DUNEDIN SPRING MEETING

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25299, 26 September 1947, Page 4

DUNEDIN SPRING MEETING

RACING

TRIDENT APPEALS IN MCLEAN STAKES

LORD DUNDONALD IN PRINICPAL RACE

Although not the principal event on the programme, the McLean Stakes promises to provide the chief interest on the first day of the Dunedin Jockey Club’s spring meeting at Wingatui to-morrow. With eight runners in the race, Riccarton stables will have by far the strongest representation, and track work indicates that more than one of them has good prospects. Over such a short distance as four furlongs luck in being drawn close to the rails and a good start mean the difference between success and failure. A two-year-old of the brilliance of last year’s winner, Excellency, can overcome the handicap of being drawn away from the rails, but horses of her sort are few and far between.

In recent years southern two-year-olds have dominated the McLean Stakes. The last Riccarton-trained winner was Doria, which won in 1939. Indications are that the two-year-olds at Riccarton are a good lot. Two that impress as being above the average are Magical and Trident, which are trained by F. D. Jones and G. Ridway respectively. Magical will be one of the biggest youngsters in the field, and probably the best-looking. In his track work Magical has always appeared to have the edge on his stable-mate, Musselman, and acts like, an old horse. For his size he begins well and reaches his speed quickly. Musselman shows promise, and as he begins well his prospects must be considered.

Trident has been allowed to show her paces on a few occasions only, but on those few occasions slie has left no doubts about her brilliance. She has an ideal racing temperament, and with the services of L. J. Ellis is likely to be one of the favourites. She will be bracketed with Robin Redbreast, a robust little colt which is certain to be a good finisher even if he does not possess his stable-mate's brilliance.

Another promising colt is Card Money, which won his division in the two-year-old parade at the Grand National meeting. He is well forward, and comes from the same family as the brilliant Gold Tinge. Finigan is an attractive colt that will be better later in the season. He sprints well but may not be quite as brilliant as Trident. Top Deck is a small colt that reaches his speed quickly, but he may not be as solid as some of his opponents. The remaining Riccarton candidate is Balkis, a Sir Beau filly which has sprinted well on the tracks, but does not appear to be as brilliant as Trident. Most favoured of the southern youngsters is likely to be St. Bruno, which is very forward and has shown to advantage in two appearances in two-year-old parades. He is a compactly-made Salmagundi colt trained by H. A. Anderton. Two other Wingatui candidates that have impressed are Sir Abbot and Achieve. Both are well forward. The Invercargill F. W. Ellis will be represented by Shadamai, which has shown distinct promise in his training, but unfortunately It is reported that he looked as if he was developing a cold last week-end. Two that may not be as forward as some of the others are King Gundi and Bay Gundi. Lord Dundonald’s Prospects

Although it has drawn only eight runners, the Ranfurly Handicap, the principal fiat race of the day, should be well contested. After his successes in the Duke of Gloucester Cup at Riccarton and the Tally-Ho Handicap at the Otago Hunt Club’s meeting, Lord Dundonald is the probable favourite. He has been running out his races in solid fashion, and is still handily placed in the handicaps. The top-weight. Signal Officer, has not raced since last January. Though he may need a race to bring him to his best, he is capable of winning at the weights. At his best he is the class horse of the field. Joygiver has dropped a few pounds in the weights and must have good prospects. He ran fourth in the Tally Ho Handicap at his last start and now meets the winner. Lord Dundonald, on 91b better terms.

Salmon Spear gave promise of high class form last year, winning five races and finishing out of a place only once in his 12 starts. He is inclined to pull hard and this will be against him when fresh. He may need racing to bring him to his best. Boolamskee looked in excellent order when given a gallop between races at Geraldine last week, and the Grand National Hurdles winner is likely to give a good account of himself. In his last two starts on. the flat he. finished fourth in the Claremont Handicap at Washdyke (won by, Lord Dundonald). and won the Jumpers’ Flat Handicap at Riccarton. Ju is one of the most solid stayers in the field. Hakim has not shown any form since he went to Wingatui to be trained, and on his form at the Grand National meeting he would need to show tremendous improvement to be a possibility. His prospects would be enhanced by a soft track. Brockie ran second to Tweedside at Ashburton at his last start after having none the best of the running, but consistency has not always marked his efforts. Hansel was running on in fourth place in the Geraldine Cup, only two lengths behind the placed horses, and little improvement would be necessary for him to play a prominent part in th® finish.

