ROYAL CHIEF FIT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 118, 12 February 1941, Page 11

ROYAL CHIEF FIT

Trials At Ricearton

Dominion Special Service.

CHRISTCHURCH, February 11

All the galloping at Ricearton this morning was done on the plough, which was in good order. The grass tracks were too hard. Horses due to race at Dunedin next week provided the interest. Royal Chief was sent, along at a sound pace. He revelled in his work and he looks in gient form. He is likely to start a warm favourite for tlie James Hazlett Gold Cup. but before that he should play a leading part in the Dunedin Cup, despite his big weight. The Wrecker and Iceland Spar were mates over a mile and they were staying on very strongly. Iceland Spar is an improved horse as the result of recent racing and The Wrecker is fast getting back to his best form. Winning Rival was not. required to show her best, but she went freely over seven furlongs. She has done.well since her success in the Midsummer Handicap, which she owed to her stamina so she may be a fancied candidate for the Dunedin Cup. Knight Commander and Blue Abbey were to have gone seven furlongs together. Blue Abbey broke away several lengths in front and was travelling easily in the lead while Knight Commander gradually made up the leeway. This be did in good style, finishing alongside his mate, These two are in capital order. C. C. McCarthy sent Cymric, Trench Fight and Symbol along in some good work. The first-mimed pair are very fit. while Symbol is coming on rapidly after a spell. All three are engaged at the Dunedin meeting, but they have also been nominated for Te Aroha.

Good Passage will not be racing at Dunedin next week. She has jarred a joint and another spell will be necessary.

F. Christmas has a two-year-old as a new member of his team. 'J’ho youngster is a bay gelding bv Alyosotis from Manethos. a sister of Distrait by Diacquenod from Lovelorn who founded a great family of stayers. The newcomer is a goodlooking horse. When Settlement was pulled up in the Midsummer Handicap ho was found to be in a bad way. the ligaments being severely injured. Tn Hie opinion of his owner it is unlikely that lie will be fit to race again and it may be found advisable to destroy him.