AVONDALE RACES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 302, 17 September 1936, Page 17

AVONDALE RACES

Saturday’s Prospects GOOD FIELD IN CUP Dominion Special Service. Auckland, September 16. Excellent acceptances have been received for the opening of the Avondale Jockey Club’s gpring meeting on Saturday and prospects for a successful gather, ing are bright. The course is likely to be slow after the wet weather of the pas* month, although if there is no further rain before Saturday the going should be good. Most of the races on the programme appear to be very open aud investors will have some very difficult porblemg to solve. The betting will be under the single-p-'ol system, with two dividends in fields of five or more. The first race is timed to start at 12 o’clock and the last at five O’clock. Last year there were only nine runners in the Avondale Cup, and, as there are no fewer than 20 acceptors, it seems certain that the field will be a good deal larger on this occasion. The top-weights, Jonathan and Master Briefly, are two of the best horses in the Dominion and have some notable successes to their credit. Jonathan is actually the Avondale course record holder for a mile and a quarter, having won the Foley Memcrial Handicap in 1934 with 9.12 in 2.41-3, a race in which Master Brierly was topweight with 10.7. At his best Jonathan would have excellent prospects, but after his defeats at Wanganui last week there, is a doubt whether he is ready, although the two races he had would do him good. Chances of Mazir. It is also doubtful whether Master Brierly is forward enough to run a mile and a quarter successfully with 9.8 and some of the lighter weights may be preferred. One of these is Mazir, a good galloper, of whom the best has not been seen owing to interruptions in his training at various times. Of his ability to run a mile and a quarter soundly there is no doubt, and with the handy weight of 8.0 he should be capable of a solid performance, although his prospects would probably be enhanced if he had a little longer time to complete his preparation Some anxiety was felt regarding Mazir last week, but he was on the track at Ellers lie doing useful work yesterday. The manner in which he won the Je.licoe Handicap at the Pakuranga Hunt meeting last month suggests a chance for Tradesman, especially if the track is heavy, as there are few horses who handle that kind of going better. Others with recent form who are handily placed are Con Fuoco, third in the Jellicoe Handicap, and Silver Brier, who won the Marangai Handicap at Wanganui last week. Although he is aged, the best has not been seen of Con Fuoco, and with the going not as heavy as it was at Ellerslie last month he may make an improved showing. Sliver Brier has made considerable progress in the past few months and it will be in her favour that she is very fit after her recent racing. Position of Red Manfred. Success with 0.5 might not be beyond Red Manfred if he were back to his best, and it will be interesting to see how he has come through his two races at Wanganui, where he performed creditably without being impressive. Velocipede is handily placed with 8.3, and should improve upon his Jellicpe Handicap running if the track is reasonably dry. On the other hand he may not make much appeal if it is heavy. Scotland is consistent, and may make a showing, although he is probably at his best at slightly shorter distances than a mile ana a quarter. Lord Vai, who ran second in the Jellicoe Handicap, is also in the Kingsland Hurdles, and that may be his mission unless the course is very heavy, which would enhance his chance in the flat event.

Tybalt displayed signs of returning to form when he finished third among the sprinters at the Pakuranga Hunt meeting, when he had his first run for some months, after a spell. The fact that he finished second to Caliente in the Mitchelson Oup last year is proof that Tybalt has ability over middle distances, and he is not without prospects, although he is not as seasoned as some who have been racing during the winter. Lagoon and Gay Rose are capable performers on occasions, and the former has had the benefit of recent racing. Lagoon failed in the Jellicoe Handicap, but the conditions were against her, and she should do better on a drier track.

Another Jellicoe Handicap failure was Horowhenua, and his form on that occasion was disappointing. In the meantime he has been responsible for some solid work, and improvement on this occasion is hoped for. Knight of Australia, who was third last year with 7.13, is looking and working well and may again race prominently. His last success was achieved in the Nolan Handicap at Ellerslie in April. King Musk and Vet” sant are both capable of running sound races with the minimum, and they appeal much more than Te Hai, High Tea and Bronze Tray. However, High Tea has raced well in the hack class, and is a possibility if he can stay. The final gallons may shed some additional light on the prospects in a difficult race. Fancies are sure to take a wide range, and some who may be in demand are Mazir, Con Fuoco, Knight of Australia, and Silver Brier. Tlie Sprint Contest. Some very smart sprinters appear In the Flying Handicap, aud there are many with chances. Although he failed in his two races at Wanganui, Gallio will not be friendless, and he should make a forward showing if he has benefited by his outings, last week. The other three-year-olds, Golden Sheila and Golden Blonde, are likely to have many admirers. Golden Sheila won the Great Northern Champagne Stakes in the autumn in the style of a very good filly, and if she is relatively as good at three as she was at two, she should take a lot of beating. Golden Blonde is also very smart, and has made steady improvement since she commenced racing. The top-weight, Galilee, is one of the most consistent performers in Auckland She rarely runs a bad race, and usually goes well when fresh. Royal Dance and Prince Acre are recent winners, and it is in their favour that they had racing during the winter. They are in their element in heavy going, and a soft track will suit them. Sinking Fund is a solid customer always worthy of respect, and Puss Moth is very capable on his day. Lack of recent racing may be against Rcrepai, and Tooley Street may be best of the others, although Tray Bit and Triune are good gallopers. loopy Street finished second to Prince Acre at the Pakuranga Hunt meeting, aud has since trained on nicely. It should be a good betting race, nnd popular fancies may include Golden Sheila, Gallio and Goiden Blonde.