THE RACING WORLD

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 296, 13 September 1927, Page 14

THE RACING WORLD

NOTES AND COMMENTS

Nominations for all events (including the Trial Plate) at the spring meeting of the Otaki Maori Racing Club will close on Friday, at 8 n.m.

At Wanganui on Saturday. W. S Bagby was engaged to ride Chit in the Debutante Stakes. lie turned up too late to take the mount, and the stewards fined him £5.

Paleta and Kiosk will not go north for the Avondale Guineas, but they will probably go up for the Auckland spring meeting.

The Egmont Racing Club lias decided to fall into line with other clubs and set back the judge’s box from the old position on the outer rail. The present intention is to shift it back some 30 feet, and Mr. W. P. Russel!, who judges for the club', went up to Hawera after the racing at Wanganui to consult with the club’s officials on the matter. Shifting the box at Hawera is a, bigger job than on most courses,'as it is solidly built of concrete.

Mr. G. M. Currie’s team for the northern meetings will consist of Lysander, Mask, Thaw, Damaris, Covent Garden, and the two-year-old Episode (Limond—Homage). Unless the tracks are in good order at Ellerslie, Lysander can be regarded as an unlikely starter in the events in which he is engaged.

Mr. A. B. Williams’s team for Avondale and Auckland will be Star Stranger, Star God, Knightlike, and, in all probability, Joy King. The latter’s inclusion, however, is not definite, as he did very poorly on the Mar-ton-Wanganui trip, and unless he picks us in the meantime, J. H. Jefferd will leave him at hqpie.

Catkin and Star God were bracketed in the race at Wanganui on Saturday, but it is doubtful if the decision to couple them, which was confirmed at a special meeting of the stewards, is a correct one. Mr. A. J. Toxwood, who owns Catkin, and bred Star God, holds a contingency over the latter, but it applies only to races of £lOOO or over. As Saturday’s stake was only £175, it is difficult to see where the joint interest came in. There is no doubt Catkin’s dividend was considerably reduced by the bracketing.

Degage and Aro de Vai returned to Trentham from Wanganui yesterday, and unless, plans are altered, Degage will not go north for the Avondale Cup.

The form of Beacon Light, Polydectes, and Shirley at Wanganui was a good deal below their capabilities, and they returned to Greenmeadow yesterday. F. Waddell informed me on Saturday that the Auckland trio would not be undertaken, as the form of the team was not good enough to warrant it.

Paleta showed himself a good class two-year-old, and on Saturday he made his first appearance as a three-year-old in the Eclipse Stakes. Since returning from Sydney, Paleta has caused his trainer ’ a lot of trouble with a skin disease, and recently he lost practically all his hair, besides geting down in condition. He looked at a distinct disadvantage in condition on Satutday against his five opponents, nevertheless, he ran a really good race, and one which probably exceeded the expectations of his party, so that they have good cause to feel pleased with him. He showed a lot of pace in the middle stages of the race, and finished a good fourth. When back to his form and more robust in appearance, Paleta will win good stakes.

The Quantock colt Laughing Prince created a very favourable impression by his win in the Eclipse Stakes at Wanganui, and it would seem, on that form, that he met with more ba.l luck in the running of tho Flying Handicap the first day than was apparent from the stands, for he comuletely reversed the handicap form, even allowing for the smaller field and the extra distance. Laughing Prince was a good two-year-old, winning the Auckland Welcome Stakes and the Wellington Pacific Handicap, the latter event under 9.7, on a heavy track. This was the race which immediately followed his purchase at auction by Mr. T. A. Duncan from Mr. W. J. Jorgensen for 1090 guineas, and Laughing Prince has fully justified the judgment which effected his purchase. Pn the way he finished over his opponents at the end of seven furlongs on Saturday he is going to be partial to a distance, and a good three-year-old will have to arise to take a prior place in the Derby possibilities.

