To-day’s Racing News

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 October 1933, Page 13

To-day’s Racing News

GaOopmg MEETINGS TO COME. Nov. 4, 6—Auckland. Nov. 4,6, 8, 11—Canterbury. Nov. 9, 11—Whan gar ei. Nov. 11 —Hawke’s Bay. Nov. 15 —Dannevirke. Nov. 18—Carterton. Nov.. 18, 20—Waikato. Nov. 25—Levin. Nov. 30, Dec. 2—Takapuna. Nov. 30, Dec. 2—Feilding. N.Z. CUE AND STEWARDS’ FIELDS REVIEWED. [special to “stab.”] CHRISTCHURCH, October 27. The contest for the New Zealand Cup of 1933 to take place at Riccarton on Saturday of next week, has, as has been the case" for many years past, been the subject for discussion since the weights appeared a few weeks back, and public interest has been kindled by the results of various race meetings which have taken place in the intervening period. It has to be admitted that the class of horse in this year’s race is by no means up to the average standard of Cup aspirants, and members of the old school of racegoers will venture the opinion that the field is the weakest in the history of the long-established event. In support of this contention, it has only to be recalled' that it is a most uncommon happening that the head of the list of second acceptors is on the 8-6 mark, and that the original maximum handicap of nine stone was awarded to a horse that was; recognised as a sprinter only. Still from a racing point of view, the contest will not suffer by the absence of any outstanding candidate or candidates, in fact the field is of such an even nature that those privileged to be present at Riccarton will probably witness one of the best tussles for many years past. The Riccarton racecourse lends itself to long races such as this, and on that account racegoers who find it convenient assemble at headquarters from all parts of the Dominion.

For and Against: The Spring meeting of the Wellington Racing Club, concluded over last week-end, has served to advance the prospects and claims of some of the likely contestants, but on the other hand, has helped to dismiss many as ,two-mile propositions. Very often, however,, horses have raced badly on the changeable Trentham going, and have done well on the natural surface at Riccarton, and it may be that such cases will occur on Saturday next.

Head of the Lfct: Inflation, who carries the honour of top-weight, was returned from Sydney owing to leg troubles, but according to North Island reports is progressing well enough to have had his engagement continued up to now. He failed' in the Epsom Handicap at Randwick early in the month when well fancied, but ran a solid race in the Metropolitan Handicap, over a mile and five furlongs. It was probably on top of his effort over this journey—his first attempt at anything over a mile handicap—that he was left in the Cup, and in the face of nonstayers against him, there is every encouragement to bring him south. Despite the staying blood in the breeding of Paper Money, very few of his stock have proved themselves stayers, and should Inflation emerge successful, he will be the first of his sire’s progeny to master an extreme journey. Much will depend on the early pace set, as far as Inflation is concerned, and if it should suit him, he may be on hand at the finish.

Minerval: Minerval has not been much in the public eye this season, ’and has only had one race since the Cup meeting of twelve months ago. At this time last year, he had won three good spring handicaps, and had a large following in the Cup, in which he finished second to Fast Passage, one of the best staying mares that has figured on the roll of honour for the race. That form was very impressive, and it serves, at this juncture, to designate Minerval as the only proved twomiler in the field. Minerval’® race at Motukarara to-day will be watched with close interest, as should he win, he will come into belated favour for the big race. He will be ridden by • the veteran horseman, H. Donovan, and should he win the victory will be well received. , The Favourite:

Polydora has been the ruling favourite, at least, she has been the most discussed candidate for some weeks 'past, and there is every indication that she will go to the post a staunch favourite, should she progress in the right way in the meantime. She has not tackled a journey beyond a mile and a-quarter, but in each of ’/er successes over that distance, and 'for that matter in races of less distance, she has won at the right end, and invariably has gone away from her pursuers over the final stages, thus giving encouragement to the view that staying is one of her assets, and that there is no reason why she should be incapable of mastering two miles. She will be ridden by M. Kirwan, who has been associated with her in practically all her victories, and who understands her thoroughly. Polydora occupies the same stable that sheltered Rapier when he won the New Zealand, Wellington and Auckland Cups, and the trainer of the pair, H, Nurse, considers that Polydora is further advanced in her Cup preparation than was the case with Rapier at the same stage six years ago.

