THE RACING WORLD

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 240, 11 July 1928, Page 16

THE RACING WORLD

WELLINGTON WINTER MEETING OPENS TODAY A REVIEW OF THE FIELDS (By “The Watcher.”) . The Winter meeting of the Wellington Racing Club will open at Trentham to-day when ■ the principal event of the fixture, the Wellington Steeplechase, will be decided. Last week there appealed every chance that the meeting, for once, would be favoured by bettei going for the horses, as the mild weather had caused, the tracks to remain in first-class condition for jumping. Ihe heavy rain over the week-end effectively disposed of these hopes, and while there is now promise of fine overhead conditions, the track has received such a thorough soaking that it will be very heavy. Horses able to handle such ground will be at a decided advantage.

Although only seven now remain in the • Wellington Steeplechase, there is the possibility of an interesting contest. The remaining events of the day’s card are well filled, and the usual hard task of backers at Trentham presents itself once again. Track work, peculiarly enough, has not done a great deal towards helping, to solve the difficulties, but in any case sticking to form should work out well over the meeting. There is a big contingent of visitors from north and south, and as tlie local representation is not strong, they will get the bulk of the money. Special race trains will leave Lambton at regular intervals from 9.50 a.m. until 10.35 n.m., and at. 11.20 n.m. Ordinary trains leave Lambton at 8.45 a.m.. 9.25 a.m., and 12.15 p.m. Trains leave Kaiwarra at 8.51 and 9.30 a.m., and 12.20 p.m.; Ngahauranga at 8.57 and 9.35 am., and 12.25 p.m.; Petone at 9.7. 9.13, 10.5, 10.25, and 10.50 a.m;, and 12.33 p.m.: and Lower Hutt at 9.16, 9,48, 10.19, 10.40 a.m., and 12.39 p.m. THE PROGRAMME ' The day’s programme is as follows:— VITTORIA BACK HURDLES HANDICAP. of 270 sovs. Ono milo and three-quarters. Atareria ... 10 10 Home Made . 9 7 San Pedro ..10 7 Braeman ... 9 2 Sir Moment . 10 6 Hangawcra . 9 2 Panorama 10 6 Olympic ... 9 - Troilus’* 911 Ruby Ring ..9 0 Patuki o'9 Atareria and Home Made are bracketed, and will probabiv be the public choice. If Atareria’ were reliable his capabilities would make short work of this field. On Otaki form San Pedro and Sir Momentwill command attention, while Panorama and Troilus have good form to their credit. Braeman and Olympic also have claims. Atareria should be prominent if he goes right. San Pedro might turn the tallies on Sir Moment, and Panorama is entitled to consideration.

TRIAL PLATE, of 260 sovs. Six furlongs. Historic ... 911 Consent .... 9 0 Battle, Dancing Torque 9 11 ' ; Star 9. 0 Cold Air .. 911 Lucky Light 9 0 Cold Cure . 911 Roscrea ... 9 0 Rameses ... 911 Tea Rose ~ 9 0 Le Champ . 911 Tripos .... 9 0 Mark Mint 911 Toxenma ... 9 9 Solgele .... 911 Water Spear 9 0 Sir Spear ..9 3 ; ’ ■Two-year-olds are hard to beat In the Trial flate. whicli Is not surprising, considering that many of them are well on the wav towards winning.in the very best class of three-year-old events. This year there are no runners above the age of three years, and as none of these rising four-year-olds has .vet been able to exceed a win of.JOO sovs., their chances of defeating a promising young horse like Roscrea look decidedly slim. Roscrea shows more quality than Limerick did' at the same age, and although he just got up to win by a head at Ashburton in the only race he has had so far, the experience has done him a world of good, as it usually does in horses of class. His subsequent track doings both at Riccarton and Trentham, and his ability shown yesterday in bad ground, will combine to gain him a host of admirers for to-day’s race. Perhaps he may not be sufficiently seasoned, but few will seek elsewhere. On form Consent must be regarded as a possibility, and Mark Mint has recently shown winning form. FIRST HACK STEEPLECHASE, of 275 sovs. Two miles and a half. Radiate ... 10 10 Captain Sarto 9 7 Matu 10 4 Sir Wai 9 3 San Fera ... 10 2 Main Spring . 9 3 Oriflamb .. 911 Son o' Mine .92 Jovial 9 8 Hangawera . 9 0