Lorna Leigh, winner of the August Handicap at Riccarton at her last start, is likely to prove a tough proposition for the open sprinters in the Telegraph Handicap. The manner in which she outclassed the opposition at Riccarton last month indicated further successes for her this season. The top-weights, Wantwood and Red Pickle, are making their first appearance for the season, but the latter is capable of winning first up. After his success at Geraldine last week, Cipher will be in favour. When in form the grey Nizami gelding is a capable sprinter. Deep Harmony is likely to be prominent if in the right mood, and another Riccarton candidate in Mysterious Melody is capable of a good showing.

Riccarton riders’ engagements are:—A Stokes, Coral Arc, Deep Harmony, Kartikeya, Stabilisation; L. J. Ellis, Trident, Bay Fort, Glen Cona; G. G. Hampton, Hansel, Leeston, Top Deck, Golden Hope; H. N. Hibberd, Pageantry, Aganev; C. McDonald, Magical, Palm Bearer, Zorro; R. W. Shaw, Musselman, Stand To; H. Ford, Detract, Boolamskee, Lorenzo; J. J. Dougherty, Carry On, Finigan; M. Jones, Cipher; J. L. Stove, Sir Saladin. Card Money; M. McClintock, Balkis. Horses that may be favoured include:— 11 a.m—Spring Hurdles: Wee Mac, Court Dress, Foreign Ways. 11.45 a.m.—Trial Handicap: Beaugard, Fonso, Coral Arc. 12.40 p.m.—Kaikorai Hack Handicap: Aganev, Vanity King, Kartikeya. 1.25 p.m.—Telegraph Handicap: Lorna Leigh, Red Pickle. Cipher. 2.10 p.m.—Ranfurly Handicap: Lord • Dundonald, Boolamskee, Joygiver. 2.55 p.m.—McLean Stakes: Trident, Magical, St. Bruno. 3.40 p.m.—October Handicap: Zorro, Prize Ring, Botany. 4.30 p.m.—Clarendon Handicap: Stabilisation, Palanau, Great Chum.

MATADOR FAVOURED AT REEFTON

Quite a good response has been received for the first day of the Reefton Jockey Club’s spring meeting at Reefton to-morrow, and in most races the fields will be big enough for the size of the track. Divisions may be necessary in the Junction Novice Stakes. One of the smallest fields of the day will be in the principal event, the Reefton Handicap, in which the top-weight, Matador, would need to show little improvement on his running in the Geraldine Cup last week to have strong prospects. If an apprentice allowance is claimed for him he will meet the field on very favourable terms. Velvet Slipper won over the same distance at Greymouth at his last start, and may be hard to head off. Chellow Dene shaped poorly over this distance in the Geraldine Cup, and with the same weight Dash o’ Dink makes more appeal. He ran third in the Ashburton Handicap a fortnight ago, and with an easy track is capable of repeating that form. Sir Tague may be improved with a race at Geraldine, and is useful on small tracks when in form. Dinky Di may run on better than formerly after racing over hurdles. A good number of the horses claim more than one engagement on the day, and several are likely to run in two races. Scene will not start. Riccarton riders that will be present at the meeting include C. T. Wilson, C. Stokes, R. J. Hawes, R. G. Bradshaw, K. Hickey, and N. Davison. The following horses may be favoured : Inangahua Hack Handicap.—Dark Arrow, Valmeer, San Farian. Ikamatua Trot Handicap.—Scotch Drift, Kimono Girl, Pampero. Junction Novice Stakes.—Faultrosa, Agenda, Strathconan. Reefton Handicap.—Matador, Dash o’ Dink, Velvet Slipper. Lewis Pass Handicap.—Young John, Dark Arrow, Front Page. Waiuta Trot Handicap.—Kimono Girl, Golden Sheaf, Scotch Drift. Cronadun Hack Handicap.—Tranbycroft, Home Again, Precipitate. Maruia Handicap.—John o’ London, St. N attar. Legal Rose.

