SPORTING

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1928, Page 6

SPORTING

WESTPORT TROTTING CLUB MIDSUMMER NOMINATIONS The following nominations have been received for the Midsummer Meeting of the Westport Trotting Club, on December 26 and 27: —

FIRST DAY, DEC. 26

Seddonville Handicap Trot (harness). Class 2.35. Twelve and a-half furlongs—. Bingen Wilkes, Great Adventure, Great Wilkes, Royal Comrade, Kokona, Lincoln Pointer, Beautiful Rose, Charlie Lincoln, Jessie Bells,, Bonnie Rose, Royal Time, Logan Prince.

Te Kuha Handicap Trot (Harness) (Unhoppled trotters only). Class 2.37. Twelve and a-half furlongs'—CorrieDale, Nelson Parrish, Rainey, Comfort, Luie Todd, ~ Olive Nelson, Billy Ashley, Fille de Ballin, Petrix, Metro Mortem, Child Boy, Bonny Audubon,' Accumulator, Tot Logan, Midland. Wiliams' Memorial Handicap Trot. (Harness). Class 2.25 ft. Sixteen and a half furlongs.—Smithfield, Thorpie, Ariki Toa, Wineberry, Bessie Dillon, Gold Rush, Lady Brent, Peter Wilkins. Progress Handicap Trot (Harness). Class 2.35. Twelve and a-half furlongs. —Great Author, Kokona, Lincoln Pointer, Altair, Anon, Lorna Melrose, Jessie Bells, Dillon Chimes, Mona Logan, Bonny Wrack. President’s Handicap Trot (Harness) (Unhoppled trotters only). Class 2.36. Sixteen and a half furlongs—Rosabine, Nelson Parrish, Comfort, Olive Nelson, Billy Ashby, Fille de Ballin, Metro, Mortem, Wild Pedo, Accumulator. Tot Logan, Bonny Audubon, Midland, Bookstall.

Denniston Handicap Trot (Saddle), Class 2.26. Eight and a-half furlongs— Clive Bell, Golden Locanda, Bessie Dillon, Prompter, Rap, Red Audubon, Du Maurier, Reta Nelson. Addison’s Handicap Trot (Harness). Class 2.30. Twelve and a-half furlongs. —Bingen Wilkes, Musical, Royal Comrade, Robert Guy, Great Author, Golden Ore, Red Rey, Jessie Bells, Renetta Dillon, Bonny Rose, Manette, Royal Time, Solitude, Alpine Melody. Stockton Handicap Trot (Harness), Class 2.24. Ten and a-half furlongs.— Smithfield, Kodie,. Thorpie, Peter Wilkin, Wineberry, Bessie Dillon, Gold Rush, Lady Brent, Dillon Chimes.

SECOND DAY, DEC. 27. Charleston Handicap Trot (Harness) Class 2.35. Eight furlongs—Charlie Lincoln, Altair, Lincoln Pointer, Anon, Lorna Melrose, Jingle Bells,, Dillon Chimes, Mona Logan, Red Audubon, L->gan Prince, Bonnie Wrack. Granity' Handicap Trot (Harness). .(Unhoppled trotters only). Class 2.36. Twelve and a-half furlongs.—Corrie Dale, Nelson Parrish, Rainey, Comfort, Luie Todd, Olive Nelson, Billy Ashley, Fille de Ballin, Petrix, Metro Mortem, Child Boy, Accumulator, Tot Logan, Bonny Audubon. Dominion Handicap Trot (Harness), Class 2.27. Eight and a-half furlongs— Bingen Wilkes, Great Wilkes, Golden Ore, Beautiful Rose, Red Rey, Jessie Bells, Dillon Cliiines, Mona Logan, Renetta Dillon, Prompter, Nanette, Royal Time, Red Audubon, Rap, Bonny Wrack, Reta Nelson. Westport Trotting Club’s Handicap Trot (Harness), Class 2.24. Sixteen and a-half furlongs.—Smithfield, Dilworth, Thorpie, Petei* Wilkin, Golden-ore, Ariki Toa, Wineberry, Bessie Dillon, Gold Rush, Lady Brent.

Waimangaroa Handicap Trot (Saddle). Class ’2.27. Ten and a-half furlongs. —Bingen Wilkes, Great Adventure, Clive Bell, Lincoln Pointer, Kitty Huon, Anon, Jessie Bells, Bessie Dillon, Royal Time, Solitude, Alphine Melody, Du Maurier. Scanlon Memorial Handicap (Harness). (Unhoppled trotters only). Class 2.35. Sixteen and a-half furlongs—Rosabine, Nelson Parrish, Comfort, Olive Nelson, Billy Ashley, Fille de Bullin, Petrix, Metro, Mortem, Accumulator, Tot Logan, Bonny Audubon. Birchfield Handicap Trot. (Harness) Class 2.26. Twelve and a-half furlongs. —Nelsonian, Musical, Royal Comrade, Robert Guy, Great Author, Beautiful Rose, Wineberry, Red Rey, Jingle Bel’s Bessie Dillon, Mona Logan, Renetta Dillon, Bonnie Wrack. Dash Handicap Trot (Harness). Class 24. Eight and a half furlongs— Smithfield, Kodie, Thorpie, Peter Wilkin, Golden Ore, Gold Rush, Lady Brent, Bonnie Wrack.

