RICCARTON NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 25893, 10 September 1946, Page 3

RICCARTON NOTES

ASHBURTON PROSPECTS

(Special.) CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 9. Bridge Acre and Leigh Barton are both expected to contest the Ashbur-, ton Handicap next Saturday, and interest is attached to the weights they have received.' Both won races on the third day of the Grand National meeting, the latter over nine furlongs and Bridge Acre over seven furlongs. Bridge Acre had 9.1 in her race, for which Leigh Barton was given 8.10, and at Ashburton Bridge Acre has 9.0 and Leigh Barton 8.11, which, in the face of their recent form, must be Considered an equitable adjustment. Leigh Barton galloped well _ over seven furlongs on the plough on Saturday. He did not hit out as freely as earlier iji the week and, again came in with a decided limp, but the trouble once ■ more worked off before lie left the course. On the other hand. Bridge Acre has done everything right since she ’ raced last month and Will be at her best next Saturday., : ' . Peculate is one of the most promising young inn res at present in commission at Riecarton, and she should soon get out of , hack class. She is to have her first race this season in the mile hack race at Ashburton. Montezuma is again in active work and accompanied Leigh .Barton over .the final stages, of his gallop last Saturday. Her. activities in recent _ months have been restricted by, a split hoof, and she has taken a long time to overcome the trouble. This filly has a turn of speed, but, although she held on to win the Hazlett Gold Cup last season, she has mostly failed through lack of stamina. She has been given every chance to come right, and may do better as a four-year-old this season. Blue Trout was among thos'e given three-quarter pace work on Saturday. She has. thickened out a good deal, but will not require much fast wdrk to have her fit to race again. She may* make her reappearance at Wingatui at the end of the month. Palm Bearer is much lighter in condition than might have been expected, and,although she has never gone off her, feed,; she ! has not built up to the extent of others, of her breed and age. Her ■ appearance, However,; does not .seein to affect her ability to get over ground, as she moved freely in her gallop over six furlongs on Saturday and did not show any ill-effects when brought in. Although she will probably take her place, in the field for the John Gi'igg Stakes she will hardly be ready to do herself justice. Sanskrit will have her first, race for some 1 months in the Spring, Handicap at Ashburton. She was nominated for the'Grand, National, meeting, but not produced. She, has, however, been in. steady Work since Jijly,. and although she missed tlie ’ racing which most of her opponents have had in recent Weeks, she will be well advanced.