TRACK WORK ATWINGATUI

LORNA LEIGH AND RED PICKLE IMPRESS

“The Press” Special Service DUNEDIN, September 25. The weather was fine at wingatui this morning, but a keen wind was blowing from the south when the final gallops for the opening day of the Dunedin spring meeting on Saturday took place. The tracks were in splendid order. Showers fell later in the day, but were not sufficiently heavy to have any marked effect on the track. Working on the outside of the course proper, Wantwood and Loyal Lady went well over six furlongs in Im in 21sec, after taking Msec for the first furlong. Wantwood was the more impressive. Lorna Leigh, the local favourite for the Telegraph Handicap, was not extended when covering five furlongs in lmin 9sec with Tohoo and Pestee. She is in fine condition. Brockie and Stagestruck did an easy four furlongs in 54sec, and Cricket Field and Real Raid recorded 52sec. Duvaals had a break on Red Pickle at the start of a seven furlong gallop, but Red Pickle ran up to his mate at the end of a furlong, and they came home over the final six in lmin 22sec, with Red Pickle travelling well within himself.

Two-year-olds Sprint The two-year-olds, Igiri, Achieve, and Court Slipper, ran three furlongs on the rails in 39 l-ssec, with the first named appealing most. Kosher worked impressively over the same distance in 39sec. Well out from the rails, St. Bruno, which will be one of the best supported of the local runners in the McLean Stakes, was given a run down the straight with'Faite Vos Jeux. Air Ace and Slick ran four furlongs in 52sec. Slick may be started on the second day of the meeting. Joygiver, All Hurry, and Fine Night were given a strong working gallop over six furlongs on the sand'in lmin 23sec, with Joygiver shading the other two. All Hurry has picked up a lot since coming to Wingatui. Kiloney ran three furlongs in 39 4-ssec, Connaught in 40 4-ssec, and Arctotis in 40sec.

First Out shaped attractively in a school over four hurdles with Tamerlane. Ricing engagements announced are:—B. S. Wilson: Wantwood, Kosciusko, and Beaugard. R. Hinton: Knight Crusader. B. Mears: First Out. C. F. Low: Dark Warrior. L. W. Hare: Lord Dundonald, Prize Ring, Lorna Leigh. D. Dawson: Wee Mac. R. J. Mackie: Red Pickle. A. N. Didham: St. Bruno, Brockie, Stagestruck. J. Dooley: Joygiver. M. G. Murray: Eriskay.