WESTLAND RACING CLUB. Nominations will close on Friday (to-morrow) evening at ’8.30 o’clock, with the Secretary (Mr D. J. Evans), P.O. Box 64, Hokitika, for the Westland Racing Club’s summer meeting, which is to be held on December 26 and 27- The Club is giving away £l5OO in stakes- Since the destruction of the club’s grandstand, fresh arrangements have been made for accommodation of patrons, and coincident with this, opportunity has been taken to make a number of improvements in the course appointments, for the comfort of owners and trainers, and which wil L afford gaxl racing conditions for the horses engaged at this popular fixture.

AUCKLAND CUP REVIEW.

(By “Whalebone.”)

An analysis of the handicaps for the Auckland Cup shows that the weightadjuster has the winner well concealed. With the best horses in commission engaged, the race presents no easy problem, and though at present tho imported horse Hoylake is the ruling favourite, Goshawk, Count Laughing Prince, Transformer, Count Cavour, Corinax, Papatu, Star Stranger, Mask, Desert Glow, First Sight and Vortigern all have hosts of admirers. In the New Zealand Cup the Martian gelding Star Stranger was awarded 9.6, and in the Auckland Cup Mr. McManemin has placed the gelding on the same mark. After the race for the N.Z. Cup last month, both Star Stranger’s owner and trainer made no secret of the fact that had Star Stranger started he would have won. It will bo a much stronger field that ho will be up against, on Boxing Day, and ho will have to be all his connections claim to win. Rapier has 81b. more than he won with last year. He met with serious interference, with two furlongs to go, in the New Zealand Cup, and that lie should beat all but Oratrlx after conceding her a good start emphasises the merit of his performance. Count Cavour comes next in the handicap, and as he has such an excellent record in big events he must be considered, especially as he gives every indication of returning to his best form, He has been let in lightly with 8.12, or 81b. under weight-for-ago. Laughing Prince won the Mitchelson Cup at his last start at Ellerslie, but the mile-and-a-half race did not pro-

vide a real test of stamina, for it resolved itself into a sprint over the last six furlongs. His victories in the Canterbury Cup and Stead Gold Cup y ete certainly impressive, for he won botn races without much effort, but in a handicap over two miles he will be thoroughly tested. He failed m hoffi Derbies as a three-year-old, for he could not stay the distance fully, and keen judges are of the opinion that two miles will find him out. In Australia the progeny of Quantock are not regarded as true stayers, but Laughing Prince probably gets his. staying powers from his dam, Martian Princess, who was a daughter of Martian. But the significant thing about Laughing Prince’s handicap in the Auckland Cup is 'that the weight-adjuster, regardless of his Canterbury Cup and Stead Gold Cup victories, . does not consider him up to the weight-for-age scale over two miles. Oratrix won the New- Zealand Cup brilliantly with 7.1, and with only 121 b. more to carry, or the same impost as she carried into second place to Jocelyn in the A.J.C. Metropolitan Handicap, she’ must be given a royal show, in fact it is hard to name one to beat her. Goshawk, winner of the Wellington Racing Club Handicap and other important races, lias been elevated to the same mark as Oratrix, but it cannot be said that he has been treated harshly. Ever since his three-year-old days this six-year-old has been in the public eye, and always had a good word for him. His sire, Magpie, has sired some first-class stayers, among them being the mighty Windbag, winner of the 1925, Melbourne Cup. Like most of the Magpies, Goshawk has improved wonderfuly with age. Te Kara has two previous Auckland Cups to his credit, the first under 7.6 and 8.11 the following year. Such a proved stayer must be given another chance with the handy impost of 7.13. He is a sure starter. Mask’s weight came as a surprise to his connections, as it was fully anticipated that he would get fully another 51b. Beacon Light is another proved stayer, of which good reports are to hand from Hastings.. But the horse who appears the most in the limelight is Hoylake. With 7.11 he has a handy weight, and after his excellent showings at the New Zealand Cup carnival he is entitled to be the early favourite. However, good judges incline to the opinion that Hoylake might fail over the concluding stages of a fast-run two miles. Before becoming thoroughly acclimatised, English-bred horses are generally ranged with the disappointments, and it may not be until next season that Hoylake will hit his best. Pantheon, Backwood, Simeon’s Fort, and Gothic, horses who wore imported to Australia, all took time to make good. First Sight is nicely in with 7.9, and such a promising galloper must be a decided possibility. His trainer, Fred Jones, is having a tucky run just now, and certainly has the breeze with him. Vertigern is reported to be a rod in pickle for this race, and his last two races proved that, he is Well. He can stay as good as the next, and ihust be given more than an outside chance. Transformer is another who has shown by his recent victories that ho is back to form, and such a good stayer will have to be considered. Seatown, Corinax, Talisker, Papatu and Desert Glow cannot be despised, but the pick of the light-weights is undoubtedly Historic, brother to Affirm, who is having such a good run in Victoria this season. The Nassau colt is indeed a promising galloper, and his deeds this season entitle him to great, respect in the Auckland Cup. Undoubtedly he is a coming performer ,and the two-mil© journey should suit him to a nicety. The 1928 Auckland Cup looks like being one of the finest fields in the history of that race, while practically half those engaged would appear to have reasonable prospects. Judging by past performances, six of the most likely at this stage might be Oratrix, Goshawk, Te Kara, Count Cavour. Hoylake and Transformer, with Historic the surprise packet in the field.

