SIR ABB FAVOURED

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 80, 5 April 1938, Page 15

SIR ABB FAVOURED

GAY ROSE AT HER BEST

(Special from "Early Bird.")

AUCKLAND, April 4. The fields for the opening day of the Whangarei Autumn Meeting next Friday are very fair, and there should be some interesting racing. The priniipal race, the Mclnnes Memorial Handicap, has drawn nine acceptors, chief of which may be Grateful, who should make amends for recent failures.

The northern-owned Glen' Abb is making his debut in open company in the Mclnnes Memorial, and in the class he should run prominently. Paso Robles, Airam, Jewelled Girdle, Tybalt, and Parquet have all raced well enough of late tw merit consideration on Friday, so the contest promises to be most interesting.

WON LAST TWO STARTS.

Having won at his last two starts, Sir Abb appears certain to be favourite in the Stewards' Handicap on Friday, especially as his win at Tauranga was accomplished under difficulties. Crooning has a rare record in sprint events on the course, and Trilliarch, Triune, and Bachelor King will all help to make it a close contest. Paso Robles was the win-favourite in the Matamata Cup on Saturday. He drifted badly crossing the top, and was last into the straight, never getting out of the ruck. It was a ■ disappointing effort, and it is probable that the wet track may not have been to his liking. Gay Rose ran one of her best races to date when she scored, most decisively in the Matamata Cup. She was handy throughout, and then moved up on the rails to follow the pacemaker, Rona Bay, into the straight. At the distance she forged to the front, and thereafter riever appeared in danger of defeat. There was not enough rain to soften the track, although the dampness made the turf easy on top, and this suited her. ' Rain throughout the Auckland province last weekend might mean the breaking of the Brought, j This will tend to complicate matters for totalisator investors, for with hard tracks prevailing for some months past the easing of the turf will probably see some startling reversals of form.

TROUBLED BY GOING.

Mazir appeared to find it difficult to hit out with his customary freedom in the Matamata Cup, but the conditions seemed to suit most of the; runners. Jonathan ran a fine race under his big weight. He was last going out of the straight, but crossing the top was four horses .out. - However, this effort .took too much out of.him, and.he finished sixth, not being'able to improve his position in the run home. _~ It was pleasing to see Master Brierly stage one of his best finishing dashes in the Matamata Cup, for he finished over everything except the winner. He was handy throughout and made his run at the right time, although it was not till well into the home stretch that he managed to get clear. Day Wind, Rona Bay, Hiiskje, and Dutch Girl all went good races, the last-named pair showing up particularly well considering their class. Huskie failed to hold third place only in the last few strides, and he is going to be hard to beat in some of the big jumping races during the next three months. ~ _ There were two >real surprise packets in Highland Queen and Gold Vaals at I Matamata. The, former spreadeagled a 'sriiart hack'field over'six furlongs,, despite the fact .that she- ran 'off the course at the; home turn. This mare, who paid a win-dividend of: over a score, appears to have a very bright future ahead of her. Gold Vaals paid a dividend of just on two score when he won the open seven furlongs event, holding on well after being in front throughout. "Golden Sheila' gave a splendid showing, for she was chopped back shortly after the start, and tailed the field for some distance. ; She put in a great run up the straight, and finished second to pofd Vaals, to whom she was conceding 33.1b. There is a disposition to favour Golden Sheila for the Easter. Handicap.at Ellerslie, and her admirers have every reason to be satisfied with/her final public trial last Saturday. —