A STRONG TEAM

Evening Star, Issue 23092, 19 October 1938, Page 14

A STRONG TEAM

RIGGARTON HORSES FOR TRENTHAM [Special to the ‘ Stab.’] CHRISTCHURCH, October 19. Tho Riccarton team to assist at the Wellington Racing Club’s Spring Meeting opening at Trentham to-morrow is well up to the numbers of recent years, but the quality is probably better than previously. It has been realised that races for all classes of horses are always difficult to win at Trentham owing to its central position, and to the congregation at each meeting of the best performers from all racing centres in the Dominion. It is on this account that only those horses with the right credentials are selected to make the trip, and this course has been closely followed by Riccarton trainers, with the result that the representation can be depended upon to uphold the honour of the centre. The Riccarton tracks have been in excellent order for some weeks past, and there will be no excuse on the score of restricted preparation, while the going at Trentham promises to be in somewhat similar condition to that on which the Riccarton horses have done their winding-up track work. Silver Sight and Redolent will represent the centre in the Glen Hurdles, and both should shape well. Silver Sight has had a solid preparation, and is considered in his best order. Redolent has not had an outing for some time, and will require a race or two, so in the meantime Silver Sight would appear to he the better proposition. For the first time for some years there will be no southern two-year-old m the Taita Handicap. . Wild Chase, Argentic, Dictate, Waitaka, and Rabble will contest the Waimil Handicap. Wild Chase has been galloping remarkably well, and has shown the way to Trench Fight in recent essays together. He will probably be better favoured if the Trentham track should become yielding, but in any case in his present form ho will make his presence felt before the meeting concludes. Argentic was not considered forward enough to tackle the Wellington Handicap.,, He has, nevertheless. got through a good deal of work, but docs not make appeal over t) mile journey. Dictate will parade in better order than for some time past Ho may be in need of a race, but it would not be surprising to find him take part in the finish. Waitaka has disappointed since running second in the Winter Cup, but his recent gallops have been impressive. Rabble is to tackle some solid material in his first attempt in open company, but will not be disgraced. Wild Chase and Dictate are likely to do best of the Riccarton quintet. , .Counterblast, Phalanx, Flame Queen, Synthetic, and Waka will do battle for Riccarton in the Rimutake Hack Handicap. Tho first-named is also an acceptor for tho open sprint, biit is to open her programme amongst the hacks. She has not raced since she won two races as a two-year-old at Trentham, and has been highly assessed in being placed at the top of the list. Counterblast is endowed with more than usual speed, and her first start for some months will be watched with interest, especially by Riccarton track watchers, who have had reason of late to appreciate her capabilities. Phalanx was not overraced last season, and his three wins were very impressive. He did well during his winter spell, and although coming to hand satisfactorily, he will probably improve later at the meeting. Flame Queen, Synthetic, and Waka will be seen in the novice events on the two remaining days, and although they do not look like being dangerous in to-morrow’s race, they should all be

able to hold their own in later engagements. Trench Fight and Cape Gabo are to contest the Wellington Handicap. The former is very fit, and Trentham raceroers will see him at his best, but it is doubtful if he will master the journey. He is a very strong puller, and with 9.0 on his back he is hardly likeiy to see the ordeal through. Cape Gabo surprised bv bis win at the Grand National Meeting, but even on that performance investors will not be any keener to support him than they were at Riccarton. According to information and figures available, the two lliccarton two-year-olds. Master Hotspur and Winning Rival, hold a mortgage on the Welleslev Stakes. Both arc undoubtedly speedy youngsters, but they have yet to be seriously tested with the best in

tho north. Widespread interest will be evinced in this race, and as tar as the opinions of Riccarton tradk watchers are concerned, the southern pair are entitled to be equallv supported With Grey Honour and Counterblast missing from the Shorts Handicap there will be no 'Riccarton representation. The former has shown no signs of improving from his lameness after galloping on Saturday, and his trip was cancelled. Wagner has been set a severe task with top weight in the October Hack Handicap, and as he is a lightly-framed horse, it is doubtful if he will measure up to the ordeal. Screamer has not given much encouragement m recent efforts to command serious support, and the same can be said of Lady Rosette, a half-sister by Lord Warden to Vintage,

Kinnoull, Defaulter, Nigbt Dress, and Good Passage will make their firp appearance on the second day lha first-named has stood up to his work remarkably well, and will be au interesting candidate in the Harcourt Stakes on Monday. Defaulter will pa seen out in the Wellington Stakes tomorrow, and this race should sharpen him up foi the Harcourt Stakes. Night Dress is a vastly improved loper since being gelded, and will -ba worthy of attention in his two ep* gagenients at the meeting. Good l assage has the ability, but unfortunately has spoilt her chances by a disinclination to face the barrier. She is to be ridden to-morrow by J. Jennings in the hope that a change from her previous pilot may have the desired effect-. Provided she gets away reasonably well, she will keep her opponents busy.