TO-DAY'S RACING NEWS

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 August 1936, Page 11

TO-DAY'S RACING NEWS

Galloping

MEETINGS TO COME.

August 11, 13> 15— ~ Canterbury. August 22— Pakuranga Hunt. August 27—Egmont-Wanganui Hunt August 29—Taranaki Hunt. September s—Otago Hunt. September 10, 12— Wanganui. September 19—Ashburton. September 19—Foxton. September 19, 21—Avondale. September 24, 26—Geraldine. September 26—Marton. September 26—Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt. September 26—Napier Park.

Jolly Beggar: Jolly Beggar has to give Polydora 91b in the Grand National Hurdles, but comes in on 131 b better terms in the Jumpers’ Flat race.

Visiting Elderslie Stud: Among the most recent bookings to the Elderslie stallion Iliad is- Messrs R. T. Reid and E. H. Davis’s Du Barry, by Chief Ruler. This mare realised 650 guineas at the 1935 Trentham sales and is a daughter of the Valais mare Jenolan.

Winter Cup Defections: Mother Superior, Bay Duke, Travenna, Great Star and Mustang were the only defections from the Winter Cup, when the final payments closed last night, leaving a field of 18 runners.

Too Classy: Winter Cup company will probably prove too classy for the Arrowsmith— Silk Stocking gelding, Silk Arrow. He is a good horse in the mud, and has won in Southland, but the fields were not up to Winter Cup class.

Another Mudlark: Mount Vai is another mudlark, on the minimum in the Winter Cup, who has shown improving form in recent racing By Valkyrian from Ell Sorella, Mount Vai has started on seven occasions since Easter for a dead hea for first and two seconds. He is an improver, but does not appear to have reached Winter Cup class yet.

Best of Three: Of Golden Dart 8.2, Travenna 8.1, and Boomerang 8.1, in the Winter Cup, the last-named appeals most. He na_ had a lot of racing since Easter, ten starts, for two victories, three * seconds and two thirds, and though he failed Trentham in the heavy going, the Iliad—Graciosa colt cannot be discarded. He is quite a place possibility.

Lease Expiring: The lease of Epris to Mr A. L. Piatt will expire on August 14, during the currency of the Grand National mee ing, and from that date the Shambles gelding will race in the colours of his owner, Mr T. Jackson. If he is able to fulfil any of. his engagements at Riccarton next week, and rumour has it that he has quite recovered from his mishap, Epris will be ridden by E. Leckie, who won the Winter Cup on him a year ago.

Place Proposition: The Shambles—Sweet Charity gelding, The Surgeon, is another among those on the minimum who may be in the firing line at the finish of the Winter Cup. He did well at Christmas and in the autumn, but lapsed at Easter. Since then he has had a spell, and came back with a fine victory at the South Canterbury Hunt meeting. Since April he has had only four starts for a first (at his last start) and two thirds. Since his re-appear-ance, his barrier manners have improved out of all knowledge.

Steps to National: The majority of the past Grand National Steeplechase winners have had plenty of racing during the three or four months preceding their success. Such seasoning has undoubtedly been a big factor towards victory in the strenuous Riccarton contest. The number includes Haydn, Awahuri, Slow Tom, Inniskillen, To Arai, Paritutu, Bercola, Ngatoa, St. Elmn, Lochella, Coalition (especially second occasion), Oakleigh (both years), Tuki, Peter Maxwell, Beau Cavalier, Wiltshire (both years), Aurora Borealis, Snowfall, Billy Boy. and Valpeen (both years). The only horses among this list who did not win a race during the winter prior to their National success were Paritutu and St. Elmn.

