RICCARTON NOTES

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 45, 17 November 1936, Page 15

RICCARTON NOTES

Saturday’s Racing In Review Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, November 16. There was a good deal of crowding when the field for the Pioneer Handicap at Riccartou on Saturday approached tue entrance to the course proper, some <>t tae youngsters, more especially Lazybones, receiving checks. The judicial stewards held an inquiry into the matter and decided, as the evidence was co conflicting, not to take any further action. A Bright Future. Recollection has proved a good purchase for Mr. W. Parsons, who paid -vv guineas to Sir Charles Clifford for him. Mr. Parson#, who is partial to jumpers, acquired the gelding with the ultimate idea of trying him as a hurdler, but following his useful form at la#t week a meeting he is likely to be kept to flat racing for this season at least* Not Done Yet. Cyclonic earned hi*J first stake money for a long time when he filled third place in Saturday's high weight event. There Is no doubt about his ability, but unfortunately he haw suffered from persistent leg troubles since coming to the South Inland, and bis present owner-trainer, R. McLennan, has found it difficult to give him the desired preparation. Provided the half-brother to Cylinder does not suffer any ill-effects from hie races at the meeting he may soon return to the 'winning list. The Right Going. Siegmund, winner of the three-ycar-old handicap at Ricearton on Saturday, can claim some stout breeding. He is by Siegfried from Lilimond, a nine-year-old mare by Limond from Farce, by Absurd or San Fran. Siegmund was expected to race well at Trentham, but failed, and he also shaped poorly in the Derby, finishing a long way in the rear. ’The soft track was considered responsible for this display, and with firm ground on Saturday he was confidently supported by North Island visitors, who received a substantial price. Track to Suit. Argentic was allowed to pay a false price when he won the Metropolitan Handicap on Saturday, but there was some excuse for his position in public favour, as he ran a disappointing race in the New Zealand Cup and only, a fair race in the Canterbury Cup. The track on the first day was against the gelding, and his connections were very confident of his prospects on Saturday, when firm conditions were in evidence. Argentic has not overcome his heel trouble, which came against him a week before the cup, and the affected part was heavily bandaged on Saturday. It is now proposed to give him an opportunity to get right in view of a trip to Ellerslie for the Auckland Cup meeting. Southdown. Southdown ran a good race for half the journey in the Metropolitan Handicap on Saturday, and approaching the half-mile seemed likely to be handy over the concluding stages, but he stopped abruptly before the straight was reached and finished down the course. Lost Caste. Fersen created a big impression by his sterling effort in the New Zealand Cup, but was a big disappointment on Saturday. He paraded looking very fresh and bright after his week’s rest from racing, and his prospects looked good, but at no stage of the race was he really dangerous and at the finish had only one horse, Southdown, behind him. It was a very mediocre performance for a cup winner. First Representative. The two-year-old Royal Chief has justified all, earlier opinions formed of him,' and next, autumn may find him among the best of his age. He is the first to carry the colours of his owner, Mr. A. K. Firth, Christchurch, who naturally was elated with his success in the Pioneer Handicap on Saturday. Modiste 11, dam of tile youngster, was imported by Mr. J. Donald, Wanganui, for stud purposes only, and Royal Chief is her first living foal. She lost a colt foal to Bucks Hussar shortly after arriving in New Zealand, and two foals by Chief Ruler also died. Royal Chief cost, Mr. Firth 160 guineas as a yearling at Trentham, and even at this stage he can claim to be one of the bargains of the ring. Screamer Leased. The two-year-old Screamer has been leased by his breeder, Mr. F. Williamson, to Mr. N. ID. Aitken, Wellington, partowner of Autopay. whose colours were borne by the Hoyhike colt on Saturday. Screamer is from Toil del Monte, who is a half-sister to Autopay, and this breeding no doubt prompted 'Mr. Aitken in securing the youngster, who will continue to he trained at Ricearton by C. McCarthy. Will Improve with Age. Lazybones has been making gradual improvement and. by his race on Saturday, when he was narrowly beaten in a gruelling finish, he should develop into a good class performer, especially with a little more age on his side. Lazybones, who is aptly named, being by Nigger Minstrel from Slackline, cost Mr. G. R. Macdonald 220 guineas as a yearling. Staying in Melbourne. There is a possibility of P. T. Hogan remaining at Melbourne for some time yet with Queen of Song, and he may have some of his Washdyke team sent over to him. Queen of Song was among the unplaced division in the Williamstown Cup on Saturday, a race in which she was no doubt strongly supported.