEY HARNESS TROT, Of £135. 3min 43sec class. One mile and a half. First Division 3. 3—FERVENT 12 .. Cosgrove 1 12. B—Southern Wrack scr McLcllan 2 1. I—Flying Peggy scr Cross 3 10. 12 Buster 7, 7 Count Fosco, 6, 9 Dynamic, 18. 17 Perth, 19, 19 Sovereign Queen, 5, 5 Sunjoy also started. Won by three lengths. Recast was fourth. Times—3min 34 l-ssec, 3mln 34 4-ssec, 3min 35 2-ssec. ’ Second Division 2. 2—CERTAINTY scr .. Rushton 1 15. 15—Monaco scr .. Pringle 2 13. 13—Trevathan 48 .. Johnson 3 11, 13 Cummock, 14, 10 Egotist, 17, 13 Margaret, 4, 4 Silk Banner, 16, 16 Sturdy Travis. 17, 18 Two Crowns also started. Won by a neck; fifteen lengths between second and third. Silk Banner was fourth. Times —3min 35 3-ssec, 3mm 35 4-ssec, 3min 34sec. FLYING HANDICAP, Of £l5O. Six furlongs, , 22- BOAFORM 7-6 Cluttcrbuek 1 1. I—Fleet Street 8-2 Wilson \ 6. 6—Spanish Lad 9-0 E" l * o 4 4 Phalanx 7-12; 5, 5 Sea Lad 7-3; 3, 3 Colonel Rouge 7-0 also started. Won by three lengths; five lengths between second and third. Colonel Rouge was fourth. Time, Imin 17sec. ROSLYN TRIAL HANDICAP, Of £125. Six furlongs. First Division 1. I—PLATFORM 9-0 Maekio 1 12. 12—Elvena 7-13 J. R. Shaw 2 6. 4—Minton 8-6 .. Eilia 3 9, 8 Top Spin, 11. 10 Campus. 16, 14 Royal Brief, 7, 7 Hotch Potch. 5. 6 Princess Gainsborough, 17, 17 SalSbond, 8, 9 True Bond also started. , “ . Won bv three-quarters of a length; two lengths and a half , between second and third. Top Spin was fourth. Time, imin 13 4-ssec. , . , Second Division 2. 2—SALLY LUNN 8-6 W. Connor 1 13. 13—Red Feather 8-6 P. Spratt 2 4. s—Gold Sequin 8-11 .. Gibson 3 3, 3 Nihil. 11, 10 Harkun Singh, 16. 14 Fairy Bard, 15, 15 Melodist also started. SOUTHLAND CUP, Of £2OO. One mile and a quarter. 5. 4—FIDELIS 7-0 .. Wilson 1 4. 5-Strip 8-11 .. 2 2. 2—Heidelberg 7-8 .. Ellis 3 1, 1 Boswell, 6, 6 Wild Career, 3, 3 Aravanc also started. , .. Won by half a length; half a length between second and third. Aravane was fourth. Time, 2mtn 12 l-ssec. NEW RIVER TROT, Of £135. 3mln Isec class. One mile and a quarter. 14. 14—SUNNY DELL scr Botvin 1 10 10—Erin’s Country 24 Looney 2 11. 9—Brown Cloud 12 Creegan 3 13 13 Bonny Sandy, 6, 8 Bright Lass, 12, 12' Sir Dighton. 7. 8 Fransol, 16. 15 Jackie Coogan. 15, 16 Loyal Emblem, 2, 2 Lunch Hour, 3, 3 Play Safe, 4. 4 Punctual scr; 9. 7 Guinea Gold. 1, 1 Sea Born 12; 5,5 Scarlett O'Hara 24; 8, 10 Loyalist 48 also started. , „ , ~ . Won by two lengths; five lengths between second and third. Punctual \vas fourth. Times—2mln 55sec, 2mln 83 3-5 sec; 2min 55 2-ssec. STEWART ISLAND HACK HANDICAP, Of £125. Seven furlongs. 2. 2—SING SING 7-7 Clutterbuck 1 1, I—Royal Chorus 8-4 Spratt 2 5. s—lrish Ruler 7-7 Anderson 3 6. 7 Queen Beth, 10, 9 Eire’s Ruin, 9. 11 Southern Wave, 8, 8 Black Ban! 4, 4 Filibeg, 3, 3 Dark Colleen, 7, 6 Bantas, 12. 12 Knight of Old, 11. 10 Gambler’s Luck also started. , ~ , , Won by three lengths and a half; a head between second and third. Filibeg was fourth. Time, Imin SOsec. TRADESMEN’S HANDICAP, Of £l5O. One mile. 1. I—ANGLO1 —ANGLO IRISH 7-9 Ford 1 5 s—Bow Street 7-8 .. Wilson 2 3. 3-Lady Don 7-7 .. Anderson 3 2, 2 Islay Downs, 6, 6 Phalanx, 4, 4 Lord Puck also started. Won by two lengths and a half; naif a length between second and third. Phalanx was fourth. Time, Imin 45sec. OWNERS AND TRAINERS. Do you want to be certain that your horse will leave the oarrier and see out the distance? If so, consult GEORGE BETTLE, Consulting Chemist. 769 Colombo street. Christchurch. Call or write and give full particulars. GEORGE BETTLE has had over 20 years’ experience with racehorses. ..

