STRONG FIELDS AT AWAPUNI CONTESTING FIRST OF CHRISTMAS-NEW YEAR EVENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22822, 17 December 1948, Page 1 (Supplement)

STRONG FIELDS AT AWAPUNI CONTESTING FIRST OF CHRISTMAS-NEW YEAR EVENTS

(Herald Special Service.)

The holiday racing season extending over Christmas and the New Year commences at Awapuni tomorrow with the opening programme of the Manawatu Racing Club's three-day summer meeting.

Acceptances are well np to expectations. The Cup field includes three candidates that will in all probability go on to Ellerslie to contest the £IO,OOO Auckland prize.

There is every reason to expect that the fine weather will continue over the week-end, and the course at Awapuni should be firm and fast.

TOKOMARU HACK HURDLES First Division Trig: Point (11), 11.3, won at his last two starts, but will be hard put at the present weight. Dawn March (3), 10.8, is in winning vein and may be the favourite. Baruch (5), 9.9. is having his first hurdle race; was fair on the flat. Tussock (G), 9.12, was second in his first jumping attempt, but in the interim has failed: races well when fresh. Rollinic (8), 9.7, has a recent minor placing; is not without chancesII Corona (4), 9.3, was second in his last start. On that is a place possibility. Aubrey (2), 9.2, was second at Napier Park: is not a strong recommendation. Of those on the nine-stone mark the best appear to be Bon Chale (10) and Tudor Chief (4). Second Division Result (10), 10.8, is not opposed by a strong team, and looks to have his best chance for some time. Tribute (G), 10.3. was third in his last elTort, but is not reliable. Voltage (3), 9.10, won at Woodville. so has the right recent form. Gold Lad (5), 9-8, is fit, but his form is only so-so. Sheihvyn (1), 9.G, fell the other day, but it was not her fault; might be in the money. Homespun (3). 9.3, was fourth and second respectively at Woodville; might be on the improve. War Effort (2), 9.2, has no recent form to help. The ninestoners are hard to include in a final summing-up. MAIDEN PLATE First Division Bcauform (8) was placed in his last two starts. Great Success (14) has one fourth on his chart. Jaconet (2), galloped most impressively on Tuesday morning .and will be very hard. Loyal Camp (1) was twice placed this season. Night Valour (3) was third at Bulls in his only start to date. Phalamint (9) galloped well on Tuesday at Hastings; is one worth watching over the holidays. Revel Lad (7), a full brother to Lord Revel, has started but three times this season for two seconds and a third. Of (he others there is no form offering at all this season. Second Division Chief Officer (8) has not raced. El Bogcn (14) was second last Saturday at Levin. Frond (13) was third earlier this season. Greenlight (4) has a few minor placings on his history sheet. Lord Jellin (3) was third in one of five efforts this term. Raiding (12) has not raced this season. Virginias (1), was fourth in his only start to date; galloped well enough on Tuesday to appear a bright prospect. There is no form at all offering from the remainder. JUVENILE HANDICAP Super Snipe (7), 8-13, will be the favourite. Marloch (17), 8.7, is just an average juvenile galloper. Golden Link (1), 7.13, ran a third and a first in three starts; is just average. Sayani (3), 7.11, won solidly at Otaki. Maranoa (11), 7.9, has not raced since finishing second on the first day at Woodville. Royal Spur (2), 7.8, has not raced. Good Record (12), 7.7, was fourth in his last try. Dinero (4), 7.5, ran a most encouraging second at Woodville. Princess Ragi (13), 7.3, has a third on her chart. Little is known of the others and what there is does not favour them lor selection. TARARUA HACK HANDICAP First Division ' Beau Bijou (11), 9.4, won his last two races: is making a first attempt over a middle distance, but should find little difficulty with nine furlongs. Night View (2), 8.9, was a winner also in his last two starts; might be all the

better for a race. Hostess (1), 8.8. as a recent winner must enter calculations. Master Kip (12), B.G, was second in his two starts: is lighting fit. Brcnlock (3), 8-4, will not be overlooked. Gratuity (8), 8.4, has fair form this season. Lochrca (13), 8.3, should have won twice in recent starts; with a competent rider would be very hard. Reig-non (4), 7.11, is a recent maiden winner. Ensign (G). 7.8, was third in his last start, and for that reason has a place chance. Of the others the best chance looks to be that of the improving Hastings three-year-old Ivanhoe. Second Division Gay Fellow (3), 8.10, was second the other day, but in the past has not been reliable. Solimbine (7), 8.9, won on the last day of the N-Z. Cup fixture. Avenger (13), 8.7, was not started at Olaki, but won at Woodville; enjoys a reputation as something above the average. Malara (5). 8.5. has not done very well of late. Battle Strife (12), 8.4, was in the money at his last start. Blue Seal (11). 8.3, is hard to recommcn. Flying Bridge (10), 7.7, seems the best of the remaining lot. GILLIES HACK HANDICAP First Division Descado (1), 9.5. was unlucky when beaten into second place in his last start. Clare’s Pal (8), 8.8, lias bad only two starts this season; was fourth in September. Autoshine, (9) 8.7, has a little p'ace form early this term. Carter Fell, (2) 8.3, second and first in his last two efforts. While Diamond, (11) 8.3 goes fast, but is making a first start of the season. Winning Ticket, (G) 8.1, does not appeal on form of late. La Modeile, (13) 8.0, is a fair average galloper. Those situated lower in the handicap do not make strong appeal. SECOND DIVISION Sly Gold, (11) 8.9, has not raced of late but is reported to be forward. Lady Myrtle, (7) 8.8, won last Saturday and will not be neglected. Arvastep, (3) B.G. is expected to put on a good show. Golden Hope, (5) 8.3. may find the distance a little too short. Quarlz, (12) 8.2 would be fancied on an easy track. Lord Croupier, (13) 8.1, is ready for another “scoop” any day. Galway Bay, (8) 7.13, was not produced last week-end; is due any day. Nerisser, (10) 7.12, has only started once and then won at Fcilding: goes fast. The others are passed over. GRANDSTAND HANDICAP Messalliancc, (1) 9.0, has done his racing of late over hurdles; is handy over a mile and a quarter. Indian Song, (13) 8.10, failed the other day over this distance. The Slormovik, (18) 8.1. is said to be one to beware of despite his last three failures. Torrent, (5) 7.13, lias re-

cent middle-distance place form. Angel!, (16) 7.13, has no form as far as a mile and a quarter; is well reported on. Winter Sweet, (13) 7.13, was responsible for a winning gallon last Tuesday morning at Hastings. IIu!abaloo, (17) 7.12, has no recent form. Beguile, (15), 7.11, has no recent form. Of the others on the 7.11 minimum the best appear to be Mission (9) Culloden Moor (19) Kippo (8) and perhaps The Denbigh (9).