Reremoana ran a good race in the Flying Handicap on the opening dav at Wanganui, and on that form appeared, likely to run well in the Eclipse Stakes. He was right up in the running to the straight, and had every opportunity to win, but that he is not in form he plainly showed by his weak run home with only SUr Stranger behind him at the finish. Reremnana looks well, and the Wanganui racing should do something towards getting him into form again O. Cox, by the way, was not present at Wanganui, being confined to his home with an attack of mumps.

The Hastings trainer, V. H. Colello, is a past master in the art of tiling out steeplechasers, and Wanganui appears to be his favourite course, for he has been particularly successful there. On Saturday he produced Mixed Heather, who scored cleverly in the hack steeplechase, and with more experience he appears likely to make a name- for himself over the big fences. He races in the colours of Mr. J. A. Macfarlano, who raced Laudbird when he won the Wanganui Steeplechase and Grert Northern Hurdles, and his latest recruit to the business looks a good substitute for the defunct son of Finland and Landrail. Mixed Heather is a brother to Mr. W. H. Gaisford’s hurdler. Many Colours, and a half-brother to Olympic.

Alloway is having a run of hard luck, with second placings. He was second to’ Nukimiai in the Parliamentary Handi cap at Ireiithani in July and at Waimi nui last week he had to put up with second place m the principal handicap each day. Mask only beat him a short neck the first day and on Saturday iresliam s winning margin was a very short head. Alloway improves with racing and his turn may soon come.

Bennanee was expected to show improved form on Saturday as the result of his race on Thursday, and he duly showed up in the running. He was beaten in the run home, however, anil it is probable that the heavy ground was a big factor in him being unable to run the journey right out, for he is an exception to the usual ability o f the Catmints to handle soft going.

_ Bisox has developed good form early in the season and she now races much more solidly than she did when she made her promising debut at Wanganui two years ago. Tho Wanganui “correct” card gave her age as four years, but she is, according to last year’s records, now a five-year-old.

Mandarine ran fair races at Wanganui and might win in weaker class.

Catkin _ finished very solidly at the ®nd of his race at Wanganui on Saturday and it was quite evident that he appreciated the extra distance, for he had. failed three or four times to win maiden sprint events. Catkin’s dam, Hukupapa, is a half-sister to Athenry, who also won at Wanganui.

The majority of the two-year-olds in tho Debutante Stakes at 'Wanganui lacked size, in fact some of them were only ponies. Knightlike, Shot Silk, Irish Court. Second Wind, Freehold and Silver Rule looked the best developed youngsters.

Anchor only needed an ounce of luck at Wanganui on Saturday and ho would have won tlie hurdle race.

Avro came into the limelight during the winter on account of his good form at Otaki. At Trentham he failed, but as Lady Limond and Merry Mint beat him in the Trial Plate the form was good Avro got a wretched start in the Hack Sprint at Wanganui oa Saturday, but by running a phenomenal race afterwards he finished a close fourth. He looks like being useful at the forthcoming meetings.

Tea Time and Nastori both showed exceptional speed for hacks at Wanganui. On ■ the first day. Tea Time (8.0) ran Imin. 16 4-ssec. for six furlongs, and Nastori (8.1) lmin. 17 l-ssec., as against Kiosk’s (8.0) lmin. 16 l-ssec. for tho open Fiying. On Saturday Nastori and Tea Time, who were separated by only half a head, recorded lmin. 175e0., and the open sprint was won in lmin. 17 3-ssec. The track, of course, was heavier for the latter race, but Nastori ■ carried 9.1 as against Town Bird’s 7.1, and Tea Time had 8.1.

Considering Kiosk’s class form as a two-year-old and his good showing in his first race this season at Marton ho paid a remarkably good price when he won the Flying Handicap at Wanganui on Thursday. On that form ho must have had a chance m the Eclipse Stakes had he started, and his future career looks full of promise.

