SPECTACULAR WORK

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 259, 29 July 1937, Page 17

SPECTACULAR WORK

Polydora and Burglar at Riccarton Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, July 28. At Riccarton to-day Polydora (H. Turner) and Burglar (R. Smith) were responsible for a spectacular task over eight of the schooling steeplechase fences. Both jumped cleanly and fast, but Polydora showed too much pace for her comnanion who, however, was never far away from her. Polydora did not make the slightest mistake and took each obstacle in her stride. In the opinion of R. Beale, who has ridden her in two steeplechases, Polydora will shape better over the big Riccarton fences, with firm going for the take-offs, than she has over the smaller obstacles. Burglar has not been seen much at Riccarton since the Wellington meeting, as he has been working on a private track at Yaldhurst. and this was his first schooling. Grey Boy (N. Trillo) negotiated eight fences in a faultless maimer. He has made a good recovery from the mishap he suffered last month, and is likely to make his presence felt in some of the short hack steeplechases at forthcoming meetings.

Signaller (T. Boyle) and Jolly Beggar (Beale) were companions over four hurdles. The pair went at only threequarter pace, and both jumped without any mistakes. Jolly Beggar is undoubtedly in great heart, and no notice need be taken of his indifferent schooling last week, as he has never shone on the tracks and he lias had very few mishaps in races. He will probably finish tin favourite for the Grand National Hurdles as. viewed from every angle, he has not bv any means been badly treated with 11.12 when it is considered that he won the last two Grand Nationals. He will not have the advantage of a race over fences on Saturday, but will contest the ’Kennels Hack Handicap, and this should bring him on satisfactorily. Primak (G. Ridgway), Corowa (Turner) and Master Reynard (Trillo) were associated over four hprdles. AU jumped well, Primak probably making the best showing. Grampian is the latest recruit to hurdling, and he was sent over two pony hurdles four times, improving with each effort. He is the right stamp for a jumper and is likely soon to make good.

Red Sun was noticed doing half-mice work on the sand. H“ is in very bright condition, and his veteran owner-trainer, J. W. Lowe; Trentham, is confident that the gelding will once more earn distinction on the Riccarton course. Red Sun has shown his liking for Riccarton by winning five hurdle races at various periods, in each case on firm ground. This will be, however, his first \>id for Grand National honours, mid, as staying is his great asset, he has to be seriously considered for next month’s big event, in which he will be ridden by C. Thomson, who has been associated with him in most of his races.

Another Trentham owner-trainer. _ E. Simpson, was on the tracks with Liane and Rockingham. The Levin owner-trainer, W. Hume, also put in an .appearance with his pair, Terry mid Mittie. Terry won a race a few weeks back at Napier andj although on tlie sni-’l side to tackle big fields such as she will encounter at Riccarton. she is expected to race prominently. AJittie won the Apprentices’ Plate, seven furlongs, at the ‘Wellington summer meeting in January last, beating Day Dress and Old Surrey, but on her return home she contracted a poisoned leg and has not raced since. She is a most attractive looking filly, and is sure to engage attention before her return home.