From Ellerslie: Speedmint will be the sole representative of the Auckland racing centre in the Cup, and she has every credential to be regarded as a contender for honours, without claiming many winning performances. She won over a mile and a-quarter last season, and was second 1 over a mile and ahalf, while she filled fifth place in the Auckland Cup with 7.7. This season, she won over ten furlongs at Ellerslie in August, and next ran a dead-heat with the useful Curie at Marton over a similar journey. Then followed a win over ten furlongs at Wanganui, and with 9st. was fifth in the Avondale Cup, also ten furlongs, finishing on well. Speedmint is due to arrive next week, and probably her track essays will give southerners a firsthand idea of her capabilities and prospects.

Southland’s Representative: The Smuggler will carry South-

‘land’s banner, but taking a line through his efforts in the past two months, he can hardly be included in the list of likely winners.

Noi Dangerous: Eminent cannot be recommended if his Trentham form were correct. He looked well, and his chance of winning a race at the recent meeting was highly regarded.

No Recommendation: Tout le Monde made a very poor showing in the Wellington Handicap on Thursday last, but showed a slight improvement on Saturday. He was one of the early fancies for the Cup, but his form in the past few weeks has not been very encouraging, and it is evident that he is a much overrated gelding. '

Too Far: Brambletorn is entitled' to be discussed by virtue of his race in the Wellington Handicap, and although he failed later at the meeting, he probably received a set-back after his hard effort over the long journey on the opening day, his first for some weeks. He is bred on sound lines, but does not make much appeal as a two-miler.

A Distinct Possibility: Takakua is the most promising of the North Island contingent. He battled out the mile and three furlongs well on Thursday last, and romped home over a mile on the second day. He was one of the best hacks in the north last season, and is destined to go far in open company. Should he be on hand next week, his track essays will be followed with much interest.

A Severe Undertaking: Palantua has done everything of late to bring her into favour for the big race, and southern racegoers will pin their faith to her. She is a worthy daughter of Mantua, who was undoubtedly one of the hardiest mares ever raced in the south. Palantua is bigger than her dam, but is not built on such robust lines, and it is to be feared that she will find it difficult to survive a two-mile journey.

Aii Elevated Candidate: Rocket has jumped into calculations since his win at Trentham, following a good race over eleven furlongs on the opening day. He is bred the right way, and a second placing in the Derby behind Silver Scorn has to be kept in mind. He has only a feather weight, and the fact that he will have the services of A. Eastwood, who has two Cups to his credit, will help to make him one of the best supported on the day. May Be Missing:

Southdown earned distinction by his defeat of Red Manfred at Trentham, but a decision as to his programme at the meeting has not yet been arrived at. He is destined to contest the Derby on the second day, and may not be asked to tackle the Cup ordeal. On the other hand, he will be all the better for a race before the Derby, and as he appears to be harshly treated in the Riccarton Handicap on the first day, his owner may decide to parade him in the Cup.

No Appeal: Chrysology has managed to win two one mile and a-quarter races of late, but shaped like a poor moderate at Trentham. The soft track was advanced as an excuse for him, but in any case he would never appeal as a stayer.

Unreliable Contestant: Jaloux has run some good races over two miles, but on recent form, he will not be seriously considered in this. He has not lost any of his pace, but cannot be depended upon to produce. it throughout a race, and a win for him woujd come as a general surprise, but would nevertheless be popular..

A Stayer’s Chance: Ramo has to be recognised as a true stayer, but has failed so often in the past few months, in spite of he being in better order just now than ever previously, that hisi chance has to be taken on trust. He is usually slow over the early stages of his races, and much will depend on how next week’s race is run.

A Poor Hack: Water Polo has probably been honoured by being left for so long in the field, and he can be dismissed from discussion. A Young' Aspirant:

Epigram is a solid three-year-old, but is not bred to cover two miles successfully, so his turn will come latex* in the programme.

Summary: It is practically certain that at least six of those in the above list, will be missing when the final payment is made on Monday, leaving a field which will be capable of providing an evenly distributed pool, and an equally close contest. There is no doubt Polyd’ora will be favourite, especially so if she would win at Motukarara to-day, but the results of recent racing will bring solid support also for Rocket, Takakua and Minerval.

STEWARDS’ HANDICAP. New Zealand’s recognised most important sprint event, the Stewards’ Handicap, has attracted a really highclass field, including Golden Wings, who raced brilliantly at Trentham, and will be, if anything, improved by his two outings there. He is a smart beginner, and the Riccarton straight “six.” will be all in his favour. He has a big weight, but only what he has earned, and extra poundage seldom fails to stop a good horse, and Golden Wings can lay claim to be the best sprinter in the Dominion for many years past. Present indications point to the Awapuni gelding being sent out a short-priced favourite.