In Doubt: It is I'eported from Auckland that] owing to the fact that Oratory has lately been affected with soreness, L. G. Morris’s proposed trip to Australia for the spring meetings is now very uncertain. It was his intention to take Great Hope and Chief Ranger also, but unless Oratory improves quickly the trip will be abandoned. The cause of Oratory’s soreness has not been located, but it may pass off as she was troubled somewhat in the same way about this time last year. Oratory displayed brilliant form last au,tumn and was expected to do even better as a four-year-old this season, so that it will be extremely unfortunate for Morris and her owner, Mr T. Duncan, if she fails to train on well. Three on the Minimum.’ The Solferino —Theda gelding, Great Star, looks to have seen his best days, and does not appeal even at the minimum in the Winter Cup. He has had four starts since Easter, for one third at Ashburton, in May, behind Emissary and Epris, over six furlongs, but the few he beat did not represent Winter Cup class. Wino, another on the minimum, has run only one third in five starts since Easter. He ran third to Metal Bird and Golden Dart at Ashburton over seven furlongs. The Cockpit—lnoe gelding will have to improve considerably on his Trentham form to have a chance. Royal Gallant (Top Gallant—Princess Ilona) has had any amount of racing since Easter, having started on 23 occasions for six victories. His most important success was at Dunedin at the end of June, when he won over a mile and aquarter, on a heavy track. He is at his best in the mud, but will probably find the opposition too much for him on top of the ground. Wino looks the pick of these three, with Royal Gallant preferred in the mud. West Coaster’s Chance: A Winter Cup acceptor who will pro bably carry as much support as any 01

«the light-weighted division is Mr. C. L. Kettle’s Weathervane —Star Dancer gelding, Metal Bird. The Greymouthowned and trained gelding has shown at Omoto that he is galloping as well as ever, and as he looks in splendid racing condition, he must be given more than an outside chance, with only eight stone on his back. Since April, he has had seven starts for two wins and three seconds, one of his best performances being a second to Epris, two lengths away and receiving fourteen pounds, at Timaru in May. Metal Bird on that occasion finished ahead of Queen of Song, Cranford, Golden Dart, Polydora, Mount Vai, and Argentic. 1 ile stayed on well over the mile and 35 yards, and over the Winter Cup mile meets Epris on nine pounds better terms, Queen of Song on six pounds worse terms, and Mount Vai on the same terms as at Timaru. On June 6, at Ashburton, Metal Bird, carrying 8.5, won the Maronan Handicap, 7 furlongs, from Golden Dart 8.4 and Wino 8.9, with Cranford, Davolo and Royal Gallant among the also rans. A slight injury prevented Metal Bird running at Wellington, but he has recovered completely, and will be in first class order on Tuesday.

C.J.C. MEETING.

NATIONAL ACCEPTANCES.

The Canterbury Jockey Club has received the following acceptances for the first day’s programme of the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase meeting on Tuesday next: —

TRIAL HURDLE RACE HANDICAP. One mile and three-quarters: —

Trotting

meetings to come.

August 8, 12, 14.—N.Z. Metropolitan. August 15— Cambridge. August 29. —Auckland. September s.—New Brighton. September 12. —Wellington. October 3.—Methven. October 10.—New Brighton. October 17. —Waikato. October 17, 19.—Westport. October 24, 26.—Auckland. October 24, 26— Greymouth. October 26.— Manawatu. October 26.—Oamaru. October 31.— Wellington.

Stanley T: The trotting gelding Stanley T has ricked himself, and will not fulfil his engagements at Addington. Stanley T was recommissioned for the trotting events at the meeting, because at this time of the year the track is often in a soft state, and as Stanley T is a clever trotter in heavy ground, the prospect of his winning a race early in the season looked bright. Four Good Ones: In the 4min. 37sec. division, at Addington, no horse will appeal more than Big Author. He has exhibited outstanding speed in some of his winning efforts, and has shown that he may yet get two miles. On 4min 36sec is Pot Luck, winner of several races during the past six months, including the All Age Stakes. ‘He is a very promising young pacer. Another horse of the same age that has created a big impression is Blair Athol. He is on a comparatively slow mark from which he should be a profitable horse to follow. The beautiful four-year-old filly Frisco Lady is to make her first appearance in the aspiring stayers’ section, in which she will receive 48 yards from Pot Luck.