Doree showed good form as a two-year-old, and when she made her first appearance this season in the Flying Handicap at Wanganui she was well supported. After showing early brilliance she 'faded out in the straight. With the race into her an improved showing was anticipated ,on Saturday, but she did not materialise; in fact, her display was hardly equal to that of tho first day.

Mr. G. JI. Currie’s team is in good form for so early in the season, and in four starts the first day at Wanganui he secured two wins, a second, and a fifth. On Saturday he started two horses for two second placings. Covent Garden was a fresh horse on Saturday, and he ran an excellent race. It is possible he may have won had he got away at all well, making every allowance for the easy manner in which Town Bird scored. Covent Garden was a very useful two-year-old, and he will have to bo reckoned with in first-class sprint events this season, and may evpn be seen to advantage over a longei- journey.

Followfhg upon his purchase at a big price last Christmas at Auckland the Australian-bred gelding Ateriria showed disappointing form for his new owner, Mr. W. H. Gaisford. As jumping usually effects an improvement in such horses Mr. Gaisford decided to use Ateriria as a hunter, and he did the season with the Dannevirke hounds. Ateriria made his reappearance as a racehorse at the Egmont-Wanganui Hunt meeting on Friday, and he displayed a considerable improvement in form. With a little luck he would have beaten Nastori, and the latter represented the best hack form of the meeting. Now that hunting appears to have made Ateriria more solid he should do well in future efforts. He is engaged at Dannevirke this week.

Limosa, who ran second to Bisox at the Egmo^t-Wanganui Hunt meeting is a four-year-old mare by Limond from Hopeite, owned and trained at Wanganui by W. H. Dwyer. On this showing Limosa,_ who lias not done a great deal of racing, having had only three prior starts, should soon win in hack events.

Trentham stables supplied six of the 18 runners in the Debutante Stakes at Wanganui, and while none of them could win, they filled second, third and fourth places. Sungift, who is owned in Wellington but trained at Hawera. was the last to leave the barrier, and she ran in tiie rear all the way.

Mr. D Robbins, who is first lieutenant for Mr W. Hall, secretary of the Wanganui Jockey Club, was absent from his usual post last week, as he is just recovering from a severe attack of pneumonia Mr Robbins was prosent for a short time ach day of I l ',, meeting and will shortly be fit to up the running again.

A number of racing and jockey clubs which in the past have not allowed their patrons tho privilege of 10s. tickets are still averse to the change. The experiment carried out by the Wanganui club last week shows how popular the 10s. ticket is amongst racegoers, and it was very noticeable on Friday, when the Egmont-Wanganui Hunt Club placed a few .Os. windows on tlie lawn, that these windows were patronised by long queues of people, while the £1 windows were comparatively neglected. /The 10s. ticket in conjunction with £1 totalisator is said to add considerably to., the expense of running the machine, but it is done by several big clubs, and at Trenthani the 10s. ticket represents something like 60 per cent, of the total turnover.. With decreasing revenue everywhere, it would appear to be a sound policy for clubs to foster the popularity of the 10s. ticket, for (here is no doubt the 10s. better is the backbone of the racing community so far as totalisator returns are concerned. The stakes for the Wellington spring ■meeting show a slight decrease this year on last, year’s meeting—£39o altogether. The principal handicap has been reduced from £BC’l to £750, and the hack races show a slight reduction. F. Davis considered Great Charter hardly forward enough to run the Wanganui Guineas, right out, but he was only beaten in the last stride. When more seasoned Great Charter looks like earning some good stakes. LIMERICK A GREAT HORSE THE WARWICK STAKES WIN Limerick is a great horse from a mile onwards (says “I’ilot” in “The Sydney Referee”). At Warwick Farm he gave Commendation and Amounis two lengths start, commencing the final furlong, and defeated him.

Valicare collapsed completely afUr going about six furlongs and a half, and, in consequence, will not be raced again.