First-up Galloper: Croupiei- ran one good race, his first, at Trentham, and it will be remembered he had the same record at the Gnjlnd National meeting, so it would appeal’ as if the speedy galloper is capable of showing his best form “first-up” at a meeting. Atmospheric conditions will also have to be taken into consideration as fax' as Croupier is concerned', so many of his admirers will feel inclined to wait until the day of the race before passing judgment on him. &

Not Attractive: Souchong ran promisingly in the second day at Trentham, but failed badly on Monday. He appeared to be in want of racing, but his form could

not point to his prospects' amongs this field.

Under a Cloud: Great Star was going well in his first day’s engagement at Trentham when he met trouble, and received injuries which have kept him off the scene since. Unless he makes a good recovery during the next few days, he is not likely to go to the post.

A Bright Prospect: Hurlingham has gone on the right way since he raced a fortnight ago, and has to be considered one of the best propositions in the race. He is a brilliant beginner, and his pace will have the field in trouble from barrier rise, while he has at times shown more stamina than the majority of those pitted against him.

Only Fair Chance; Lordly Knight will come into favour after his win at Trentham last week. All his best races have been run on that course, and it is evident he appreciates the straight six furlongs. It was noticed he was very light when produced on Monday, and he performed accordingly, but he will have had time to build up again.

Not Yet: The Quorn, if he were back to anything like his best, would be in favour with 7.7 on his back. He will have his second race since being re-commis-sioned a few weeks back, at Motukarara to-day, and a better line as to his prospects will be available.

Genuine Perform er: Silver Streak is entitled to strong consideration, following his recent run of successes and placings in the south. He is endowed with both pace and stamina, and under his light weight, is likely to be one of the best supported.

Improving: True Shaft was somewhat unlucky to have been beaten by Lordly Knight at Trentham on Saturday. He is right back to his best form, and his race over a mile and a-quarter to-day will have him thoroughly fit for the big sprint.

Uncertain: Gay Sheila is an interesting acceptor, but she is also in the Auckland Guineas, and it would be advisable to await her arrival at Riccarton before placing confidence in her.

Ground to Suit: Kerbside is a decided possibility on the minimum. She can unwind a marked turn of speed once settled down, and sticks on well. No notice need be taken of her displays in her two Wellington races, as the ground did not suit her, and she will be a different mare on Riccarton going. Not up to Mark:

Guarantee has been a disappointment so far this season, and will have to improve considerably to have a chance in this. In his case, also, the track will be more to his liking than at either Wingatui or Trentham, and he may be seen to better advantage during the meeting.

A Smail Juvenile: Passion Fruit is undoubtedly an attractive three-year-old, and will carry a good deal of northern support.

The Best Light-weight: Cranford' has qualified to be included in the favourite division. He is an outstanding beginner, and gets so quickly into his stride that he is always assured of a favourable early position. His race at Rangiora, and that he is booked to have at Motukarara to-day, will have him very fit for the race, and he can be depended upon to show prominence throughout.

Summary: . The Stewards’ Handicap has always been recognised as the Dominion’s most difficult to win, and this year’s event seems likely to uphold the reputation. As in previous years, also, the investors will be faced with a most intricate problem, and there is every indication of a close contest for favouritism, but in the meantime, the prospects of Golden Wings, Hurlingham and Cranford', will receive most consideration.

GREYMOUTH JOCKEY CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING.

