KING'S RANSOM HAS CHANCE TO MAKE AMENDS IN H.B. CUP FOR LAST SATURDAY'S DEFEAT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22613, 16 April 1948, Page 1 (Supplement)

KING'S RANSOM HAS CHANCE TO MAKE AMENDS IN H.B. CUP FOR LAST SATURDAY'S DEFEAT

(Herald Special Service.)

'J’OMORROW in Hastings the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club will stage the opening day of its seventy-fourth autumn race meeting. From 1875 until 1888 the chief event of the season was known as the Napier Handicap, hut on the latter date the first Hawke’s Bay Cup was run. The acceptances are right up to expectations, with really good provincial class engaged, so that the racing gives every indication of being of a high order.

On top of continuous watering- over the “drought” months, 2in. to Sin. of rain has fallen in the past week, so that the goingshould be excellent and should suit all types of gallopers.

RIVERSLEA HACK HURDLES Master Meruit (1), 11.5, is forward enough to win and will have a track to his liking as at the time of writing there is every indication of the going being on the soft side and liable to cut out as the meeting progresses. Kilmanagh CIO), 10.8, has only a rough place chance and that mainly on account of the contemplated easy going. ' Neenah <4), 10.2, recently made a showing up north in his first hurdle race over a mile and three-quarters; weakening only over the last furlongs. He. might surprise now. Rockanui (7), 10.0, will be suited by the big track and the state of the going, plus recent place form. Craven (19), 9.11, on his running last Saturday is hard to recommendRoyal Sward (2), 9.8, in the past month or so has been four times in the money without winning. Imperial Crown (11), 9.7, second and third respectively both days at Awapuni, must be considered. Find Out (5), 9.3, would need to improve on past showings to be backed with any confidence now. Timothy (16), 9.3, in his last start was second over huraies at Bulls. He has just a rough show. General Lylup (12), 9.2, may do better on the easier track, but recent form is not very helpful. Master Peter (6), 9.2, has been working of late with renewed vigour. However, form does not point his way. Whipliand (15), 9.1, has steeplechase form as his best. Dark Victory (14), 9.0, from up north, was hardly seen to sufficient advantage at Manawatu to be fancied now. His trainer considers he is on the up-grade. Of the others on the minimum, Skywriter (3), although it is his first hurdle start, may do best as he has done a lot of schooling, having acquitted himself in a very promising and business-like manner, hence his chances are not being overlooked. AUTUMN HACK HANDICAP Mabel Knight (24), 9.0, on form is not a very strong recommendation, but the easier track will be to her advantage and thus she is not being discussed as one without a show. Lady Cocoanut (8), 8.12, is a smart galloper, but has done best over a shorter course. Form is on her side. Clive Bay (26), 8.6, at the weight and in this company is no strong recommendation. Indian Song (18), 8.6, is racing without luck, but looks the pick of this field, especially if ridden by a more experienced rider. Sir Warrior (2), 8.6, is fancied, mostly on account of having a track to his liking. At his last start, he won the District Hack at Wairoa.

Torch Bearer (16), 7.8, is another that appreciates the softening of the going.

The best of those weighted on the minimum is Stand Xn (25), 7.4, but having drawn so wide out his show is not being held in too favourable a light. POUKAWA STAKES Gratuity (3), 9.0, wen easily last Saturday at Awapuni and is eligible for this event on account of the conditions being for non-winners at time of entry.

Brown John (18), 8.7, has no form. Carter Fell (6), 8.7, is a full brother to Da Vinci—and that is his best recommendation.

Diplomat (24), 8.7, is just the type to upset things, despite his lack of recent form. Jet Plane (9), 8.7, was third to Swift Robin and Gratuity the first day at Awapuni which gives him a show. He did not start last Saturday. Lord West (15), 8.7, has no show. Master Kip’s (21), 8.7, best so far was a minor place at Wairoa in February. He has failed twice in the interim. Merry Fort (7), 8.7, from Gisborne, has only started once this season, when he was out of a place. Night Action (2), 8.7, has no form to enlist support. Old Dooley (19), 8.7, has no chance. Queen’s Parade (20), 8.7, failed at Awapuni, but the race has been beneficial. Salient (11). 8.7, galloped poorly the other morning, but the going may suit him now. Teiroa (26), 8.7, on form is not fancied. Arvakur Star (16), 8.4, was second at Waipukurau, which brings her into the line of possibilities. Arvastep (22), 8.4, ran a slashing good race at Awapuni the first day after being left. Bonny Lang (17), 8.4, has no form. Cheerful Night (25), 8.4, has place form to her credit, but is taking a long time to win out of the maiden grade. Early Astir (4), 8.4, with place form on her side, enters calculations and has drawn a good position at the barrier.

Karamea (1). 8.4, since her big surprise second at Woodville failed at Tauhei'enikau. Lady Kindine (8), 8.3, since runnnig second at Wairoa last February has failed to reproduce that form. La Jani (23), 8.4, has drawn wide out. She ran a fair race over the last two furlongs at Awapuni last Saturday and then was “on the mat”.