It is doubtful whether any of the remaining weight for age races to be run at the spring meetings will be productive of greater thrills than the Warwick Stakes. There were only six starters.

but Limerick and Commendation represented New Zealand’s best. . and it is unnecessary to say anything about Amounis and Valicare as proved milers. New Zealanders were divided concerning Limerick and Commendation. Those who had seen the latter race in the Dominion favoured him, believing he was more brilliant than Limerick, while, on the other hand, those who were in Sydney last spring and autumn, pinned their faith to the latter on the score that he was likely to prove too solid for the bay at tho finish. Early in the betting Valicare was actual favourite, with Commendation next, and then Limerick. At the . close of business. Valicare and Limerick were equitl favourites, and then Commendation and Amounis.

A Fine £ield. It was a good-looking field, and on appearance, the Queensllmder. Coin Nut. was not out of place in such company. As tho horses were parading the weighing yard Mr. Clive Inglis queried: “What do you think will win?” “Commendation,” was the reply, "but if you were picking the winner on condition you would not go beyond Limerick." XVhile it could not be alleged that any runner was actually lacking in condition, I thought Limerick looked wound up. Frank McGrath, however, reckoned nothing bad an advantage over his horse on tho score of condition, and the great race Amounis ran proyed his trainer was not in error regarding his horse’s fitness.

Valicare, looking bigger than at any previous time, did not turn a hair as she paraded. Valicare Sets the Pace.

■ At the barrier Commendation was nasty, rearing several times, but, though he was sent to the outside, Cairns eot him away in the lead. He did not long retain it, as Valicare was quickly taken to the front, and, covering the first three furlongs in 361, led at that stage five lengths from Commendation, at whole heels >;as Amounis, with Limerick a couple, of lengths further off. The first half-mile was run in 48?, and a- little further on. the way the other runners were closing on Valicare made it certain she would not win. At the three furlongs, Valicare led Commendation a length, and the latter was only half a length in advance of Amounis, with Limerick two lengths away. Before entering the straight, Valicare gave place to Commendation and Amounis, Limerick being fourth. At the leger Amounis headed Commendation, and, though Limerick could be seen closing the gap, “He’s too late,” was the general comment. It seemed so, too, as he commenced the last furlong two lengths behind the leaders; but, responding in most generous fashion, he was not more than a neck away from Amounis fifty yards from the running post.

Sustaining his run. Limerick won by a long bend from Amovnis, who similarly beat Commendation, with Valamita and Coin Nut three or four lengths further away, and Valicare whipping

The time, 1.38, eoualled the course record, and the first five furlongs were run bv Valicare in l.lj. T have already mentioned that she cut out the first three furlongs in 36.}, and. as Limerick was about eight lengths behind her at that stage, he must, at worst, have run the concluding five furlongs in Imin. Although he won. Limerick is not yet exactly partial to Warwick Farm. When McCarten was ungirthing Limerick prior to weighing in, T heard him say to F. Jones: “He was never going right with me in the early part of the race.” That being so, it is no wonder Jones is looking forward with pleasurable anticipation to what Limerick will do at Randwick, a course that suits him. Commendation’s Form. “A bit new.” was G Jones’s comment after the race respecting Commendation, and that correctly summed up the position. Nevertheless Commendation ran a great race ' as, though Amounts beat him only a head tor second he was more than that in advance of the New Zealander a hundred yards from the judge’s box. Commendation must have taken something out of himself by his behaviour a i the starting post, and, all going well with him. his chance of success in the