TURF GOSSIP

Reminder Acceptances for the Ashburton County Racing Club's summer meeting close to-morrow at 8 p.m., with the secretary, ’phone 61. —6 Riccarton The No. 1 grass track and the plough were open for work at Riccarton on Saturday. A number of horses due to race at Ashburton this week were out, but there was not much excitement about the proceedings, most of them being so forward that they are not in need of much fast galloping. Postponed Owing to heavy rain on Saturday, the second day Of the Levin Racing Club’s meeting was postponed until to-day. Hurdler for Feilding M. Conza has kept Roy Bun in strong work since he raced at Riccarton and he is very fit at present. He will leave this week for Feilding, where R. J. Hawes will ride him in the hurdle events. Caretaker is a recent addition to Conza’s team. She is a six-year-old Lord Warden mare, who has been spelling for more than a year, after having a few races, without any success, two seasons ago. A Shortened Trip C. T. Wilson and L. J. Ellis arrived home on Saturday, after riding, on only one day of the Levin meeting. They changed their plans in order to avoid transport troubles, and it proved a wise decision, as the trip would have been unduly extended had they waited for the second day’s racing, which had to be postponed. New Colours The three-year-old filly, Lone Bird, will race in new colours at Ashburton, as Mr H. Linley, of Wellington, -has leased her from Mr J. H. Grigg. She will remain in G. Ridgway’s stable and L. J. Ellis will ride her at Ashburton. . fmart Galloper J. C. Tomkinson has Synthetic in work and he looks in good health. He had a spell for six months, but he was hacked about the roads for a few weeks before he returned to Riccarton, so he should be ready for racing by Christmas. Spelling , , The three-year-old colt, Bascule, who wrenched his off hind fetlock in the Canterbury Cup, is making a good recovery, but as he lost a lot of condition he will not be fit to resume racing till autumn. By that time he should add to the interest in some distance .races, as he has shown that he can stay. A Staying Hack Ackemma has left Riccarton, as she has been sold. She was sent to Gore last week, to join J. R. Cochranes stable. She is an Irish Lancer mare, with some, promising form while trained at Riccarton by A. S. Ellis. Another Trial Pride of Campsie, a four-year-old mare by British Empire, is back in R. Register’s stable. She was shaping well last autumn, but a spell became necessary when she contracted a chill, after having one race. She may have her next outing at Hororata. A Useful Pair ~ Irish Treasure will race at Ashburton, after which A. S. Ellis will get her ready for holiday racing at the Dunedin, Waikouaiti and Oamaru meetings, where Rawhamai will be her mate. These two look on the way to success. ' Unlucky" ~ „ . The Trcntham three-year-old Kevin was galloped on in the Stonyhurst Handicap and T. R: George has found it necessary to spell him. This is unfortunate for all concerned, as the Martarma colt looked like being useful during the holiday meetings. Paper Money Winner Pioneer, winner of the maiden two-year-old race at Flemington on Saturday is owned by Mr F. C. Christie, formerly resident in Central Otago but more recently in Hawke’s Bay. tShe colt is by Paper Money—Mudlark, so he is a brother to Jolly Time, a smart Riccarton ‘ hack. Pioneer was brought to Riccarton in August and was shipped to Melbourne, with another two-year-old and a three-year-old, soon after the Grand National meeting. Quick Return Mr A. W. Ebbett, of Hamilton, has had marked success in a recent venture as an owner. After the Avondale meeting in September he purchased Erndale, an aged gelding by Lapidary. Five days later the horse won at Te Aroha and on Labour Day he took the Members’ Handicap at the Waikato meeting. After being third at Ellers-, lie, he was second on the opening day at Tc Rapa, where he won the Hamilton Handicap last week. Since he started his racing for Mr Ebbett, Erndale has competed seven times, his three wins and two places bringing in £IOOO. Later in the season he will be given a chance to distinguish himself over hurdles, l Return to Form Saint Tor, surprise winner of the Mako Mako Handicap at Levin had not wolf a race since his brilliant vietory in the Hastings Stakes in the spring of last season. As a result he was favourite for the Wellesley Stakes but injured himself before the start and finished last. He is by Leighon from Saxony, a member of the speedy Formless family. Recent foalings to Leighon include colts from Gay Sonnet, Lackalady, and Palanquin. and fillies from Lady Rene, Polistina, Adieux, Culotte, Malvasia, Lady Pim, and Saucy Sally. AUSTRALIAN RACING WARWICK FARM MEETING (UPA.) SYDNEY,'November 23. The Warwick Farm meeting was held at Randwick yesterday. Results:— HORSLEY HANDICAP, of £400; six furlongs.—RADlCAL 8-5. Bartle, 1; Henchman 8-1, Terrill, 2; The Miller 8-0, Young, 3. There were 15 starters. Won by a neck. Time, Imin llsec. WARWICK HANDICAP, of £400; one mile and a quarter.—ARISTOCRAT 7-8, Cook, 1; Serenata 8-1, Bartle, 2; Breeze 6- Podmore, 3. There were six starters. Won by half a length; two lengths second and third. Time, 2min 4sec. The New Zealander, Foxsen, was unplaced in the Leumeah Handicap. FLEMINGTON MEETING MELBOURNE, November 23. At the Victoria Amateur Turf Club’s meeting at Flemington yesterday, results were as follows: ECLIPSE STAKES, of £1400; one mile and a haIf.—LUCRATIVE 9-3, Purtell, 1; High Road . 7-9, Ralph, 2; El Golea 8-12, Creighton, 3. There were 11 starters. Won by two lengths and a half; half a length second and third. Time, 2min 32isec. ROSSTOWN PLATE, of £350; six furlongs.—ALL VEIL 9-9, Badger, 1; Orteh 7- Mornemcnt, 2; Orcadian 7-4, Percival, 3. There were 15 starters. Won by a length and a quarter: length and threequarters second and third. Time, Imln l2Jsec.