Tote Regulations..: As a result of representations made to him, the Minister of Internal Affairs has approved the following regulations regarding the display of dividends and provision for the different units of investment on the totalisator to be enforced at all racing and trotting meetings: —(1) That at all totalisator meetings reasonable provision must be made for both 10/and £1 investors and tickets for both these denominations made available. It will be open to Clubs to provide for larger investments, according to requirements; (2) That the main dividend display at the totalisator must be for £l, and the dividend display on the semaphore for the same unit.

Mechanical Methods: Track conditions have been anything but favourable for the preparation of horses engaged at the Addington meeting to be opened to-morrow. It does not necessarily mean that when the going is bad' a horse remains locked up in the stable. The track conditions may deprive a horse of the opportunity to do fast work, but still a good deal of strong work over more ground may build a horse into racing condition. A horse can be produced and ready to race without being sent on watch-breaking expeditions, and many a race has been lost through being left on the training track. If trainers paid more attention to how a horse pulled up after a work-out and less attention to the watch they would achieve better results. The watch is merely a record of time, but a horse cannot be trained by mechanical methods.

TROTTING AT ADDINGTON.

DE SOTO AND CLOUDY RANGE.

[SPECIAL TO “STAB.”]

CHRISTCHURCH, August 6.

The win and place system of betting will operate at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting, which will commence on Saturday and with good sized fields engaged throughout the day, a big increase in totalisator investments may be the result. It is many years since so much interest was taken in an August meeting, and while weather conditions have restricted training operations, and must necessarily leave horses short of work, all are in the same position in this respect. A good drying wind has improved the track and if rain holds off the course should be in ideal order. Fallowing is the day’s programme:— 12.10. Introductory Handicap, (T.), 3.36, II- miles: —Gala Day, Little Reta, Norman Fox, Resound, Rustle, Sister Mary, Tyrone Lass, Worthy Star scr.; Amonos, Great Wood, Helen’s Bay, Isabel Patch, Silk Coat 12; Header, Kuini, Mabel Chimes. Mataunga, Reward, Ruin 24; Ganton 36; Wahnooka 48.

A big field of 21 horses will contest the Introductory and included are a number of young trotters who give promise of developing into high-grade performers. Wahnooka is set to give away 48 yards, but the manner in which he won' the Yaldhurst Handicap at Addington in June, suggests he may be quite capable of giving away this start. On. that occasion Sister Mary Avas second and Reward third, and these horses should again race well. The best of the others may be Tyrone Lass, Silk Coat, and. Mataunga. The places should be filled by— WAHNOOKA, SISTER MARY, REWARD. 12.45. Advance Handicap, 2.54 class, li miles. —Broughshane, Cadiz, Full Hand, Golden Mist, Greenmantle, Wild Dreams scr.; Blair Athol, Gal-

lant Knight, Racketeer, Stirling Lady 12; Grand Finale, Lone Derby, Kibo, Rayon d’Or 24. Blair Athol is a very warm favourite for the Advance Handicap, and one of the best three-year-olds last reason, he is possibly entitled to the position. He is now rising to good class company, and he will be full}’ extended by Cadiz, Greenmantle, Wild Dreams, Golden Mist and Gallant Knight, all good proved and solid pacers. This may be one of the best races of the day and the judge may hoist the numbers of— BLAIR ATHOL, GALLANT KNIGHT, CADIZ. 1.25. August Handicap, 4.29 class, 2 miles.—Gold Tinge, Grand Mogul, Kingcraft, Queen Author, Taxpayer scr.; Llewellyn’s Pride, De Soto 12; Rey Spec, Rollo, Tempest, Willow Wave 24; Sunny Morn 36; Red Shadow 60; Harold Logan 84. With Tempest and Grand Mogul to carry his colours, Mr G. J. Barton holds a strong hand in the August Handicap, and while Grand Mogul will carry the confidence of the public Tempest is in good order. Another bracket in Willow' Wave and Sunny Morn represents a strong combination and the former’s double victory at Forbury Park will not have been forgoften by speculators'. De Soto will be one of the favourites, and the winner of ten races last season, he may add further to his record. Harold Logan has a big job ahead of him but he is favourably handicapped, and Red Shadow is coming back to form. The public’s fancies will include:—

