TRIALS FOR MAIDEN PACERS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27472, 5 October 1954, Page 5

TRIALS FOR MAIDEN PACERS

12 HORSES QUALIFY AT NEW BRIGHTON ■twelve horses qualified to start in races for maiden pacers when they paced one mile and a half in 3min 30sec or better in four qualifying test races run by the Canterbury Owners’ and Breeders’ Association at New Brighton yesterday. Four heats were run, but all four placed horses in the third heat failed to return the required time. Several likely types of pacers were produced none being more impressive than Postillion, winner of the second heat. The Whipster gelding showed promise in races against the best two-year-olds last season and if he races solidly in his next few starts, he should not be long gaining his first win. Markdale, a member of W. J. Coates’s team, led throughout the first heat to return the fastest time for the four heats of 3min 21 l-ssec. Markdale is a three-year-old colt by Landmark from Avondale Lass. Second to Markdale was Secure, a fine type of four-year-old stallion by Grattan Loyal from a smart race mare in Safety Pin. He is trained by J. Fraser for Mr C. L. Rhodes. He was inclined to race greenly, but with more experience should soon show form. Results:—First Heat.—Markdale scr J. Bryce, jun., 1; Secure scr D. C. Watts 2; Premium scr T. L. Thomas 3; Magic Eye scr P. C. Williams 4. Half a length; length; 15 lengths. Times: 3min 22 l-ssec, 3min 22 2-ssec, 3min 22 3-ssec, 3min 25 3-ssec. Second Heat.—Postillion scr D. C. Watts 1; Local Power D. G. Jones 2; Mara Maru scr C. A. White 3; Jet scr P. C. Williams 4. Length each way. Times: 3min 25 3-ssec, 3min 25 4-ssec, 3min 26 sec. 3min 26 l-ssec. Third Heat.—Bentley scr F. Jamison 1; Battle Fling scr W. E. Taylor 2; Lauglin’s Lass scr F. E. Newfield 3; Black Wizard scr R. Young 4. Neck; half a length; length. Times, 3min 30 3-ssec, 3min 30 4-ssec, 3min 31sec. 3min 31 l-ssec. Fourth Heat.—Nobby scr M. C. Flaws 1; Dunfern scr J. H. Winter, jun., 2; Surie Queen scr P. C. Williams 3; Kyle Maid scr J. L. Behrns 4. Length and a half; head; head. Times, 3min .24 3-ssec, 3min 24 4-ssec, 3min 25sec, 3min 25 l-ssec.