12, 18 Shirwin scr; 15, 14 Winter scr; 3, 3 Press Gang 12; 10. 8 Auto Bingen 24; 12, 15 Bingen Fashion 36; 14, 11 Guide Peter 36 also started. Won by a length and a halt. Tunes—3min 28 4-ssec, 3min 28 4-ssec, 3min 30 WAIPA HANDICAP, Of £lB5. 2mln 53sec class. One mile and a quarter. 4. 4—MUNGA TANGI 12 C. M. Morrison 1 6. 6—Clay Pot scr .. G. Paton 2 2. 2—Young Parry 12 .. A. Cameron 3 1, 1 Belfast Jack scr coupled with Lynn Roy 12; 5, 5 Bedford 12; 7, 7 Eighteen Carat 24; 3, 3 Kinawley 36 also started. Won by half a length. Times—2mln 42 2-ssec, 2min 42 3-ssec, 2min 42sec.

Rowing Race Postponed—The annual rowing race which was to have taken place to-day between Christ's College and Wanganui Collegiate School has been postponed to Tuesday. December 16, because of the altered ferry service.

TROTTING NOTES

An Early Return Passing By was sent to Auckland with A. Henderson’s team two months ago and was purchased by Mr W. Hosking. Previously trained by J. Bell, jun., Passing By is a six-year-old mare by Wrack from Doll Dance. She was not long in repaying some of her purchase price, and her win at the Waikato meeting oh Saturday may be only the forerunner of several others. Another horse recently sent from Canterbury to Auckland is Gaynor, who won the opening event at Waikato. She was bred and was raced in the South Island by T. Smith, who for a long period has been actively interested in trotting. For Maiden Pacers It is probable that the programme for the Canterbury Park Club’s meeting in February will include a race for maiden pacers, and in the event of a division race each section will be worth £l5O. Owners and Trainers Assist Owners and trainers joined wholeheartedly into the spirit of the charity meeting at New Brighton on Saturday, and for the seven races decided nofewer than 112 nominations were received, which, at 10s each, provided a solid contribution to charity. Not only were the nominations liberal, but the starters were numerous, and drivers showed a keenness to win the good trophies presented. The introduction of a C grade drivers’ race Was an excellent one. and the young horsemen showed that, given the chance, they are quite capable. There is a prospect of races for C grade drivers being included in more than one programme in the next few months. Mortlake Improves Mortlake has not always proved himself the genuine article in his races, but at New Brighton on Saturday he paced out smartly in the Christmas Cheer Handicap, and was in front to the end without a suggestion of a mistake. The track was fast, but from a 3min Isec mark Mortlake registered 2min 46 2-ssec, and Glenlee, the third horse, 2min 44sec. Another exhibition like this may find Mortlake on the winning list. Blaydon Improves The Nurses’ Handicap, the final event at New Brighton, provided a good race, with Nightbeara a winner in 2min 44 l-ssec. He was driven by R. Donald, and in second place was Blaydon. at one time in C. S. Donald’s, stable, but during recent months trained by C. Isaacson at New Brighton. Unsoundness has been Blaydon’s trouble, but in this race he pulled uo apparently sound. Blaydon is a brilliant pacer, and if he can be kept on his legs he will win more than one race, Josedale Grattan There are few chances for Josedale Grattan in Auckland at present, and very few opportunities for a horse of his class in the South Island. It is possible that his next appearance on a racecourse will be in a race against the grass track record of 2min 0 2-ssec held by Van Derby. The attempt will probably be made at the Auckland Trotting Club's summer meeting. .