Form points to Matu and Radiate being in demand in the Hack Steeples. San Fera and Jovial both tire quickly, and Oriflamb appears only a moderate. Mainspring is a good jumper and a stayer; and may prove the most dangerous to Matu and Radiate. STEWARDS' HANDICAP, of 400 SOVS. Six furlongs. King Lu .... 10 13 The Swell ... 9 5 Taboo JOj 2 Catkin 9 4 - Duke Abbey . JO 1 Panther .... 9 4 Oration ... 910 Decoy Bird.. 9 3 Monaghan .. 910 Waltzer ... 9 2 Ring Boy .. 9 10 Ballymoy II . 9 0 Bonoguc .... 9 6 Ronald ...;. 9 0

The King Lu-Waitzer bracket may start favourite, and backers should get a good run for their money. Taboo won at Dunedin, and is good in the ground, while Duke Abbey, Oration, Monaghan, Ring Boy, Bonogue, and Ronald all have recent form. Catkin is expected by the Trentham track watchers to make a good showing. King Lu and Duke Abbey may show up amongst t’he North Islanders, and one of the southerners, Taboo or Ronald. Possibly Ronald under his light weight will have an advantage.

WELLINGTON STEEPLECHASE. of 1009 sovs. Three miles and a quarter. Beau Cavalier, 11.13 (S. Henderson). Tuki, 10.9 (A. E. Ellis). Comical. 10 9 (Mr. R. Russell). Kawlni, 10.9 (R. Olive). Maunga. 10.4 (A. McDonald). Potirl. O.’O (E. Warner). Passin’ Tliro-ugh, 9.0 CP. Mcßrcarty).

There appears the possibility of Beau Cavalier starting favourite. He has a big weight to carry, and in the heavy ground it may stop him, although on his record and recent form he is entitled to.the greatest. respect. Comical has improved, so much in.ills jumping tlint he will carry a lot more money than ids record so far justifies. Comical should go well, aud one expects him to be'prominent for a long way. but at the end of three miles mid a quarter over 24 fences he will have lost a lot of his dash. Kawlni looks bright and well—better than he did last year—and the .pull he now .lias in poundage over Beau Cavalier will greatly assist him. He ’has an extraordinary run of seconds in big jumping races, but he is solid and reliable, and It is a long lane that has no turning. Handled to advantage. Kawlni should be a dangerous candidate. Tuki will have the services of A. E. Ellis—a big consideration. He may not be nt his best in heavy ground, as is said, but the fact remains that he lias won in it both at Ellerslie and Trentham. A reliable jumper and sound stayer, Tuki commands every respect. Maunga’s friends have deserted him, hut his past failures have not always been ’liis own fault. If Maunga has not altogether lost form, he should run well to-day. Pour! might be a posslifility. but is new to the game, while Passin’ Through will have’ to show improvement. His chance lies in his nine stone. Kawlni and Tuki still appeal ns they did at the declaration of weights, and Maunga might run up to his best form.