DE SOTO, GRAND MOGUL, WILLOW WAVE. 2.0. Trial Handicap, 4.40 class, 2 miles. —Eighteen Carat, Fairhaven, Frisco Lady, Happy Knight, On Parade, Radiant Gold, Southern Smile, Treasure Bond scr.; Village Guy 12; Marie Celeste, Subsidy 24; Big Author, Isabel Derby, Plain Pearl 36; Pot Luck 48.

Frisco Lady is likely to be a. warm first fancy for the Trial Handicap, and, a brilliant pacer, she appears to hold rare prospects of success. Her most formidable opponents may prove to be Southern Smile, Big Author, Radiant Gold, and Pot Luck, and in a true run race the placings may be — FRISCO LADY, POT LUCK, SOUTHERN SMILE. 2.35. Stewards’ Handicap (T.), 3.29 class, miles.—Flotsam, Garner, Guy o’ Mine, New Metford, Sandy N. scr.; Discord, Norma Bingen 24; Air Flow, Teviot Downs 36; Bessie Parrish 48; Wrackler 60; Sea Gift 84. A good field of trotters will conjtest the Stewards’ Handicap, and this ■should provide one of the best races I of the day. Flotsam, off the limit, is

one of the most improved trotters in commission, and he will be nicely suited by the distance of a mile and a half. Discord has also come on in great style during the past season, and Airflow has torrents of speed and needs only to make a good beginning to be troublesome. Bessie Parrish, Wrackler and Sea Gift will all have admirers, but the finish may be fought by— DISCORD, FLOTSAM. , AIRFLOW. 3.10. Queen Mary Handicap, 4.34 class, 2 miles.—Gay Gordon, Noble Prince, Royal Drusus, Waress scr.; Bingen Palm, Bonny Azure 24; Avernus, Craganour 48; Grand Mogul 60. The smallest field of the day will contest the Queen Mary Handicap, and if reserved for this race Grand Mogul would appear to be the best of good things. In his absence, however, the race should be a good one and Noble Prince, .Bingen Palm, and Bonny Azure will have friends. If Grand Mogul is not a starter, the placings should be —

NOBLE PRINCE, BINGEN PALM, BONNY AZURE. 3.45. Selwyn Handicap, 2.47 class, 11 miles. —Aristotle, John Jinks, Peter Locanda, Rocks Ahead, Young Frank scr.; Gunfire, Homeward, Mocast, Reporter 12: De Soto, Francis Lincoln, Gamble, Graham Direct, Guy Junior 24. A feature of the Selwyn Handicap should be a battle royal between Gamble and Graham Direct, the two champion four-year-olds of last season. De Soto is also in the picture, and if started he will race well. Rocks Ahead is above the average, and Guy Junior will be well served by the distance. In what promises to provide a stirring contest, the places may be filled by— GAMBLE, GRAHAM DIRECT, ROCKS AHEAD. 4.20. International Handicap, 2.44 class, 1J miles.—Bingen Palm, Blue Mountain, Cloudy Range, Grace McElwyn, Raydus, Rey Spec, Sir Guy, Supertax, Sure, Vesuvius, Kewpie’s Triumph scr.; Sunny Morn, Worthy Light 12.

A number of those engaged in the International Handicap claim engagements earlier in the day, and in consequence the field may be reduced Cloudy Range is the logical favourite and will retain his position on the totalisator. It will be no walk over, however, and Raydus, Rey Spec, Supertax, and Worthy Light will all be troublesome. The greatest, appeal is made by—

CLOUDY RANGE, WORTHY LIGHT, RAYDUS.

