COURSE WILL FAVOR THOSE PARTIAL TO HEAVY GOING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22655, 4 June 1948, Page 1 (Supplement)

COURSE WILL FAVOR THOSE PARTIAL TO HEAVY GOING

ELLERSLIE MINOR EVENTS

The ou+iook for the opening of the Auckland Racing Club's winter meeting at Ellerslie tomorrow is doubtful. The weather was fine yesterday, but the forecast was for rain today. The course was very holding this morning and is sure to be slow, even if the weather keeps fine. Very good acceptances have been received for the minor events, which should provide keen racing.

FIRST JERVOIS HACK HOP. FIRST DIVISION Equator (4), 9.9, is a promising Neptune three-year-old, but has not raced since running third to Sweet Nymph and Distinction in the last G.N. Derby. Fearless Wings, (9), 9.1, is in the right form and a recent winner. Regal Chase (12), 8.9, is another that of late has shown the right form. Concise (10), 8.8, a winner twice recently, was fourth in her last race. Bouquet (13), 8.6, was third in a novice event at Levin last week. Treasure Island (7), 8.3. is passed over in favour of General March. General March (16), 8.2, is reported likely to surprise any day. Bright Side (7), 8.2, in his six starts this season has weighed-in on every occasion. Art Shade (2), 8.1, has just a rough show. Of those placed on the minimum, Premonition (1) may do the best. SECOND DIVISION Wonder Boy (12), 9.4, if started, is assured of solid support. Tiercel (15), 8.12, was second on his last effort. Folkestone (13), 8.9, one of Hector Grey’s charges, won at his last start, defeating a good field on the last day of the Waikato meeting when a favourite. Mooney Valley (2), 8.7, is another recent winner. Tallybont (1), 8.5, goes fast, but has raced little this season; might surprise, however.

Venio (14), 8.3, won early in the season.

If there is to be a surprise among those at the foot of the handicaps Sunny’s Last and Faithful Knight may be the agents. GREEHLAJSSE HACK STEEPLES Greek Boy (4), 10.2, has won both over hurdles and country this season, but failed in his last effort between the flags. Bronze Night (11), 9.11, has no recent form, but at his best would be very dangerous. Shepherd’s Ace (16), 9.10, has winning form to back his chances up on. Golden Reign (5), 9.9, is not coming up to expectations and as a chaser is of unknown quantity. Scale (7), 9.8, on Waikato form would be one of the most fancied. Rich Mint (8), 9.7, has no recent form, but is promising, according to reports. Hard Case (2), 9.6, has not raced since the early spring, when he ran second in the Pakuranga Greenmount Steeples. Sir Waimai (3), 9.5, is a recent placegetter.

Uganda (6), 9.4, is reported to be very fit, but is racing without luck. He might be suited to this course. Ballinabuoy (13), 9.4, is the sort that might but absence of recent form is little help. Well Drop (17), 9.2, has a rough show, but not those on the minimum.

SECOND JERVOIS HACK HOP. FIRST DIVISION Swift Robin (11, 9.9, winner in his last two starts, may be hard to head off.

Te Fareata (121, 9.0, has shown the right form recently. Ballavicw (161, 8.9, failed in his last three efforts. Sir Sydney (141, 8.8, has won twice in recent starts. The Trader (61, 8.5, failed to come up to- early expectations. Tin Music <lsl, 8.3, is coining down in the handicaps and likes it soft. Royal Beau (5), 8.2, was in the money recently. Dukedom (4), 8.2, is not a strong hope. Of those placed on the minimum. Lady Contact (10), Star Performer (8), and Lola Bay (17) read about the best. SECOND DIVISION Altess (5), 9.2, a reinstated hack, has little form of late to help. Fencing (8), 8.11, on form must be considered Trenchant (4), 8.8. is reported to be galloping impressively. Flying Officer (2), 8.7, will have a track to his liking. Highland Lad (3), 8.4, has just a rough chance. Silk Thread (111, 8.2, is not overlooked. but would be preferred over six furlongs. Happy Issue (6), 8.2, an English thrce-year-old filly, was second in her last start; is well commented upon. Why Not (13), 8.1. has no winning form, but has been placed three times. Persian Garden (121, 8.0, looks about the pick of the eight-st.oners. PENROSE HACK HURDLES Leigh Hark (2), 10.10, although beaten into third place in his last start, is reported to be all the better for that race. Montcllo d’Orn (13), 10.9. might be a win favourite. Morocco (7), 10.9, won at Te Rapa by a “street,” but may find the bigger hurdles at Ellerslie and the extra quarter of a mile factors not in his favour. Duncan (12), 10.7, may not yet be at concert pitch. ... Incilatus (10), 10.7, from the -south Island, will give a taste of his quality. The Fake (16), 10.6, has been consistent in minor hurdle races, so must be a consideration.

Court Lad (11), 10.3, on his Waikato form is not fancied. South Riding (8), 9,9, is due any day for a win. Carthage (14), 9.8, might go close to paying one of the dividends. Our Gold (1), 9.6, has little hurdle experience, but. can stay and is one of the best “mudlarks" in the Auckland Province. lienburb (14), 9.4, in his last start was beaten into second place narrowly by Pimlico at Te Rapa, so that he might surprise. It is hardly likely that any of the others weighted lower in the list will be really dangerous. HUNT CLUB HURDLES Pimlico, (2), 10.12, has yet to be defeated over hurdles and is expected now to complete the hat trick. Surpeen (4), 10.5, on his actual jumping possesses some kind of chance. Hunting Dink (10), 10.4, is not without a winning chance. Jemmy Button (7), 9.7, a first-class jumper, might surprise. Dinkura Pal (6), 9.4, was in the money over country at Te Rapa. Ballinabouy (8), 98. is also in the minor steeplechase earlier in the day. Skywriter (1), 9.0, has the best chance of the others from a follower s point of view because he will be bracketed with Pimlico.