SPORTING

Grey River Argus, 16 July 1943, Page 3

SPORTING

Racing Notes

Weaker Sex: The three principal cross-country races run so far this winter, the Te Rapa, Great Northern and Wellington Steeplechase, have been won by mares. Chat, the first two, and Anini the other. They are the only mares in this year’s Grand National Steeples. The last time I this race was won by a mare was in 1930, when Aurora Borealis succeeded.

Unlucky: Gaymiss looked unlucky not to win the open seven at Trentham on Saturday. She drew 2 ill the starting line, but apparently is not a very fast beginner as she was not well placed when the Held had settled down, and in the straight had to make a long run in an endeavour to reach Peter Gregor, who had been in front nearly all the way. That sh'fe got to within a head of him speaks for itself. For Big Hurdles: The Great Northern winner, Town Survey, scored very attractively when he won the Winter Hurdles at Trentham. He jumped well and evenly all through the race and although Authoress made a good race down the straight with him he seemed to have just a little in hand, and, even with the additional weight it is reasonable to presume he will get in the Grand National. He should still be among the good prospects for that race. Needed Run: Pallid was well beaten in the hack seven at Trentham on Saturday, but he had not raced for some time. He showed a lot of speed for five furlongs. Seemingly, his lack of recent racing was not considered important, as he was backed to second favouritism. Stout Breeding: As expected, the two-year-olds did not make a very good' showing in the Trial Plate at Trentham,, but Conspicuous, who finished a poor second, looks likely to pay his way. He is a substantial chestnut gelding by Lord Quex from Agreeable, the dam of the Australian record-breaker, Amiable. He is owned by Mr A. Pope, of Wellington, who is having him trained at Awapuni by E. W. Watson. Conspicuous had been working very satisfactorily and was backed to second favouritism.

Double Winner: Lenardo has greatly improved during the winter. He appeared to be flat out to win the hack mile under 8.2, on the first day at Trentham, but he shouldered a 10 lb. rise and won more easily on the second day from a much worse postion at the barrier. It was not expected he would reveal his best form till the courses softened, and now that he has the going to suit him he is doing even better than a maojrity of observers expected he would. He paid a far better price in his second success than in his first, which is a clear indication that he did better than the public thought, he would. He is not eligible now for entry in hack races.