NEW MILE BARRIER

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 13, 15 July 1939, Page 22

NEW MILE BARRIER

AVONDALE IMPROVEMENT

(Special from "Early Bird.")

AUCKLAND, July 14,

Work on the new mile starting barrier at Avondale has been held up on account of wet weather, but good progress has been made and it is possiblfe it will be available for the Autumn Meeting next April. At.present the mile is situated in the middle of the bend going out of the straight, and it has been a bugbear to owners, trainers and jockeys. The new starting barrier will give a straight run along the back for three and a quarter furlongs. One of the most likely northern horses to develop into real handicap class is Full Hand, who by his success in one of the rich hack plate contests at Ellerslie in the summer ran out of hack company. He is a bigstriding gelding who will always be seen at his best on big tracks like Avondale and Te Rapa. He is in the same stable as Round Up and Valamito.

A nice-looking three-year-old at Ellerslie is Rey Lv, and in a few of his starts this season he gave out distinct signs of developing into a fine galloper. Now rising four years, the King Lv gelding may be given his next race at the Pakuranga Meeting next month and it is to be hoped he will be able to stand up to his work and racing.

Beeswing has rejoined the ranks of active workers at Ellerslie, and she should be in good order for spring racing. She has registered some very attractive efforts this year, and being partial to easy going she should be seen at her best during the next three months. A good stayer and a free galloper, she has a lot in her favour, and it would not be surprising to find her entering the open ranks successfully in the new racing year.

While the present heavy tracks are all against the rising two-year-olds being asked to do very much, there are one or two attractive youngsters indulging in short sprints at Ellerslie, but all the same it looks as if the best juveniles will once again have to come from the southern end of the province. An interesting youngster being sprinted at headquarters is the filly by Pink Coat from Red Helen, a daughter of All Red and Bonny Helen, by Boniform from Helen Portland, blood lines that should at least ensure success. The Stud Book shows no returns for Red Helen during the past six years.