NOTES FROM WINGATUI

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 125, 30 May 1930, Page 6

NOTES FROM WINGATUI

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

DUNEDIN, This Day. Splendid acceptances having been received for all events, the Dunedin Jockey Club now requires only good weather to ensure financial success for its winter meeting, which opens, to-morrow. , At the time of writing ram is tailing heavily, but up to to-day showers which •,had fallen earlier in the week had not made the track soft. The continuance ot rain, however, will make the going heavy, and consequently calculations are liable to be upset. ■ c Although there are ten acceptors tor the Hunters' Steeplechase Handicap, Hyperion is a certain non-starter, and Loughrea, who looked a racecourse certainty, will probably be scratched, as the Wellington Cup winner has split, a Hoot when fencing this week. . Red Heather will be hard to beat, but French Fleet- is likely to stay better. Koremata is only a plodder, but he is generally safe. , . , A big field will be seen out in the Brighton Handicap, in which Sapient is a doubtful starter. Starshooter, although saddled with 10.1, must be given a royal show, as he was beaten only by a neck by Arikiwai over two furlongs further at Ashburton. Further down tho scale is Ranelagh, who has shown a liking for the Wingatui course and can stay a "llle> while Impertinence ,is a mare, iond ot soft going. Most interest centres in the Lirthday Handicap, for which Arikiwai has been a strong ante-post favourite. Jones will not start the Paladin gelding if the track is soft,- and the.present indications aro that the going will not be,sound. Waterline is another who is uot partial to a soft track. He is a proved stayer, and although he has received more than his share,of weight, he is certain to be travelling. on when others are stopping. Pink Note was beaten by only a .narrow margin at Timaru by Arikiwai, and now meets him on Gib better terms. .In the meantime Pink .Note has ■'■ shown marked improvement, and although he may have lost some of his brilliance he can be relied on to be in the firing line at the finish. These thieo will command most respect, and if there is to be a surprise win it'will probably come from Camisader. The distance of the Otago Steeplechase always restricts the size of the field, and seven have been left in. The race bears a very open appearance, but Top Gear has gone on right since winning at Uiverton. He should win, but Radiate has won admirers by his fencing at •Riccarton, as has also Kaikahu. Top Gear has had more experience, however. Double Soult looks a likely horse, but he will doubtless be seen to better advantage over shorter courses on the later days of the meeting. The Tradesmen's Haudicyp is looked upon as one of the most open races that has confronted Dunedin punters for a long time, and Gi'eat Star, Gay Sonnet, Rin Tin Tin, Caterpillar, and Inevitable have been disputing favouritism. Great Star has the best credentials, but should

the track be sott Black Duke and Inevitable will be Imrd to head oil' over the hist furlong. The best ot the others is Smithereens, who Ims been doing gopd work on tho track since arriving from the ■West Coast.

A handy-sized field of 13 has been accepted for m the June Hurdles. Craigmore has not had a race since February, but he has built up since then. He is last, and clever at jumps, and he is one likely to go out in front and stay, there. Amorist has pleased with his exhibitions at Kicciii'ton in preparation for the meeting, while Pans should be at home in the going. The Ki;ratelling of Sapient and Audience deprives the St. Clair Handicap of some interest, and in a mixed crowd of hacks Palermo, Miss Bradbury, and Flaxbird look best. Tho mile event, the Winter Handicap, hag drawn an even field, and there will be a rush to be on Full Feather. Wingatui has uot been showing up lately, while Nedda is rather inconsistent. Judging by the way he was running on at Invcrcargill, Apache will b.e Full Feather's strongest opponent, while Tardy is certain to run a good race, and Stealth is also favoured.