Craven Plato is still excellent. Limerick is bound to get a hard race in the Metropolitan, as will Amounis, if he runs, and Commendation will be at the advantage of being quite fresh when he tackles them on the third day. May Have Finished. Valicare pulled up as if she had not beqn out of a working gallop, but the race' ended her career. She retains her pace, but is not staying nearly as well as when she won the Doncaster Handicap. After her defeat, B. Pay ten cabled to Mr. Osborne that she ran last, and it is definite she will not race again. She will go to stud this season. Limerick’s win was his seventh m Sydney, and Gothic and he are now at almost prohibitive odds for the Kpsom Handicap and Metropolitan double. MERRY MINT’S HOBARTVILLE STAKES The same writer commenting upon Merry Mint’s win in the three-year-old race says: “Greenlinc was favourite throughout, but the biggest stable commission for anything was tor Merry Mint, who was backed from double figures to short odds. On top ol Ins defeat by Prime Don and Chromium at Kosehill a fortnight earlier this was a. surprise, ami suggests that something not generally noted must have happened to Merrv Mint, in that race. .... Merrv Mint led into the straight from Greenline, Justify, Black Duchess and Chromium. Bartie decided it would be unwise to cut it close, and he sent Merry Mint along in earnest, with the result that he fairly lost the ©position. . . . Apart from Merry Mint there was so little between several at the finish as to suggest that most of our three-year-olds are decidedly moderate. The time, 1.27, was a half-second slower than when Rampion beat. Limerick last rear. At his first win in Sydney Merry Mint beat an xceptipnaliy poor field, and, when he failed in stronger company a week later, I was among the many who thought his initial success had caused him to be overrated. Now he is seriously entering into backers’ Derby calculations. . . . . K Bartle, wlio won tho Hobartyille Stakes on Merry Mint, is to ride that geldin" in tho Derby. Barties form Sas been consistently good for a Jong ■time, and, though he is now recognised as one of our best sprint riders, he was better over a distance earlier in his career. He won successive Slimmer Cups at Randwick on Braille and King of the Forest. It is not many seasons ago Bartle went completely out of favour. Then a few wins caused renewed demand for his services, and some owners and trainers who. previously scoffed at the idea of giving him mounts were quickly running after him For my own part, I never underrated Bartie and the trainer or jockey not in the limelight rarely has many supporters.” FUTURE EVENTS The following are tho entries for the Hill Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday:— HILL STAKES, of 750 sovs. M eight-for-avc. One mile—Gothic, Limerick, Fujisan, Valamita. Piuthair, Commendation, Merry Mint. Amounis, Coin Nut, Pantheon. . In addition to Limerick and Commendation, New Zealand entrants for the Craven Plate aro: Royal Lineage, The Hawk, Merry Mint, and Piuthair. ’ NAPIER PARK RACING CLUB NOMINATIONS FOR SPRING MEETING. ' Nominations for the spring meeting of the Napier Park Racing Club on September 24 and 26 have been received as under. FIRST DAY. PRINCE OF WALES STAKES, of 100 sovs., for two-year-olds, five furlongs. High Court, Mausin, Baskicr, Kaasay, Sunny Autumn, Toxeuina, Tea Miss, Charmaline,..Monetize, Irish Court. SCURRY HACK RACE, of 100 sovs., five furlongs.