RICCARTON PROSPECTS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 35, 10 August 1925, Page 10

RICCARTON PROSPECTS

THE CROSS-COUNTRY FIXTURE.

To very many this week's racing at Riccarton is the most attractive of the season, and there are a great number who make a point of seeing the Grand National Steeplechase decided no matter what other lixture has to go by the board. Despite what certainly appeared to be a very lean season (or 'chasers, the Grand National itself promise! a great race. If the Homeby Steeplechase was any criterion, the 'chasers ot the year can both jump and gallop. They showed this despite the fact that the fences at Riccarton are as formidable as ever. As a matter of fact, the fences lookc larger in one or two cases, and some of the experienced horsemen agree on this point. , The track to-morrow promises to be decidedly soft, and should, suit the mudlarks, but the formation", of course, is different from that of Trentham. On this account it may be unwise to assume that winners at Tren : tham will race well at Riccarton simply because the going is soft.

THE NATIONAL.

; So much has been written about "the" race of the meeting, the Grand National Steeplechase, that there is little left to bo said. Sir Roseberry has regained his position in favour with backers by his improved showings over the actual fences, but it is still maintained that he will have to be a better horse than he' has yet shown himself to be to win with 12.3. Passin' Through (11.4) will be a much better horse for his race at the Hunt Meeting, and, in addition, -will have 171b off his back. Tried and not. found wanting over the Riccarton country, he is the one to have on the right side. Z.e has been more or less under a cloud, and those who sliould know say she suffers from' kidney trouble, not reassuring for a National candidate. If she was well, her sax would not lie anything against her. Charlatan should again account for Tijer'.and, although Riccarton critics favour the older gelding. Charlatan, down 261b, compared with the Homeby Steeplechase, looks the greatest danger to Passin' Through. With 1 the exception of Tuki, and possibly l''lfehlight, none, of the others appeal at all, but to the New Plymouth owned and trained gelding one lias to accord no little respect. The elimination leaves Passin' Through, Charlatan, and Tuki.

THE WINTER COP.

As the tin y has become nearer tlio Winter Cup puzzle has become only slightly easier, in- that one or ttvo can be deleted from what- appeared to be the likely division. 'It is remarkable, how few of the• t>venl-y-oiic acceptors il. .appeal 1? f»f« tn discard absolutely, nnd tke i'ucg ii witLwul, d'jubl vue vi thu

most difficult An the history of perhaps the trickiest event decided in the Dominion. Southerners appear to. hold a stronger hand than the North Islanders. The beat of the latter may be Anticipate, more because what he looks capable of doing than what he has dono. "Promising hacks, however, have a great record in tlie Winter Cup, and often for them in the past it has been a step-ping-stone to higher things. Those who remember how Kilfane stuck to an extra good horse in Income at Trentham cannot lightly pass him by, and he is sure to be running on at the end. Sun Up has to be selected, although. Mine may decry Brabazon form. He is h great beginner, will bo improved, by the race, and his effort ajamst Red Wink and Loughrca at Wingatui shows that he can run out a solid mile. Sartist also galloped so well afc the end of the Brabazon Welter that his form, like that of Bun Up, is of the "have done" kind, to be preferred to what some of the others " might do." The race is bo open that half the field may be named, but with little honour to anybody. Only two are selected, the North Island being passed by in favour of Sun Up and Sartist. . ■

THE JUMPERS' FLAT.

The Jumpers' Flat Race carefully studied in running may solve the Grand National Hurdles problem. There is no doubt that Nukumai, Boomerday, and Vagabond are easily the best-performed horses on the flat of those engaged, with the two last-named really having a pull over Nukumai on performances. Boomerday, however, can be looked on now as a very doubtful starter, and Vagabond has been under suspicion. Nukumai has to be given a chance, but Frisco Mail should do well with 10.6. The Trehtham-trained mare Lady Gay has shown a fair amount of pace, and might effect a surprise.

THE MINOR EVENTS..

Being a qualified hunter, it seems safe to presume that Sporting Girl can jump proficiently, and she has schooled fairly well over hurdles. She won co well on the flat at the Hunt Meeting that she should have the heels of the opposition in the Hunters' Hurdles, always provided she jumps correctly. Te Kawa meets Many Colours on 81b worse terms in the Trial Hurdles than was the case at the Hunt Meeting, but the former won by more than that margin. The only question that arises is whether he will stay the extra distance as well.. Kaikahu will be tested to bo found how good he really is. Red Kriss should beat Kaikahu on Ashburton running. Bonecto ia an erratic fencer, and North Inch does not appeal. Trespass is left to be discussed, and if he is in the same humour as at Wanganui, he will give the opposition plenty to do. He has not had a track to his liking for some time, but should be more at home at Riccarton. Form points to Te Kawa, but there is also a good measure of regard for Trespass. Uncle Bob, although he failed in the open steeplechase at Riccarton ten days ago, performed well enough to attract attention to his chance in the Enfield Steeplechase. Uncle Dave,' however, ■showed at Hastings that he is useful over two miles, but he does not know the Riccarton country. Blue Hall has shaped poorly so far this season. Ca3hman pleased the Riccarton critics up to his fall. Possibly he will do.better after a race. Birkenella did not have a great deal to beat at the Hunt Meeting, but he did his work like a tradesman, and it will take something good to lower his colours. It is presumed that Frenchman will be a runner in the National.

The Cashmere Plate is rather a disappointment, but there promises to be good support for Serotina and Solway. Perhaps it might be worth remembering that J. M'Combe's Forgery was a winner last time out, his third start for the season. He may be worth even a second though) if the indications are that he is fancied by his owner-trainer. Highflown is racing so consistently that he has to be noticed in the Avonhead Handicap, and he showed on the appalling track at Trentham that he could run out seven furlongs. Blue Peter was a winner at Trentham over a similar distance, and also has to be'considered, but he may bo upset by his fall last week. The Southern Boughleen Dhoun is a good hack, however, and may hold his own with the best of the North Islanders.' Tiff represents a trainer whose charges are not sent out unless fit to race. He, with Boughleen Dhoun, may do best. .iv^Bv*" 1-