AUCKLAND CLUB

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26745, 31 May 1952, Page 4

AUCKLAND CLUB

COUNT BIAN FAVOURED IN HURDLES “The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND. May 30. The Dominion's richest jumping races, the £4OOO Great Northern Steeplechase and the £3500 Great Northern Hurdles, will be decided at the Auckland Racing Club's winter meeting, which opens at Ellerslie to-morrow. A good field of firstclass hurdlers will contest the Great Northern Hurdles, which is the main attraction to-morrow.

On the strength of his success in the Waikato Hurdles on May 10, and his good work since then, the Hastings-trained Count Blan Is chosen to do best over the two miles and a half. The Great Northern Hurdles is usually a most gruelling test, and it is likely to be more so tomorrow, as the ground is certain to be very heavy. Count Blan is a sound stayer and a proficient jumper. He is in hard condition after a strong preparation by his veteran trainer, D. Kemp. His strongest opponents are expected to be Oklahoma and Paul. Oklahoma is a good wet weather performer and stayer likely to be right at the peak of his form. The Great Northern Hurdles is the first leg of the double. There will be a limit field of 20 in the second leg. the Cornwall Handicap, of £2OOO. Luck in the early running ia usually important from the mile and a quarter barrier, and Keith and Robert Craig, which are favourably drawn near the rails, are expected to dispute the finish. Keith looks well placed with 8-5. The fields are big in most races, and provision has had to be made for two divisions In the First Jervois Handicap. Second Jervois Handicap, and Members' Handicap. Other jumping events besides the Great Northern Hurdles will be the Penrose Hurdles, Greenlane Steeplechase, and Hunt Hurdles.

There has been a good deal of rain during the week, and the ground at Ellerslie has become very sodden. Showery weather is forecast, and the track is certain to remain heavy. Selections:—

11 a.m.—First Jervois Handicap: First division, Brer Son. Airzone, Admiral Rose; second division, Bronze Sailor, Pride of Ellerslie, Never Mind. 11.50 a.m.—Greenlane Steeples: Roister, Tory. Swift View.

12.30 p.m.—Second Jervois Handicap: First division, Te Awa, Star of York, Dupion; second division, Foxhill, Ryarna, Holly Oak. 125 p.m.—Great Northern Hurdles: Count Blah, Oklahoma, Paul. 2.10 p.m.—Penrose Hurdles: Baygundi, Nionyx, Master Cimbrone. 3 p.m.—Cornwall Handicap: Keith. Robert Craig, Duchess Sal. 3.45 p.m.—Hunt Hurdles: Brer Mark. Shangola, Gossiper. 4.30 p.m.—Members’ Handicap: First division, Misprint. State Control, Bedivere; second division. Caradoc, Sapper, Fencing.

AUCKLAND SCRATCHINGS (New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 30. Scratchings posted to-day for the Auckland Racing Club’s winter meeting were: First Jervois Handicap: Knightbrook, 10.35 a.m.; Cimbon, 1.30 p.m.; Kennet, 2.5 p.m.

Second Jervois Handicap: Lenah Valley, 3.45 p.m. Great Northern Hurdles: Stylish Fox, 12.15 p.m. Cornwall Handicap: Jack’s Cobber, 11.5 a.m.; Chief Admiral. 11.30 a.m.; Gold Pal, 2.5 p.m.; Satisfree, 5.5 p.m. Hunt Chib Hurdles: Mission School, 11.20 a.m. All engagements: Tinonul, 2.55 p.m. Great Northern Steeplechase (second day): The Scotchman.