—Cloyne, Miss Scandal, Torquil, Rakaroa, Mountain Heath, Liaison, Tragic, Chivers, Master Damon, Excess, Dreamy, F GREENMEADOWS hack hurdles, of 125 sovs., One mile and a half.-—Peshwa, Lombardo, Ballyfarnon, Panchito, Braeman, . Wailong, Garzon, Watchman, Rakauponga, PARIi r STAKES HANDICAP, of 200 sovs., one mile and a quarter.—Treshanj, Othon, David Garrick, Bennanee, Gaze, Morose. AHURIRI HACK HANDICAP, of 100 sovs., six furlongs.—Chips, Eloquent, King Midas, Miss Scandal, Abisogne, Singleton, Liaison, Polonaise, Heather Blend, Essential, Excess, Marsurd. TARADALE HIGH WEIGHT HANDICAP, of 140 sovs., minimum weight 9st., once round.—Gold Piece, . Lipsol, Othon, Road Hog, Passionate, Starboard Lignt, Queen’s Choice, Gaze, Watchman, Patuki. RAILWAY HANDICAP, of 150 sovs., six furlongs.—Kalti, Rouex, Coot, Licmius, Huikai, Riverna. Inner Harbour, Cosmetic, Starboard Light, Tiega. COUNTY HACK HANDICAP, of Ho sovs. seven furlongs—Jen, Vigilance, Keen, Hypnotic, Vertigern, Debate, Ganymede, Rakaroa, Toka, Dapper Boy, Moepai. Break o Day, Heather Blend, Teri, King Quex, Merle, Kongo, Araby. SECOND DAY. NURSERY HANDICAP, of 100 sovs., five furlongs—High Court, Mausin, Baskicr, Raasay, Sunny Autumn, Millais, Tea Miss, Charmaline, Monetize, Irish Court, ArrowSD TRIAL HACK HANDICAP, of 100 sov?., six furlongs.—Cloyne, Torquil, Abisogne, Mountain Heath, Heather Blend, Clavers, Master Damon, Excess, Dreamy, Fairy ESKDALE HACK HURDLES, of 125 sovs.s one mlie and a half.—Mountain Top, I’eshwa, Lombardo, Ballyfarnon, Break o' Day, Panehito, Braemau, Wailong, Garzon, Watchman, Patuki, Rakauponga, Arntaura. „ __ RACING CLUB HANDICAP, of 170 sovs. One mile and a distance. —Rouex, Tresham, Othon, David Garrick, Vertigern, Starboard Light, Gaze, Merle, Patuki, Morose. TELEPHONE HACK HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; six furlongs.—Chips, Eloquent, King Midas, Miss Scandal, Torquil, Toka, Abisogne, Mountain Heath, Liaison, Polonaise, Heather Blend. King Quex, Master Damon, Bongo, Excess, Marsurd. KOROKIPO HIGH WEIGHT HANDICAP, of 140 sovs., minimum weight 9 st., One mile.—Gold Piece, Road Hog. Pasisonate. Queen’s Choice, Gaze, Tieri, Watchman. Morose. Fairy Mark. GRANDSTAND HANDICAP, of 150 sovs., six furlongs.—Kaiti. Coot. Lipsol, Ltclnius, Huikai, Riverna, Inner Harbour. Cosmetic, Tioga. Starboard Light. Marsurd. ♦ PUKETAPU HACK HANDICAP, of 115 sovs.’, seven furlongs.—Mountain Knight, Witch, Vigilance. Keen, Hypnotic, Verti"orn Debate, Ganymede. Rakaroa, Toka, Abisogne, Dapper Boy. Singleton, Moepai. Break o’ Day, Teri, Essential, Bongo, Excess, Araby. RUNNYMEDE SCRATCHED (Rec. September 12. 10.45 p.m.) Sydney, September 12. Runnymedc has been scratched for the Epsom. Metropolitan, Caulfield, and Melbourne Cups. V.A.T.C. STAKE MONEY (Rec. September 12, 10.45 p.m.) Melbourne, September 12. The annual report of the Victorian Amateur Turf Club states that last year's distribution of stake money amounted to £79,406. which was £7381 more than tho previous vear. The disbursement, of stakes since the club was formed is £1,433,018. FIXTURES. „ 9—Egniont-Wanganul Hunt Club. „ 10—Otago Hunt Club. n 14—Dannevirke RC. 15—Dannevirke Hunt Club „ 24—Ashburton County R.C „ 24, 26—Napier Park R.C. ■ 24, 26—Avondale J.C. ~ 29. 30—Geraldine R.C. Oct. I—Hawke's Bay J.C. „ s—Manawatu Hunt Club. „ C—Kurow J.C. , 7, B—Otnki-Maorl R.C. „ 8, 10—Auckland R.C. ( „ 8. 10—Oamaru J.C. „ 13, 15—Dunedin J.C. „ 15—Carterton R.C. „ 19, 20—Cromwell J.C. „ 22 24— Wellington R.C, „ 22, 21—Waikato R.C.