There was a small attendance at the annual meeting of the Greymouth Jockey Club, held at the Club’s rooms,, last evening, and presided ovei’ by Mr T. E. Coates. Apologies for absence were' received from Messrs Kim Williams, H. J. Bignell and A. Beban. Tho annual report, published in last Thursday’s “Star,” was read and adopted. The balance sheet, for the year ended June 30, 1933, showed assets at £2,241/9/1, and liabilities at £B3O 9/1, leaving an excess of assets over liabilities, of £l4ll. The profit and loss account showed a loss of £244 13/11 on the year’s working. In speaking to the balance sheet, the Chairman stated that it looked as though the Club owed £462/9/9, but against that there was plant and stock on hand, which had not been over-valued, so that the Club would bo about £95 to the bad to meet the £462/9/9. The sundry debtors, amounting to £627/18/5, might be good, with a third deleted, so that a reasonable amount would be left to meet the balance of the Club’s liabilities. It would be necessary, however, to allow for about £2OO, to carry the Club through until after the Summer meeting. The balance sheet showed that the Club could carry on till it came to earning power, without financial strain. In other words, the Club was quite solvent. The Club had been unfortunate last year in that its meetings were attended by bad weather. Referring to the Gaming Bill, now before Parliament, the Chairman stated that it was his opinion that the Bill would not go through, but would' be “talked out.” All the Bill asked for was not the extension of gaming facilities, but a regulation for such. Gambling was going on in a much worse way to-day than it would if the Bill was put through. There was a lot of credit betting in New Zealand, and the well-meaning people opposed to the Bill did not realise the vast amount of small credit betting that was being carried on through illegal channels. Money had to be found, with which to run the country, and racing was an easy means of getting it. Government taxation was very heavy on Clubs, and many Clubs had difficulty in keeping the sport moving. The Chairman said that last year tho Greymouth Jockey Club made a loss of £244/13/11, but paid in taxation to the Government £2,008/6/7. The Auckland Club had made a profit of £1567; but had paid in taxes, ovex* £40,000. Last year more than £335,000 had been paid by racing and trotting clubs in the Dominion, for Government taxation. Quite a number of “big” men in the sport, had had to give it over, owing to the cost of racing.

Mr C. L. Kettle, (the Club's Treasurer) stated that he considered the balance sheet as being satisfactory. Many other clubs had shown a loss on the year’s working. Although a loss of £244 had occurred, the Club was in the position of being able to pay its way, and he hoped that it would always manage to do that. Adverse weather had been responsible, to a great extent, in the loss of finance. He considered that the Club could quite well carry on, with-

out having to go into the question of finance, till after the Christmas meeting.

The balance sheet, was adopted, on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr W. Gieseking. The following officers were re-elect-ed unopposed:—President: Mr. T. E. Coates; Committee: Messrs. J. W. Hannan, C. L. Kettle, H. J. Bignell, Kim Williams, G. Blair, Herb Moore, A. Beban, H. D. James, A. Smith, W. H. Parfitt, W. Gieseking, G. R. Harker; Auditor: Mr. C. H. Rose.

On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. H. Moore, votes of

thanks were accorded to the Secretary

(Mr. M. J. Fogarty), caretaker (Mr. J. Guerin), and othei- members of the staff, for their services during the past year. Mr. Parfitt congratulated the President, the Secretary, and the Treasurer, on the splendid work carried out by them, not only in the direction of horse racing, but from the Club’s farming point of view. Mr. Gieseking endorsed the remarks of Mr. Parfitt. The Chairman stated that in recent

years a large number of residents on the West Coast had taken up horse

racing, and some had imported valuable stallions. It was understood that within the next few months there would be a considerable number of foals in the Grey district. He suggested that the Club should consider a revival of the West Coast Breeders’ Stakes, the last race for which had taken place in 1913. The race had been for two-year-olds and upwards, at

special weights, and run under hack conditions. The dam of the horses competing had to be owned by a bona fide resident in the West Coast metropolitan district. Quite a number of people on the West Coast were prepared to breed thoroughbred horses, not necessarily to race, but to sell. Years ago, the best hacks in New Zealand were the river horses of South Westland.

On the motion of Mr. W. H. Parfitt, a vote of thanks was accorded the Ladies’ Ambulance organisation, St. John’s Association, and the district doctors, for their help in ’emergency cases on race days.

The. Secretray mentioned that the Club owned some 230 lambs, from which it was hoped to make a profit this year. The Club also possessed about 200 ewes, and some 35 head of cattle. It had secured about 125 percent. of lambs this spring, and the farming account would be much more profitable than it was last year.

A motion of condolence with the relatives of the late Bert Lowe, whose, death followed a boxing contest at Greymouth last Saturday, was carried in silence.

WINOOKA.

NEW YORK, October 26.

A Laurel message states that Mr. Naylor informed the Australian Press Association that Winooka was entered for the six furlongs Westover Handicap here to-morrow, for a purse of one thousand dollars, all ages. Other entries and weights are Curacoa 1181bs., Springsteel 120, De Valera 106, Hope To Do and Bandwagon, each, 108. It is interesting to note that the latter two belong to Admiral Grayson, exPresident Wilson’s personal physician. Winooka will carry top weight, 1261b5. If Winooka’s showing justifies he will be entered for the six furlongs 2500 dollars Baltimore Handicap, on November 1, at Pimlico, which race will decide definitely the continuance or cancellation of the tour, and if hehabilitation is sufficiently marked, may revive the Equipoise race on November 7.