AMONG THE TROTTERS. Since he was< recommissioned by E. C. McDermott at Addington, the aged gelding Away has been worked into fine condition in good time. Without the hopples, late last week, Away put a lot of dash into his work. The Adonis pacer has a record of 4min ,28scc for two miles, but unsoundness lias kept him away from the racetrack for a considerable time.

With one or two exceptions, the few progeny of Happy Voyage to race have proved themselves, the makings of first-class racehorses, with proper treatment. Happy Voyage’s earlier foals included Rose Marie, Delightful, Haerangi Pai, Return Voyage, and Dice has yet to live up to the performances set by his relatives, but, on track-work, should not be long in in placing himself on a level with them. He is trained by S. Thomas, at Addington.

By his run with Apex on Saturday Awa-lti showed a disclination to give of his best when tackled by his companion, and tangled badly under pressure. When caught on his day, though Awa-lti can run down a. mile and a-half in good style. In his present good order ho should be worth keeping an eye on for holiday meetings. Kiowa is now much more amenable to reason in his track-work than he was two months ago, when he was little short of an outlaw. Kiowa has not shared a stake since he won so decidedly at Methven, but when he strikes his hopples correctly at the start the Bread Locanda gelding generally shows to good advantage. Another pacer who is worthy pf keeping in mind for the holidays is the four-year-old Loco, who is in excellent racing order at this stage. With a little more hick Loco’s two second places at Methven might easily have'

been a double, but that is by the way. There is no doubt in the minds of track-watchers that there are some good races in store for Loco before long. The handicap declared for the Auckland Trotting Cup is an excellent piece of work; little fault can be found with the adjustments. Peter Bingen has been penalised 24 yards for his NewZealand Cup victory, which places him on a 4min. 23sec. mark. This should not disturb his party. Talaro has been brought back an extra second from his New Zealand Cup handicap, and Ahuriri and Great Bingen have been treated similarly. The backmarkers meet on exactly the same terms as they did in the big Addington contest but this time their task is much more formidable, considering the starts they have been asked to give the remainder of the field. Jack Potts has been penalised the equivalent of half a second, which must have been brought about, by his meritorious second to Talaro in the Christchurch Handicap. Padlock, Kohara, and Imprint have each been let up a second. Otherwise, the marks allotted are the same as in the New Zealand Cup. ADDINGTON NOTES. A fair amount of useful work was accomplished at Addington on Tuesday. The track was in good order.

Kreisler is now his old self again, and shows no effects of the accident ho was mixed up in last week, with Florrie Pointer as a companion, Kreisler put plenty of dash into his work over a mile and a-half. F. G. Holmes is hard at work on his latest addition, Jolly Pet, who tvas given education in starting, besides a solid run over 12 furlongs. At his best Jolly Pet is a genuine stayer, and it is only his unruly behaviour at tho post on race-days that has. pre'vented him from reaching top-hole company.

Nelson Boy, who gave his original handicap a big fright when he won on the concluding day at Addington, was let off with an easy task. Hackthorne, strapped up in saddle, took the rails from Loco, in harness, when the pair set out from the mile and a-half peg. With a round to go, Loco held a slight advantage from Hackthorne. Both were eased over the last furlong, Loco finished first, several lengths to the good. Bonny Locanda had a mate over 10 furlongs, which she did in fair style. Our Lady, Apex, and Audominion set out from the half-mile disc. Passing the stand, they filed out in the order stated. No change Was made until half a mile to go, where Apex and Our Lady held command. A spirited run home resulted in Our Lady winning by a narrow margin, with Apex and Aud.ominion hard to separate for second place. Although the time recorded was not fast, the work-out was pleasing. Pageant and White Sun were associated in a breezy run over a distance. White Sun di’d not fulfil his ’Wellington engagement, but he is rapidly assuming a very healthy look and may yet emulate the deeds of his brother, Bell Harold.

Dice hit out freely over a mile distance, by himself. Pet Locanda went with’another pacer over a mile and a-half. The Brent Locanda mare is in good fettle. J. J. Kennerley’s string is comparatively weak at the present time. Royal Comrade went a good mile and a-half with another pacer.