GOLDEN SOUVENIR THE PICK

Evening Star, Issue 26001, 16 January 1947, Page 3

GOLDEN SOUVENIR THE PICK

AT TOP OF FORM RIOCARTON TEAM~STREKGTHENED (Special.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 15. Riccarton stables will be represented at Trentham by the following horses which did not race last week: Golden Souvenir, Thornbridge, Leigh Barton, Montezuma, Privilege, Hart Royal, Fort Silver, Sea Flower. Tomahawk, Pandemonium, Grand Melee and Whitley. Golden Souvenir has not run a bad race this season, and in the opinion of his trainer and of those who had seen seen him in all his races he is better to-day than at any previous stage of his career. No doubt his stable mate, Bruce, will dispute favouritism with him in Saturday’s big event, but South Island investors who had reason to realise his ill-fortune in both the New Zealand and Dunedin Cups will retain their confidence in the Lang Bian horse. Thorubridge’s failure at Ellerslie was put down to his inability to handle the reverse way of going, and he may do better at Trentham provided the track is firm. He should be improved by his racing in the ' north and under his light impost it would not be wise to discard him. Leigh Barton Sound. Leigh Barton was taken north to-day • by F. D. Jones. He was given a sixr furlong gallop yesterday A and although he did not finish on as well as might be desired he pulled up sound and did rtot shown any signs of his trouble when taken to Lyttelton in the afterlion. . Leigh Barton worked alone and this accounted for his inclination to ease up over the final furlong. Jones also took Montezuma and Zorro north. The former has done everything right since last raced and such a smart beginner and speedy sprinter will be prominent throughout the Telegraph Handicap. Zorro is engaged on the third day. He may not be as brilliant as many of the other two-year-olds at the meeting, but has been very consistent and has been sprinting pleasingly in the last few weeks. Privilege’s Prospects. Privilege is well-known to Trentham patrons. She has not raced up to earlier expectations in recent months, but has got through a’ lot of solid work, and although she will be at a disadvantage in not having had a race on the first day, as compared with most of those opposed to her in the Desert Gold Stakes, she should he in strong favour. The Chokebore stable will be represented by Hart Royal and Grand Melee. Their recent track work encouraged the trip, but their racing form has hardly been up to the standard required at Trentham. Both are liable to lose their chances over the early stages of their races. Fort Silver won over seven furlongs at Oamaru, beating Night Fighter, who won two races in Southland over the holidays. He is a well-grown three-year-old by. Broiefort, and is likely to reach high class . next season. His stable mate, Pandemonium, has.earned several minor placing, but does not seem capable of winning a'face'. She has been in second place in herylast three starts, 'iii .each .;ctise.-'..,'iEi.mv-. ing on the scerip ..with ,a . late splid run. She may lie worth ’ noting ’over a mile .nng" three.., furlongs..- pn Saturday. Their trainer,y C.,> Davey, who trains his. horses, mostly .on his own track at Hornby* will also be tepresenfed by Whitley, who is engaged in the Telegraph Handicap and

who will no doubt be in his usual place as one of the leaders. The last furlong may, however, find him out once again. '

Tomahawk was not taken ,up for the first day because of lameness and ho had to be eased' in his work. He has been a disappointment this season, but may .be seen to advantage before the meeting concludes. Wingatui Entrants. Amorlad and .John Gay were at lticcarton yesterday on their way to Wellingon in charge of A.. E. Didham. Amorlad is to contest the hurdle race on the third day and a repetition of his showing at Wingatui will make him dangerous. He would probably have won there but for misjudging a hurdle three furlongs from home. • John Gay showed some of his old sprinting ability in his Southland engagements without paying a dividend. He was at the top of the, handicap 12 months ago, but is' now well down the list. Sea Flower cannot boast of much size, but there is no doubt about her ability and ga.meness. When Mr W. T. Hazlett paid 1,600 gs for her as; a yearling at Trentham it was generally held that the price was high for one of her size as a racing proposition, but the purchase has been justified by her two attractive successes •at Ricearton and at Wingatui. With L. J. Itllis in the saddle again she will be worthy of strong support on Saturday.