NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 17 March 1928, Page 6

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

(By “Maecenas.”)

The weather and race track were perfect at Trentham last Thursday, tactors that go far towards making a meeting successful. L. G. Morris has established a wonderful record in connection with the High-weight Handicaps decided at Trentham, and his riding record in those events must show about 90 per cent, of winners. Had Bright Day been as well handled as Nucleus in the first event at Trentham on Thursday last he, and not Nucleus, would probably have won, but even allowing for this Nucleus registered a good performance. Flying Hero was lame after his race last Thursday. As he showed distinct promise it will be a loss if the cause is serious.

Clarendon, a son of Psychology, is a nicely turned .youngster, but was sore when sent out to race on the opening day of the Wellington meeting. He ran a good race despite this innrmity. When saddled up for the Thompson Handicap, Laughing Prince looked bright, but moved short in his preliminary. In the actual race Laughing Prince performed very creditably. Allowing that Miss Ransom registered a nice performance to win last Thursday, there is just a chance that Mithra would have beaten her had the Australian bred one been lucky over the concluding stages of the race. Royal Duke and Knightlike each raced well last Thursday. Of the two the latter looks the most likely to improve, and it would come as no surprise to find Knightlike getting some stake money later in the autumn. Raasay was not as well seasoned as some of "those that opposed him in the Challenge Stakes last Thursday, so Ms close second to E«iemoana can be classed as particularly good. In running Quantum to a neck last Thursday. Mendip registered his best performance. Entering the straight Mendip was giving the leaders some lengths start. He then put in a. great run, but, unfortunately for his supporters, ran away from punishrrlent. This incident cost him first place.

Judged by her good showing over the one and three-quarter miles of the St. Leger, Damans should be very hard to beat in the Oaks, which event comes up for decision at Ellerslie at Easter. When the barrier rose for the Plunket Nursery at Trentham _on Thursday last, Miss Ransom was sideways on, but, getting on her legs with amazing speed, she soon took the lead. A furlong from the post two or three appeared to have good prospects oi beating the filly, but she finished with great courage to win. Bright Glow looked at her best when sent to the post for the Thompson Handicap. Although a particularly smart beginner Bright Glow missed the jump out, and although she got to the leaders after going a couple of furlongs, it was only accomplished by being hard ridden with the whip. When this is considered it can be realised that Bright Glow registered a particularly good performance. Although the "Wellington Racing Club’s totalisator figures showed an advance of over £6OOO on Thursday last as compared with the opening clay of the corresponding day last year, it cannot be claimed that the money market was easier. As a matter of fact the increase registered was gained in the Challenge Stakes and St. Leger races, which events drew good betting fields this year, whereas last year there was little money on these classic races. In the early spring Satrap raced in a manner that prompted many to forecast his developing into a high-class three-year-old, and quite a number considered that Agrion was lucky to beat him.in the Derby at Riccarton. On the strength of this performance Satrap was the early favourite for the Auckland Cup, but after the Canterbury meeting he started to go back. At Ellerslie he was far from being fit, and ran accordingly. Satrap stripped really well for the St. Leger last Thursday and simply made an exhibition of his field.

Joy King was in perfect condition for the Thompson Handicap. Unlike Bright Glow, ne began, like a flash and was soon in front, only to be steadied to allow Doree and later Bright Glow to head him off. After having a beautiful run next the rails, and being well nursed by R. Reed, Joy King went to the front less than a furlong from the post and won well with a little in hand. While Joy King put up an attractive performance, his task was made much lighter by reason of Bright Glow’s bad luck. Reremoana looked particularly well prior to the contest for Thursday’s Challenge Stakes, and trainer Cox was confident that his old favourite would fully attend the best of his younger

rivals. Bettors, too, realised what a great gelding Reremoana is, and installed him a £3OO better favourite than Prince Humphrey. Reremoana began well, but was allowed to drop in behind the leaders With a furlong to go Reremoana was called on to- go up, but just at the moment Lysander ranged himself alongside and momentarily headed off the Jrgmont-trained gelding. B. Morris then drew the whip on Lysander. and that horse boring away from punishment interfered with Reremoana, and, incidentally, gave Gascony (on the inside) a big advantage. With a couple of chains to go Reremoana simply forced his way between Lysander and Raasay, and with an effort worthy of a champion got up to win by half a neck. It was a really fine performance. .The New Zealand champion, Limerick, in a very remarkable starter in the King’s Cup run on the last day of the forthcoming Randwick meeting, as it is his owner’s intention to compete in the Awapuni Gold Chip, run on the 18th April, and the Ormond Gold Cup, run at Hastings of the 28th April. However, it all depends upon the weight allotted the son of Limond, whether he competes in the Rich King’s Cup or not.