GOOD SCHOOLING AT RICCARTON

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 260, 30 July 1937, Page 17

GOOD SCHOOLING AT RICCARTON

Steeplechasers’ Effort POLYDORA AMISS Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, July 29. Conditions were very pleasant for training operations at Riccarton to-day, and the work was watched by a large assemblage of the public, who were treated to some excellent schooling over the inside steeplechase fences. There is every indication that track work next week will be more interesting than has been the case in recent yearn, as the number of visiting horses is much larger and the best of the Dominion’s steeplechasers will no doubt be seen in aetioif over the main country, which will be thrown open for schooling on stipulated days as in the past. The outside of the trial grass was open this morning and, following a drying wind on the previous day, it provided much faster going than on Tuesday. Sovereign Lady and Chidden were first to gallop, and the former finished in front at the end of a mile run in 1.45 2-5, the second half in 52 4-5. This pair should perforin well at the Grand National meeting, especially after Having had a race each on Saturday. Chidden will be ridden by D. O’Connor, but a rider has not yet been secured for Sovereign Lady. Sir Hugh and Happy Night hopped off together at the six-furlong post, and Bonnie Agnes joined them at the halfmile. The two last-named then drew away and finished abreast in 1.20, well clear of Sir Hugh, who gave a disappointing display. Tudor and Spearmarch strode over two circuits at a solid pace. The former has not shown any signs of lameness since he was allotted this kind of work a week ago. 1 Trench Fight Restrained. Trench Fight was not allowed his head in running the first half of a mile task in 54, taking 1.47 for the journey. His stablemate, Jed Forest, took 1.49. Trench Fight will be ridden by li. Beale on Saturday. The best gallop over seven furlongs .■as recorded by Concertpitch and Grey lonour, who finished together without eing ridden out in 1.32 3-5, the first .ree in 3$ 2-5. Greek Gold and Waitaka went over the me ground in 1.33, and primal; and istral ran half a mile in 54. Rosseau and Swordstick covered six arlongs in 1.19 1-5, the former finishing the better. Screamer and Love Affair ran the same distance in 1.20 2-5, and other tasks over this journey were done by Tunneller and Willie Win in 1.21 1-5, and Greek Shepherd and Roy Bun in 1.22. Several horses were restricted to halfmile sprints. Dictate and Shy took 51, finishing together, and Palmyra easily beat Bay Duke in the same time. Rebel Chief was well in front of Knocklin at •the end of half a mile along the back stretch in 50 1-5, and Fiord, after jumping two hurdles, covered the same distance home in 50. Owlssleam and Lisiiacree recorded 52. The Wrecker 54, Mazzini and Lordshin 53, Metal Bird 52. Land Raid and Hunting Bag 54. Moonraker and Muipai 52 4-5, and Delium and Potent 53. Royal Limond was seen to advantage by beating Nocturnus and Streamline in a mile gallop, taking 1.48, the last six furlongs in 1.20 2-5. Hurdlers Do Well. Red Sun (R. Smith) and Journet (N. Tr,llo) were companions over eight hurdles. The latter gave a brilliant display, and had Red Suu struggling at most of the fences to keep up with him, but there was not much between them at the finish. Red Sun was inclined to rap some of the hurdles, but did not lose I much ground by so doing. Ethiop (McDowell) was also respon- 1 sible for an attractive showing over four hurdles, jumping cleanly and fast. Collision (R. Smith) did a similar task without a semblance of a mistake. He looks the part of a good hurdler, and will be a formidable candidate for honours at both meetings. Manawatu (A. McDonald), Tangled (McDowell), Forest Glow (R. Beale), and Valpeen (J. Muir), were associated in an interesting and spectacular school over 10 of the steeplechase fences. The three first-named raced practically in line throughout, while Valpeen was content to remain in behind. All jumped faultlessly, Tangled probably creating the best impression by staying with the two more seasoned horses throughout and ■ taking each fence with them. Valpeen | was under restraint, and appeared anxious to go up to the trio in front. He i did not put a foot wrong, and there is no , doubt he has not lost any of his clever- ' noss over country. This effort alone should serve to bring him into enhanced favour for his coming engagement. I Catalogue and Old Surrey did not ac- 1

company Manawatu south from Awapuni, i the lust-uamed being in charge of A, McDonald, but they will travel next week in charge of Mrs. McDonald, Manawatu pleased by his display today and, although he appeared to move short afterward, it is considered he will be in better order for racing ahead than he was at Trentham, where he failed badly. | I’olydora’s unexpected defection from the Homeby Steeplechase was due to her being very lame after her excellent effort over the steeplechase fences on Tue-xlay. The trouble is in a front joint, and it is thought she over-reached at one of the fences and struck herself. The trouble no doubt will mean I’olydora’s absence also from the. big meeting.