JOSEDALE GRATTAN

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 23, 27 July 1944, Page 8

JOSEDALE GRATTAN

(By "Ariki Toa.")

PURCHASED BY F. J. SMITH

The American-bred pacing stallion Josedale Grattan, who has carried the colours of the Auckland sportsmen Dr. M. G. Pezaro and Mr. E. G. Bridgets throughout a successful racing career, has been purchased by F. J. Smith, Avho is toying Avith the idea of again racing the son of Grattan. Josedale Grattan proved himself one ot the best light-harness performers imported from America, and included in his many victories in first-class handicaps is the New Zealand Trotting Cup. His best times were 2.2 for a mile, 2.35 4-5 for a mile and a quarter, 3.25 2-5 fa Avorld race record) for a mile and live furlongs, and 4.15 for two miles. Josedale Grattan has served several mares during the past few years, and is represented'among the two-year-olds of this term, one of his progeny being Josic: Del, who finished third in the Great Northern Trotting Stakes at Epsom last February.

Gold Bar Back—The champion sprinter Gold Bar, avli'o has been spelling since Easter, has been back in useful Avork for some time, and is revealing all his former pace. He is due to appear at Addinglon next month; one of his engagements will be the Pacing Free-for-All.

Consistent Pacer.—Prince Grattan, who has Avon three races for Mr C. Johnstone during the past six months, has changed hands at a price stated to be £500, but he is to remain in L. Maidens's stable at New Brighton. Prince Grattan is by Grattan Loyal from the Rey de Oro mare Clarice, and is thus a full-brother to Premier Royal, Avho promised to reach top class but was disqualified along Avith other horses owned by Mr. B. C. Lee some time ago.

May Soon Win Again.—The encouraging manner in Avhich Bronze Eagle accounted for a strong field of the

best class pacers at Addington recently has draAvn attention to his immediate prospects, and there is no gainsaying that his chances of picking up , another stake at the N.Z. Metropolitan Trotting Club's Meeting next month look bright. He is a ready-made pacer over all distances and has proved his ability in any kind of going. As the result of his latest victory Bronze Eagle has qualified for tlie N.Z. Trotting Cup. With both Bronze Eagle and Pacing PoAver to represent him R. B. Berry holds a strong hand at this stage.

raid Her Way.—The Wellingtonowned Joan Conquest has more than paid her Avay this season, having earned in all £1055. She is at present assessed on 4.28 at. tAvo miles, but Avill have an opportunity of qualifying for the N.Z. Trotting Cup when she competes at Addington next month.

Winnuig Turn Soon.—The U. Scott pacer Nola Scott should not be long m returning to the winning list judging by her effort at Addington last month. On that occasion she went to a break at the start and lost many valuable lengths, but once back to he'r gait she revealed brilliant speed and Avas fast overhauling the leaders at the finish. As it Avas, she Avas only half a head behind the second horse, Scottish Lady, so her showing was a happy augury for her future prospects.

Speedy But Erratic.—Jock McGrath, who has more speed than the average trotter but Avhose race-day efforts have been marked by an unevenness of gait, has not raced for six months OAVing to an infirmity which affected him earlier in the season. However, he is again in Avork and is being prepared for suitable classes at the spring meetings. It is to be hoped that, the enforced absence from racing has Avorked some improvement in his solidity, for he Avould be a Avelcome addi-