BACKING OF READING

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 29, 3 August 1939, Page 13

BACKING OF READING

(From "Vedette.") SYDNEY, July 29. Te Hero has thrived in recent weeks as well as any horse who has come from New Zealand. D. Lewis has allotted him a full share of work; indeed, it has been much above average. He travels much wider than his galloping companions, who are fair performers, and he appears to be^going only half-pace with them. F. Shean, last vear'f <mp jork^y specialist, h?s been Te Hero's regular track rider ana will be on him in his races, the first of which is to be at Gosford. So far Te Hero has shown no sign of the waywardness for. which he earned a reputation in New Zealand, and when taken to the barrier has been reasonably tractable The reason for his being taken to a minor meeting at Gosford is to travel him and, further, the small chutes from the starting barriers prevent any great shifting about. There has been f tendency to support Te Hero m the Epsom Handicap, a race in.which he has 8 4 not a severe weight for a hSse of !his capabilities if he elected toL da°st hiS?uSday racing in Sydney reached its lowest level, when a meetS was held at Ascot, the old pony course The limited enclosures were packed to the greatest discomfort although the racing was of poor- stan dard Several New Zealand visitors passing through Sydney had an interesting day, and a profitable one Their summing-up was that at least Australians had little to learn in hospitaManaaki, by Lord Warden, had his second run at Ascot last Saturday, but was a dismal failure, beating only one horse home. He will have to improve a good deal to retain his place in -J. iJamieson's stable. - . Indications are that the Marconigram colt Reading will be the early Derby favourite, but he might lose his place after the Hobartville Stakes at Warwick Farm next month. Bonny Docn and High Caste have done well and will not lack polish. Reading, however, has stolen .all the limelight for the time being, for he was joined with Defaulter in a two-cups double for a considerable sum. The Reading party were behind the move, but it is doubtful if the connections of Defaulter were consulted.

Spear Chief has wintered as well as any horse at Randwick and will be a good stake-earner again for George Price if appearances go for anything. Market moves suggest also that Adios is expected to play his part in the big spring handicaps.