NORTHERN TRIAL

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 201, 22 May 1936, Page 17

NORTHERN TRIAL

Hurdlers at Waikato Dominion Special Service. Auckland. May 21. One of the most interesting races on the first day of the Waikato Racing Club’s winter meeting at Te Rapa on Saturday should be the Te Kuiti Hurdles. A good field of 14 is engaged and the candidates include a number of horses with engagements in the Great Northern Hurdles at Ellerslie, so that the form revealed will be followed closely. Last year’s Grand National Hurdles winner, Jolly Beggar, is topwciglit with 10.12. Jolly Beggar has been going well in his work at Riccarton and promises to strip in fine condition, He has had his latest racing on the flat, winning the Greymouth Cup, 1} miles, with 7.7, tn 2.8 in January and finishing third to i Riptide and Execution in the Autumn Plate, 1-} miles, at Riccarton nt Easter. In the latter race he carried 8.11 and was only a length and a half behind the winner, who ran 2.G. It will be seen from these performances that Jolly Beggar is very useful on the flat and he is a proved stayer and jumper who, promises to reach the peak of his form this winter. Chances of Saltspray. After his defeat at Marton last Saturday doubt exists regarding Brigadore, who was reported to have been in a baa way after the race. The best has not been seen of Brigadore, who showed signs of returning to form by finishing second to Contact on the first day at Hawera, and he would have prospects if produced fit. The race he had on the second day at Hawera, where he was third to Contact and Silk Sox, is likely to have been beneficial to Saltspray, who is rapidly regaining form. Saltspray is a very capable hurdler and he should give a good account of himself. Modern Maid and Prince of Orange failed at Te Awamutu last Saturday, but they may do better here, as they are handily placed. Modern Maid should appreciate her drop in weight, even though she is going from hack to open company. Indolent and Imperial Prince have no recent form. Both are useful when fit, especially the latter, who has registered some very creditable performances over hurdles. Black Marlin will be having his first race for some time and might be all the better for a run, although he has been working and schooling well. Sporting Song in Form.

Sporting Song was a good second to Roxy in the Hack Hurdles at Te Awamutu, and even though he is going into better company, he should not be without prospects. He is improving with racing, and, like his half-brother I’atutahi, should make a very useful performer over fences. Lueidus notched a third and a second at I’e Awamutu and should be capable of a forward showing, more especially as he is jumping .with more confidence than formerly. Count Roussillon will require to improve considerably upon his Tc Awamutu running to win and the same applies to Summer Ilill. Racewhip has shown promise and Booklaw is a winner, although lie has no recent form. The race bears an open aspect and fancies may be fairly well divided, although the final gallops may bring some horses into greater prominence titan others. Some who may be in demand are Jolly Beggar, Saltspray, Sporting Song and Modern Maid.

Twelve years ago Harold Osborne (U.S.A), who once held the world’s high jump record of Oft. B}in„ won the Olympic title at Oft. 6in., and to-day he is still clearing that height—a height, which, incidentally, stands as the Olympic record. Osborne, who was also the Olympic decathlon champion in 1924, must be one of the most remarkable athletes in action. He is 30 years of age.