LIKELY CONTINGENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 70, 20 September 1939, Page 13

LIKELY CONTINGENT

AUCKLAND HORSES ON TOUR

(By "Ariki Toa.")

Auckland stables are represented fairly strongly numerically at the Wellington Trotting Club's Spring Meeting at Hutt Park on Saturday, and it is reasonable to assume that a goodly share of the prize-money will go north. Four trainers are making the trip, and the horses engaged are Josette, Josedale Grattan, Neon Oro, Maratua, King Country, Excel, Chudic, Scotty Direct, and Wishful. ' .

The Takanini trainer F. J. Smith has previously made successful invasions on Hutt Park and he will be represented by Josedale Grattan, Neon Oro, and Josette. Josedale Grattan has won convincingly at each of his last two appearances, and his future prospects are regarded very optimistically. No line can be gained upon, his speed, as he has raced on a soft track in each of his appearances, but there is no doubt regarding his ability. He will be meeting much stronger opposition in the Railway Handicap on Saturday, but it will be surprising if he does not take a power of beating.

Josette is the only Auckland-owned candidate in the Wellington Stakes, and she would have to improve considerably to win. She is bred on very sound lines, which suggest she will develop with age, but until ,she learns, to behave correctly at the barrier she will have to be taken on trust;

Neon.Oro has yet to break her maiden status, but the first time she begins correctly she will add interest to the finish of any race she contests. In her training she exhibits speed much above the ordinary, and her times compare more than favourably with better-class performers in the stable. Still, until she learns to control her gait she is not a good proposition. The Tamahere sportsman Mr. W. Johnstone will be represented by Maratua, Excel, and King Country, the trio being in the charge of R. Dunn. Maratua is a very likely type of novice, and he should not be long in opening his winning account. He had two outings at the1 Auckland Meeting in June, on the * first day making a splendid showing for an inexperienced horse, and the impression was created that the run would benefit him considerably. - King Country has shown no form for a long time, and his prospects do not appeal against Josedale Grattan and Blaydon in the Railway^ Handicap. One thing in his favour is that he is a smart beginner, which should ensure him having every chance. Excel appeared on thirteen occasions last term, securing a second placing at Hawera, but she is a big-boned mare that may have improved with experience.

The Hamilton trainer. C. Moran is bringing Chudic and Scotty Direct. Chudic showed outstanding ability at the trotting gait when he won at Thames and Awapuni, but his inglorious showing at Addington last month Jost him many admirers. • However,, it may prove unwise to discard him as yet, because he possesses undoubted ability, and would only require to hit his gait right to make matters interesting. Scotty Direct was responsible for a very encouraging showing at the Auckland Meeting last month, leading for over a mile and only losing ground when his condition gave out. He should benefit considerably from, the experience and looks certain to pay his way later on. He is a five-year-old by Truman Direct from Sarella, the dam of Rockella, with whom Moran won many races.

The contingent is completed with Wishful, a maiden full-sister to Pot Luck in M. Stewart's stable. As yet she has not fulfilled early promise; but it may be that she requires plenty of time, for Pot Luck was not seen at his best until he had had a good deal of experience. , .. . It is a more than useful representation, and the mainstays of the team may prove to be Josedale Grattan, Maratua, and Scotty Direct.

The Masterton Racing Club has decided to close its nominations on Monday (September 25) instead of on Friday. . '