LITTLE FRESH BLOOD

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 94, 22 April 1933, Page 7

LITTLE FRESH BLOOD

The Marton Steeplechase, which will next Wednesday open the cross-country season at this- end of the island, introduces very little new blood. Of the eleven horses weighted only Jayson had not yet been over big country in public. Ruby Meteor, however, had her first steepling experience at Ellerslie only last. Saturday, The pair are both among the eight acceptors. Jayson, now rising six years old, was tried out at hurdling at about this time last season, owing to having been placed on the schooling list, and he was not long in showing some promise, winning his first hurdles at Napier Park last June. However, he has hardly fulfilled all.that promise, for in quite a lot of racing he has succeeded only twice since. He looks a sort, nevertheless, who may develop into a good 'chaser, and as he is probably a son of Cynic (winner of the Great Northern Hurdles) he has breeding to assist him. The Marton fences are easy and his 9.12 should not unduly oppress him. Ruby Meteor, who also has some hurdling experience, made her debut as a 'chaser at Ellerslie last Saturday, and she was the only one who did not complete, falling at the last fence when tiring. Though rising six years,1 she has not been much raced yet, and the only placed performance- she has to her credit is a third in a hurdles at the'Waikato Meetinglast month. She is a year younger full-sister to the usdfiil Ruby Dawn, and as she is by that good sire'of jumpers, Day Comet, there should be' some possibilities about her. She carries the same colours as. Ruby Dawn; being owned by Mr A. Totman, and she is being trained by J. F. Tuchen at Te Rapa. ,