OHINEMURI MEETING

DIVISIONS ANNOUNCED (P.A.) AUCKLAND. Sept. 25. Provision has been made for three divisions in the Taumarunui Stakes at the Ohinemuri Jockey Club’s meeting on Saturday as follows: First Division.—Sincere (19), Ruaina (17), Prince (4), Medieval King (9), Hunting Sib (12), Fair Dinkum (6), Abbey Pay (2), Travel King (13) 8-9; Radiant Fox (10) Black Streak (11), Diatomous Girl (15) Teuila (16), Princessita (5), Flying Officer (3), Discovery (14), Miss Shirley (7) Judy Garland (18), Portland Bay (21) 8-4; Miss Marion (1), Moonee Valley (8), Golden Secret (20) 7-13. Second Division.—Thole (5), Bronk (15), Don Robin (7), Trench Mortar (1), Dukeron (21), Dan Musk (3), Electron (8), Sir Bondi (19), Andax (13) 8-9; Conaghy (11) Shillelagh Bay (2), Mgtody Night (6), Valsan (12), Driving Creke (18), Regal Queen (14), Lola May (17), Antonio (9), Valerium (16) 8-4; Ballaview (20), Gay Rosina (4), Yendarry (10) 7-13. Third Division.—Telegram (10), Bronze Pay (19), Silver Atom (2), Winstake (6), Voolouper (13). Bright Vaals (14), Digest (8) 8-9; Betterboy (9), Twinnie (11), Irish Melody (12), Royal Jean (21), Straight Tip (16) Master Ballater (5), Gaylio (3). Irish Talent (15), Lady Bian (20), Pindus (7) 8-4; Lady Greta (18), Gay Toyim (17), Sunny’s Last (4), Vetan (1) 7-13. Brackets are: Sincere and Thole, Telegram and Ruaina, Bronk and Betterboy, Prince and Don Robin, Bronze Pay and Medieval King, Trench Mortar and Silver Atom, Hunting Sib and Dukeron, Winstake and Judy Garland, Dan Musk and Voolouper, Fair Dinkum, Electron and Bright Vaals, Abbey Pay, Sly Bondi and Digest, Travel King, Andax and Twinnie, Radiant Fox, Conaghy and Irish Melody, Black Streak, Shillelagh Boy and Royal Jean, Diatomous Girl, Melody Night and Straight Tip, Teuila, Valsan and Master Ballater, Princessita, Driving Creek and Gaylio, Flying Officer, Regal Queen and Irish Talent, Discovery, Lola May and Lady Bian, Miss Shirley, Antonia and Pindus, Portland Bay, Valerium and Lady Greta, Miss Marion, Ballaview and Gay Town, Moonee Valley, Gay Rosina and Sunny’s Last, Golden Secret, Yendarra and Vetan> Brackets in other races are:—Kopuarahi Hack Hurdles: Royal Musk and Beau Martian, Red King and Franklyn, Glenfayle and Captain Thome, Hadham and Pin Up, Antipay and Strike Up, The Fake and Tuia Boy, Diavil and Red Paint. Ngatea Hack Handicap: pangmor and Hunter’s Lass. Flying Handicap: Contango and Tavernside. Kerepeehi Hack Handicap: Hardware ■ and Miss Kotere, Abbfcy Duke and Lady Oral, Supervision and Golden Secret, Royal Beau and Cydonia, Travel King and Nanakea.

Horses Tubed Al Sirat and St. Joachim, both of which were suffering from wind infirmities, have been tubed. St. Joachim was given pace work on Wednesday for the first time since he was operated upon. He has two engagements at Reefton to-morrow, but his prospects cannot be considered bright. Al Sirat was also on the tracks on Wednesday morning and his education as a hurdler will be continued. Related to Meadow Lark The three-year-old gelding Oklahoma was credited with a remarkable performance in winning the second division of the Ngatea Handicap at the Thames meeting last Saturday. He ran almost to the outside fence at the turn, but once he straightened up he buried the leaders for speed and won going away by threequarters of a length. That Oklahoma should possess speed above the average is not surprising. He is a three-year-old gelding by Siegfried from Island Linnet, which is a sister to that fine sprinter, Meadow Lark. They were by Songbird, also a good sprinter, from Unawed, by Markhope from Unawares, by Gipsy Grand. Oklahoma is owned by Mr D. H. Blackie, formerly of Dunedin, who had a fair amount of success with Lance Wing at southern meetings. Champion at Otaki Last year’s champion three-year-old, Beau le Havre, is an acceptor for both the Ling Memorial Stakes, of one mile and a quarter, and the open sprint at the Otako-Maori meeting to-morrow. With 9-8 he is not set an impossible task in the Ling Memorial Stakes, and he should now be well forward if he has made normal progress since he raced at Trentham in July. South Canterbury J.C. Nominations close South Canterbury Jockey Club, Timaru, on Monday, at 5 p.m. Full programme in this week’s “Calendar.” Advt