Lochwinnocli (10). 8.4, on form looks the best of the others. SIX FOLLOWS NURSERY HANDICAP Jacquinol Bay (15), 9.2, won the last race he started in with 9.1 so looks well placed now. Ann Bridge (16), 8.2, ran fairly well at Riccarton recently. Lord Azure (12), 8.1, as long as he gets away on anything like even terms will be very hard to beat. Golden Arrow (18), 8.0, galloped attractively at Hastings on Tuesday and will have her chances enhanced by the easy going. Demure (2), 7.10, has only started once and then finished second. She is bracketed with Lord Azure, which makes this combination a hard one. Rokdalc (4), 7.9, dead-heated with the top-weight at his last effort, but now comes in on lib worse terms. Reflect (1), 7.6, was fourth in his last two starts. Endowed (19), 7.4, has not yet raced. Gold Circuit (9), 7.4, from Gisborne, is a full sister to Voltaic, but has yet to sport silk. Ivanhoe (6). Philemon (8), Robin’s Song (11), and Robin Tor (21), all 7.4, are without racing experience and of these Robin’s Song has been doing best in private. Of those weighted lower in the handicap Fighting Fox (17), 7.1, may do best. He was running a fair race in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes last Saturday until he received a check.

Ballinagh (19), 8.5, may find the distance a little short, but the race will do him good for the Hack Cup the following Saturday. Follow Suit (22), 8.4, has recent winning form on his side so for that reason enters calculationsMaster Rich (15), 8.4, is a fair sort of a hack that is not to be overlooked. Yalta (14), 8.3, is smart, and with a track to her liking is going to be hard to keep out of a place. Kaimoni (9), 8.2, is also in the mile and a quarter. This Aucklander has not won this season, but has weighed in on four occasions. Fairytime (13), 8.1, has just a fair place chance. Monito (23), 8.1, except for his narrow win at Waipukurau has raced disappointingly for some months. The Missioner (1), 8.1, since winning at Napier Park last November has had three starts for a win (Manawatu in December), a third and an unplacing. His party expects the “pony” to go close this time. Crispin (4), 8.0, has speed, but has been a very long time in this grade. Dainty Moli (6), 8.0, was unplaced in her last two starts, including recently at Wairoa. but might surprise. Astrophe (5), 7.13, is the type lhat pops up now and again and pays a good price, but recent form is not encouraging. The going may suit him him better than it has of late. Swift Robin (11), 7.13, was first and third at Awanuni so has the right form to say that his chances are not nil. Robert Keith (20), 7.9, won the Maiden earliei’ this month at Wairoa, but has a tougher job this time. Ulalis (12), 7.9, has a very rough show. Batley (3), 7.8, ran well enough the other day to suggest that his turn is not far off. The easing of the going is definitely to his advantage.

Form Guide For Tom arrow’s Maces

HERETAUNGA HACK HCP. Mine Host <3), 9.0, who was nowhore last Saturday, has been racing fairly consistently of lateWinning Ticket (6), 8.11, on account of the sting being out of the going may do belter than he has been doing. Tino Mohio (11), 8.9, on his Wairoa showing has no show. Lackamor (18). 8.7, has winning formed this season, but failed recently. However, this field is not a strong one, although very even. Master Moti (17), 8.7, won at Wairoa and appears to stay fairly well. Vassilikos (12), 8.7, although not a strong recommendation, is given a place chance. Fox Flame (4), 8.(1, won the Hack Cup at Ashhurst last January, but failed later at Wellington; may return to the winning list now. Tuki Ngapo (13), 8.5, was just beaten in his last start by Mine Host at Wairarapa and now comes in on 51b better terms, which points to him being in front of the top-weight on this occasion. Kaimoni (1), 8.4, is engaged earlier in the day. Rnnclcllc (10). 8-4, must be a recommendation on his consistent form of late. . Tucker Box (17), 8.1, disappointed at Wairoa. Golden Hope (9), 7.12, on Awapuni form hardly appeals. Neap Tide (1(1), 7.12, has yet to win a race, but the altered track conditions may see him surprising now. Incident (2), 7.11. looks the best of those on the minimum. OREKA HANDICAP Fleetwood (12), 9.6, has been commented on already. Precedency (5), 9.4, is liable to surprise. Gold Chase (3), 7.11, will be bracketed with him. Sorrell (22), 8.11, is not a strong hope, despite his consistency as the class may be a little beyond him. Ladyship (21), 810, won the big spring at the Wellington Cup meeting, and with the going again to her fancy may be one of the toughest here. Welcome Guest (18), 8.8, has always preferred it firm, but may upset calculations all the same. Shcilwyn (6), 8.5, on her recent third to Square Dink and Emerge has some kind of recommendation. . .The Denbigh (8), 8.5, might be in the money as he is another with underfoot suitable conditions. Sparkling Lady (19), 8.2, is also in the Cup. Rotlinic (9), 8.1, was right up fourth in line over 10 furlongs last Saturday. He is at the peak of his form, but a mile may be a shade short. Joe’s Cobber (1), 8.0, if reserved, will be one of the most popular in this event. High Order (13), 7.13, is a recent winner, but his form is not very encouraging all the same. Lady Delight (16), 7.12, is not without a chance; in fact, she may cause a surpriseTussock (17), 7.12, is also in the sprint. Clive Belle (2), and Flare rath (20) read about the best of those placed on the minimum weight.