TROTTING NEWS
PUNTERS' FRIEND
F. J. SMITH IN LIMELIGHT
Ever since he first commenced training in Auckland the Takanini trainer F. J. Smith has been in the limelight, and during the past couple of years it only needs a horse to be produced from his stable for it to be one of the well-fancied division. His record over the last five years has been an outstanding one, and he usually "laps" the other trainers in the North Island in the winning lists. At the Auckland Trotting Club's Winter Meeting, opening on Saturday, he will have at least one candidate in every race, and their > appearance is sure to result in most of them carrying the bulk-.of the investments. He will start off the ■ day by driving Swordsman in the Winter Handicap, but off the back mark (120 yds) this fellow will have to improve a great deal upon what he has shown in the past to defeat some of those nearer the front of the handicap, says the "Star." Crocus, will be his representative in the Mangere Handicap, and she should just about carry off the thick end of the prize. Nervie's Last will be Smith's next drive, and the Australian-bred pacer will be in the firing line for a long way, but may find the last half-furlong a trifle beyond him. However, it must be remembered that he has scored over two miles, and Smith would not keep on trying to make him into a two-miler if he did not have any faith in the Don Pronto gelding. Swordsman and Vain Lad are both acceptors in the Stewards' Handicap, and of the pair the former makes more appeal. He is apt to break, but is very fast when going steadily. Musketeer is another unreliable customer with plenty of speed, but he is just the sort to bring about the defeat of the favourites in the Marconi Handicap. Smith will complete a busy day by driving King's Warrior in the Cornwall Handicap, and the brilliant black pacer cannot be ignored. At face value, the prospects of Smith winning more than one race do not appear bright, but he is so adept in placing his horses that at the conclusion of the day it may be found that he has secured his share of the, prize-money.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19370617.2.179
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1937, Page 20
Word Count
385TROTTING NEWS Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1937, Page 20
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