The Smuggler Saltspray John Charles Santoft Haeretonu .. 10 13 Havering 10 10 Lord Hereford 9 9 9 9 1 0 0 0 10 9 9 1 Redolent 1 1 Battleground PAPARUA HANDICAP. Six furlongs Emissary .. 9 0 Hororata 8 2 Greek Gold 9 5 Copyist 8 0 Knockfln 9 2 Arena 8 0 Dollar Bill 9 2 Arrow Rose 8 0 Bay Duke 9 1 Gay some 8 0 Travenna 9 1 Acla 8 0 rukeko 8 6 Epic . 8 0 JUMPERS’ FLAT HANDICAP. One mile and a-half: — Polydora n o Travelling Agent 9 9 Jolly Beggar \ 10 13 Saltspray 9 8 Clarion Call 10 8 Streamline 9 1 Silk Sox 10 2 Journet 9 0 Signaller .. 9 13 Haeretonu 9 0 Courtyard 9 11 CASHMERE PLATE. Six furlongs Arrow Glen 8 11 Tarboe 8 1 Autumn Wind 8 11 Coxcomb 8 0 Cape Gabo 8 11 Impact 8 0 Culotte 8 11 Make Ahi 8 8 0 Derive 8 11 Nuipai 0 Jedforest 8 11 Orange Bud 8 0 John Bull 8 11 Recollection 8 0 Lochaln 8 11 Rousseau 8 0 Miss Shambles 8 11 Sir Hugh 8 0 Pink Comet 8 11 Sunbeam 8 0 Boy Bun 8 11 Twilight Song 8 0 Silver Fox 8 11 Thermldor 8 0 GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE, of 1000 sovs., three miles and a-half. Billy Boy 11 5 Punchestown 10 0 Diamond 10 13 Pahu .. .. 9 6 Royal LImond 10 8 Manawatu 9 3 Forest Glow .. 10 3 High Speed . 9 0 ! ENFIELD STEEPLECHASE. About two miles: — Thurlna 12 1 Otaura King 9 1 Kaokaoroa 9 8 Burglar 9 1 Nocturnus 9 Money Mine 9 1 Royston 9 3 WINTER CUP of 600 sovs., one mile. Queen of Song 10 3 Rona Bay 8 o I'Jprla .. . • 9 9 Golden Dart . 8 Coneertpitch 8 13 Boomerang 8 1 Fairweather 8 10 Wino 8 0 Adalene 8 9 Roval Gallant 8 0 Ponty 8 9 Metal Bird 8 0 Davolo 8 9 The Surgeon . 8 0 Wall Street 8 3 Silk Arrow 8 0 Cranford 8 o Mount Vai 8 0 X AVONHEAD HANDICAP. Seven furlongs: — Queen Dorothy Cyclonic 9 9 8 Polygraph Poniard 8 8 3 Hunting Maid 9 4 Owlsgleam 8 Grey Honour 8 11 Emmeline Girl 8 Braw Dad 8 11 Gasmask 8 1 Cintllla 8 10 Jack Ahoy 8 1 Madam Fiord 8 1 Pompadour 8 10 Monlpere 8 0 Tail Light .. 8 10 Call Money . 8 0 Sovereign Lady Matoru 8 8 10 8 The Sandwichman 8 0 Rose of Tralee 8 8 Araboa 8 0 Latitude 8 0 Redtop 8 0 Palmyra 8 6 Lady Kate 8 0 SECOND DAY. GRAND NATIONAL HURDLE RACE, of 700 sovs., two miles and a-iiaii and 160 yards. Jolly Beggar 11 4 Silk Sox 9 9 G Polydora . • 10 9 Ruaform 3 Clarion Call 10 9 Royal LImond 9 Vai Watch 10 John Charles 9 0 Travelling Agent 10 4 Journet . 9 9 0 fl The Smuggler 9 13 Haeretonu u Streamline 9 11