TRENTHAM SIDELIGHTS

Evening Star, Issue 25224, 11 July 1944, Page 3

TRENTHAM SIDELIGHTS

t (Special to the 'Star.'') *i. Kh «^n- ga l ve a display throughout the Wellington Steepiechase. He did not jump, as fast as Kaiiui te Pai, but sighted and measured his fences well, and did not show any signs of making a mistake. Hi* rider allowed him to make his own running, and when Kanui te Pai' passed him after Jumping several of the fences abreast the big gelding would gradually work his way into the lead again. It was unfortunate that Kanui te Pai went out two fences from home, but he was definitely feemig the strain put on him throughout oy Khurja's consistent jumping and superior speed between the fences, and ho would not have given the winner any more' trouble if he had survived the obstacle. Khurja is tho ikst of Bulandshar's off- | spring to win over country, and it was a coincidence that High Morale, winner of | the Trentham Hurdles, should also be tho first of the same horse's progeny to succeed as a hurdler. Khurja is booked to contest the Grand National Steeplechase, aud his form on Saturday, although ho was not severely tested as far as class was concerned, points to his prospects of mastering the Riccarton country and journey being very favourable. As Required had his first win of any kind when ho scored at Trentham on Saturday. He is trained at Waimate' by J. Mitchell, who also enjoyed his first success as a trainer for a long time. As Required is well bred, being by Tidisacre from Kotou, by Night Raid from Courtesy, by Liinond from Homage, but was a failure as a flat performer. Dividend had such a big lead towards tho closing stages of the opening event that it seemed as if a mishap only would bring about his defeat, but he was a very tired horse when As Required tackled him in the run home. Dividend was rushed to the front early in the first circuit, and was 8 not given any respite, so it appeared as if these tactics contributed largely towards his downfall. Both Notary and Monetary failed badly in the heavy going, the latter especially being unable to raise a gallop. Their stable mate, Boloyna, also disappointed m the Trentham Hurdles as. after being o'ne of the early leaders, he soon went back to a rear position through rapping his fences. Invincible, from the same team, was responsible for a very creditable race amongst the hack hurdlers, and might have given Paladeo more trouble with a little further to go. He should go one better in next Saturday's race. Tatting's win at Washdyke caused him to be heavily supported in his race at Trentham, but he was never in a likely position; in fact, he was near the rear of the field over the second half of the journey, and finished in about tenth" place.

Kilcato and Roman Son, in the same race, were also disappointing, neither reproducing any of the form they showed in similar going at Wingatui. Gulf Stream may have been unlucky in the Stewards' Handicap. He ran up to the outside of Whackie turning on to tho course proper, then drifted and appeared to be out of the contest, but over the business stages he emerged from an inside position to put in a dashing effort to gain second money. Valantua moved very scratchily before the Wellington Steeplechase, and his soreness was evident in his jumping. He appeared to reach for each fence, and was out of the reckoning after the first mile. The race was a profitable one, however, as his owner received £3OO for second money. Arctic Dawn was well up over the first few fences in the Trentham Hurdles, but then jumped erratically, and drifted to the rear. He is a son of that outstanding little steeplechaser Aurora Borealis, but does not seem to have inherited her jumping ability. Foxhaven drew No. 1 in the Whyte Handicap, and, getting away well, held a handy position on the rails to the home turn, where he appeared to be cramped for room. There were several horses in front of him when the straight was reached, and lie had to be pulled cut from the fence to get a run. Ho executed a dogged finishing effort without troubling the winner, Royal Flight, who drew wider out and enjoyed a better passage than the Riccarton gelding. A feature of the race was Platform's late finishing run. He was ono of the rear division for three-quarters of ♦he journey, and it was until the closing stages that he put in an appearance. He then unwound a remarkable burst of speed to make up a lot of leeway in a limited stretch of ground, and would certainly have made matters very much more interesting if the journey had been longer. Platform, who paid good double figures, was a similar outsider in last year's Whyte Handicap, and ran unplaced, but evidently his form must have been encouraging, as he was sent out second choice for the Parliamentary Handicap of a mile and three furlongs on the second day, which he won. No doubt £here will be a similar move this year, only' the Southlander is likely to be a staunch first choice on this occasion.

Amorlad was heavily bandaged in front when sent out for the Whyte Handicap, and carried very little support. He was always well back, and was one of the last to finish. He is to remain for the Parliamentary Handicap, but he would have to improve a good deal to have any chance. Immediii te's win on Saturday entitled him to be considered one of the most promising staving hacks at the meeting. By Siegfried from Quite Soon, by Shambles from Dame Straitlace, by Kilbroney, he is bred on sound lines, and with his effortless long-striding action he gives every indication of developing into a high-class handicap performer. Immediate was bred by his owner, Mr M. J. Meehan, of Makikihi, and is the first of the dam's progeny to race. After some light work on Friday afternoon, Noko was booked to fulfil his engagement in the Wellington Steeplechase, but the decision was changed following the fall of rain on Friday night and Saturday morning. It was then considered there would be a risk in racing him in heavy going under his big weight.