DIVERSION CAN TROT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 108, 8 May 1937, Page 22

DIVERSION CAN TROT

BILL GRATTAN'S SPEED

HALF-SISTER TO DE SOTO

(Special from "Irving-ton.")

CHRISTCHURCH, May 7.

Most of Diversion's recent work has been done without the hopples, and she has responded well to this treatment, building up nicely in condition. While there is no intention of racing Her as a trotter, she shows a good deal of ability at that gait, and has an attractive ' style. Her dam, of course, was Escapade, champion trotting mare of her time.

Little Derby has given indications of I proving a fair performer, and his track work has been of a good order. However, he is not as cleanly gaited as could be wished, arid an inclination to hit his knees rather badly will probably count against him when he reaches better company. There are few faster horses in his class than Bill Grattan, but to date he has not .raced ,up to his best track work.- He has attracted the attention of several would-be buyers without changing hands, and he will probably prove a better racehorse when he has acquired more experience. Slippery Sam gave his best performance to date when he won the Kaikoura Cup last week, and on this effort he can be' expected to win further races before the end of-the season.,,He is not a good stayer, but track work has shown him to possess a great turn of speed. A series of injections for the treatment of his blood has been concluded dn'Maltravers, and that pacer is again ready to resume work.' Since he was placed on the easy list he has lost all signs of the lameness 'that came against him a few weeks ago; but only after'a period of work will i it. be known whether the treatment has proved successful. ■ ' ■

Priceless, who has done little racing in recent months, has been placed back in work at Addington under \G. S. Smith, and he has made good'progress, showing all his old dash to run .a mile in 2min ■ 15sec on the outside track', at Addington last week, a useful effort. He is not a good stayer; however, and, on a hard mark, he shows little signs of making any improvement.

A rising two-year-old by Wrack from a Bribery mare has attracted attention in the early stages of her education at Addington, and she gives" promise of developing into an exceptionally racylooking ,fflly. A half-sister to 'an outstanding pacer ■ in -De Soto, several tempting offers have been made for her, but she is not likely to change stables. It is intended to complete her education before turning her out until next season. '

Although his opposition was unusually weak, Listowel scored one of the most impressive wins at the recent Kaikoura Meeting. He trotted in a manner suggesting that he will reach good company. He has done little racing, but he is a quick beginner with speed and solidness above the.average. After being under R.Motz at New Brighton for a considerable period, Golden Cross is again back with G. Mouritz, who handled ;him in his early successes. This speedy pacer has not impressed as being solid, and.now that he has reached hard marks over the various distances his prospects of making further advancement do not appeal greatly. ■

One of the most improved horses in appearance at Addington is Cloudy Bange, who is now carrying much more condition than ever before. Usually regarded as a lean type, he is no longer that way, and he has filled out into a solid-looking pacer. He has proved a consistent performer, and He promises to be in great order when suitable races are available. ■ ,■■••":.

Francisco, a two-year-old in M. B. Edwards's stable, had her first race at Kaikoura last week,, and although she- did not finish' in the money, she gave a pleasing : performance to. be fourth. By Jack Potts . from Golden Harvest, she shows a good deal of quality, and should prove 'useful later. During the" short time he has been in work at Addington, Wild Dreams has not impressed. There is no doubting his speed, but he is moody and. has shown traits in his temperament that do not go with good racehorses. Recent barrier practice .at Addington has suggested that Southland has settled down considerably in his work, and this two-year-old may yet prove a power to be reckoned with in the New Zealand Sapling Stakes. "His manners are mending, and he. has done wejl in the past, few weeks. • ,