TRENTHAM HURDLES HANDICAP, of 500 sovs. One mile and three-quarters. Brigadier Bill 10 10 Kilburn ... 9 2 Aberfeldy ..10 5 Vexatious .. 9 0 Gaze 10 2 Kauri Park . 9 0 Pencils 10 1 Revel 9 0 Mia Bella .. 910 Panorama .. 9 0 Kaikahu ..9 9 Star Shell ..9 0 The Hawke's Bay form of Gaze attracts attention and he will be well supported. Brigadier BUI goes well in the ground, and the only disadvantage so far as lie is concerned is that he might 'With his steeplechasing experience jump high. Aberfeldy has not schooled lately, but he is a good jumper. Peneus does not stay too well, and Mia Bella may'find the distance a trifle short. One or two of the lightweights might make a bid. and Star Shell is one of them. On the whole backers may stick to Gaze, Aberfeldy, and Brigadier Bill. WHYTE MEMORIAL HANDICAP, of 400 sovs. One mile. Paitonu ... 10 11 Beaumont ..9 7 King Lu ... 10 11 Hulkai 9 4 Nukumai ..19 7 Bonogne ... 9 3 Black Mint . 10 7 Te Koroke ..9 2 Roval Damon 10 6 Fairy Herald 9 0 Taboo 9 12 Kilperon .. 9 0 Shining Nucleus 9 0 Armour 9 9 Avro 9 0 Day Guard . 9 9 Bisox 9 0 Queen Arch . 9 9 Cynthia N. .. 9 O David Garrick 9 8 Gold Mint .. 9 0 Royal Mint . 9 7 Gnrdant .... 9 0 Horomea, ... 97 Kilmoyler .. 90 Royal Game : 9 7 The backer of the. winner in the Whyte Memorial is entitled to congratulate himself. The race is a puzzle, and as usual 'the possibility of a big surprise is there. Of the ten stoners, Royal Damon may prove the best, and from there down to list. Queen Arch and Beaumont. The big number on the minimum contains such as Fairy Herald, Avro, and Gold Mint. The lastnamed is greatly fancied by southerners. On the whole, Gold Mint, Beaumont, and Queen Arch may be the best supported. TE ARO HACK HANDICAP, of 260 sovs. ■ Seven furlongs. Teri 10 9 Rory Mor .. 9 2 Kalos 10 7 Meadow Lark 9 2 Otairl 10 6 Kindle 9 2 King Mart . 913 Mandarine .. 9 2 i Carinthia ... 913 Billion 9 0 Rotowhero .. 9 9 Full Mark ..9 0 • Grand Despot 9 0 National 9 8 Frceseout ... 9 0 Pangolin ... 9 8 Handsome .. 9 0 Clavers .... 9 7 Marjoram .. 9 0 Monsogne .. 9 5 Volplane ... 9 0 The Mug .... 9 3 Northern form points to King Mart. Kalos, and The Mug. and Southern to Carinthia and Meadow Lark, while Volplane, on the minimum, ran a good race at Otaki behind Bisox and Avro. King Mart, Meadow Lark, and Kalos may do best.

NOTES AND COMMENTS (By "The Watcher.’’) “Esk,” Wanganui.—Fee Simple was scratched for all engagements at the Wellington winter meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday. "Interested,” Masterton: T. Green had one ride at the Hawke’s Bay Hunt Club’s meeting—on Hinekatorangi in the concluding event, the Horonui Hack Handicap. ' Te Koroke was scratched nt 4.25 p.m. yesterday for all engagements at the Wellington winter meeting.

In the Whyte Memorial Handicap to-day Gold Mint and Nucleus will bo bracketed on the machine, owing to the number of acceptors exceeding the dial capacity. Tins is the only bracketing ou the card apart from the following, who are coupled on account of joint ownership or interest: — VITTORIA HURDLES, —Atareria and Home Made. ■ . STEWARDS’ HANDICAP.—King Lu anil -Waltzer. WHYTE MEMORIAL.—King Lu and Queen Arch,’Black Mint and Royal Game, Gardant and Kilinoyler. TE ARO HANDICAP,—KaIos and'Grand National.

The track work of the horses running at the Wellington winter meeting this year has been notable for the small amount of schooling that has been indulged in. Apart from the two displays in which Comical took part, and Passin’ Through once, none of the Wellington Steeplechase candidates lias been seen over the country, while Matu, Radiate, Orillamb, Captain Sarto, and Mainspring, of the hack steeplechasers, have done practically no schooling to speak of. Except that Comical has shown himself greatly improved as a fencer, the schooling at Trentham has been of little use as a guide to future events. The hurdlers have provided even less entertainment and instruction, and it is many years since such little use was made of schooling facilities.

Awangawanga, recently, purchased by Mr. H. Ensor, of Christchurch, who intended to run him in hack steeplechase events at Wellington, has been scratched for. all engagements.

As some doubt had been cast upon Roscrea’s ability to handle bad ground, It was interesting to see him hit out so well yesterday morning on a very heavy track, and run one of the best gallops recorded. If all goes well witli Roscrea lie will soon be .above Trial Plate company.

Some doubt has been cast upon the .eligibility of Rameses to run in the Trial Plate to.-day. The race is for horses that have not won a race exceeding the value of 100 sovs. at time of nomination. Rameses has won three races. He scored a double at Greymouth on January 1 and 2, but won only 65 sovs. and 75 sovs. respectively. At the Nelson meeting lie won an open event, £92 10s. to the winner, but of a total value of 130 sovs. The Wellington stewards will decide to-day whether “of a value exceeding 100 sovs" means the total stake or the value to the winner.

L. A. Pine will ride Troilus, Cynthia N., and Ballymoy II at Trentham to-day.

Bisox will be ridden in the Whyte Memorial by A. McCorinac.

Prior to leaving Hawera for Wellington the. local horses engaged at Trentham accomplished the following work:—Troilus and. Polyphemus were companions over seven furlongs, the former showing to most advantage in a work-out in 1.40 on the outside. Bonogne on the same course from practically a standing start ran bls seven in 1.38), after taking Sflsec. for the first half-mile. Most interest was centred in the gallop of Royal Mint, Bisox, and Paitonu from the mile post. The trio jumped off well together and ran abreast for a couple of furlongs, when Bisox showed out with a half-length advantage, which she held at the half-mile post, reached In 55sec. Blsox increased her lead and entered the straight well clear of Royal Mint and Paitonu. The latter pair closed up on the leader, nnd Bisox had to be shaken up to hold Royal Mint off by three-quar-ters of a length, with Paitonu four or five lengths back. The time was 1.53 for the distance, but considerably over the mile was covered. San Fera went over a couple of jumps on the steeplechase course nnd then did a round of solid pace work. M. Conway, his usual pilot, is to fide him at Wellington.

The North Islanders bought by C. Christie for a team to take to West Australia are Indun, by Valkyrian— Whitlanga, by Absurd —Blaek Watch, by ‘Tasman, and Orewa, a two-year-old (illy, by Vaikyrlan from Gold Mint's dam. Tlone has also joined the stable.

Starting times at TrenMiam to-day are as follow: — Vittoria Hurdles 11.30a.m. Trial Plate 12.10 p.m. Hack Steeples • 12.50 p.m. Stewards’ Handicap .... 1.30p.m. Wellington Steeplechase 2.10 p.m. Trentham Hurdles .... 2.50p.m. Whyte Memorial ...... 3.30p.m. Vi Aro Handicap 4.10 p.m.

TRENTHAM TRACK NOTES Tuesday. The weather cleared in the early morning and fine bright conditions prevailed for training work. The trial grass was mostly used and was very heavy, but some trainers preferred the sand track. . Catkin and Star Ranger did serviceable gallops, Catkin sprinting well over four lU Ronaki and Carinthia ran five furlongs in Imin lOsec., the last half in -Ouscc. Ronald went well in the ground. Roscrea galloped away from Rameses at the end of five furlongs in Imin. 9 4-ssec., the last Half in 53Jsec. Roscrea earned only a light weight, but liis gallop was verv impressive. , Brigadier Bill and Kelburn did a solid to do half a mile, but he only sprinted down the straight. Taboo took imin. 12Jscc. for the last five of six furlongs, the last half in uGsec. Captain Sarto, Tuki, and Mainspring did a couple of solid rounds on the grass. Atareria and Chelone shaped well over half a mile in 54 3-ssec. Consent and Otairi ran five f“ rlon ss m Imin 12 2-sscc. after going slowly over the first ’two. Consent went very well. Tea Rose and Troilus took on l-ssec. foi four furlongs, and were followed by Dancing Star and The Mug, who did _-osec. b Memlow Lark shaped well against a companion over six furlongs, in Imin. -osec., after going fast over the first two. Waltzor finished a couple of lengths of King Lu nt the end of five furlongs in Imin. Msec., after being given plenty of time to find their feet. Waltzer impressed, but Ling Lu is not a Particularly good track worker. King Lu looks in t ’ r Shiniiig < Armour and Avro took Imin. 38} sec for seven furlongs, running the first half in sGsec., and the last half in o 7 1-a sec. Shining Armour appeared to be doing It the better of the pair. Gold Mint and Chickwhcat impressed by the style in which they ran five furlongs in Imin 8 4-ssec., the last half in 54sec. Both were striding along well at the finish and they carried substantial weights. Royal Damon began in front of Queen Arch at the half-mile post, and slightly ■increased his margin in the run home m 53 4-ssec. It was a good gallop, but Queen Arch was conceding all of two stone, and Sh Greyflncli moved smartly over four furlories in ?54 4-ssec. _ Lucky Light worked, and then got nd of her rider, F. Waddell. * Perle de Leon and Gaze did a working gallop. The former appears still a bit S °Erin-go-Bragh and Standard raced over f °Red h Fuchsia led Peneus over three hurdles, both jumping well. They afterwards did a round of pacing. Kalos, Locarno, and Grand National did a solid gallop on the sand, the firstnamed pair doing it best. . Beau Cavalier has not schooled since arrival He galloped seven furlongs this morning, and did not appear to be doing Mandarine set out t!> run five furlongs with Huikai. but broke down, and Hulkai finished alone in Imin. 12see. Black Mint and Ring Boy did strong work, Black Mint going particularly well. Oration sprinted down the straight. He looks very well. ’ Kaikahu, Amorist, Despot, and Sir Vai arrived from Riccarton during the mornin" it was practically decided to let Kaikahu forfeit his engagements, but he was sent up at the last moment.

A Press Association message from Sydney states that the Maheno, with the racehorses In The Shade, Prince Humphrey Mlthra, Ti Tree and Perception bn board, has arrived. All the horses are ’ in good condition. FIXTURES. July 11, 12, 14 Wellington R.C. July 19 Waimate Dist. Hunt . . Club iuly 21 S. Canterbury Hunt Club July 26, 28 Gisborne R.C. Aug. 4 Christchurch Hunt Club Aug. 4 Poverty Bay Hunt Club Aug. 14, 16, 18 .... Canterbury J.C. Aug. 25 Ufo-ke’s Bay Hunt Club Sept. 1 Marton J.C. • Sept. 1 ' •■'■ Hunt Chib. Sept. 5 Dannevirke R.C. Sept. 6 Dannevirke Hunt C. Sept. 8 i.trsiuaiti .-iiint C. . ■ 15 Wanganui J.C. Sept. 22 Ashburton Cty. R.C. Sept. 22 ;... Napier Park R.C. Sept. 22, 24 Avondale R.C. Sept. 27, 28 Geraldine R.C. Sept, 29 Hawke’s Bay J.C. Sept. 29 I’akuranga Hunt C.

TROTTING

FIXTURES. July 21—South Canterbury Hunt Club (one event). August 11, 15, 17—N.Z. Metropolitan T.C. NOMINATIONS. July 19—N.Z. Metropolitan T.C. ACCEPTANCES. July 16—South Canterbury Hunt. August 7—N.Z. Metropolitan T.C. (By “Overcheck.”) At the annual meeting of the New Brighton Trotting Club, held last week, the president referred to the possibility of the club having to change its quarters on account of financial difficulties, but at the same time held out hope that matters would Improve sufficiently to obviate the adoption of such a course of action. Dur-ing-the year the club was most unfortunate as regards the weather conditions, for out of four days’ racing three had been wet. On the top of this, the Tramway Board discontinued the tramway service beyond Burwood, aud so patrons were denied this convenient means of transport .t»o the course. An endeavour is being made to induce the Tramway Board to reinstate the service, and for the club's sake it is to be hoped 'that It may do so. With a view to securing increased patronage, the club is applying for four Saturdays, and if this does not improve the situation the question of changing theilocation of their race meetings is sure to demand' consideration. The club, which is the oldest in New Zealand, owns its own ground, and it will be a great pity if it has to forsake the old track, which carries so many pleasant associations for so many of our southern friends.

Two of W. J. Tomkinson’s team in Logan Park and Rose Marie are enjoying a spell. 'The former will not be asked to race again until November. He is on a tight mark now, and will require to be judiciously placed to win. Rose Mario should be benefited by the spell, and it will be surprising if she does not turn out a good stake-earner next season.

After his successful trip to Auckland, Jackie Audubon was given a few days’ spell, but he will be in work again this week.

A southern exchange states that a farmer brought an action against a railway company for killing one of his brood mares. The jury's verdict, read like this: "If the train had run as it should have run; if the liell had rung as it should have rung, if the whistle had Mowed, as it should have blew, both of whicli it did neither, the marc would not have been injured when she was killed.”

In a recent exhibition on a two-furlong track at Cnmperdown, Victoria. Pedro Pronto is reported to have paced a mile in 2.12 from a standing start .

The smart youngster Vestas is reported to be going along nicely in his work, and he will not lack support the next time ho steps out. It is to be hoped that his trainer will have cured his waywardness at tlie barrier, a fault which kept him out of the money oi> more than one occasion during the season.

The Harvester, 2.1 and 4.16, was sold for one thousand dollars at the dispersal sale of the late Mr. Paul Kuhn's stud at Indianapolis, U.S.A., on June 1.

S. M. August has taken with him to Australia tlie nacer Lord Lu, and a threo-year-old fill.v liy Worthy Bond from Hunilalee. Tlie latter is.engaged in the Trottng. Derby, and is credited with being a pretty smart youngster. (Continued .on page 17.)