TRACK AND STABLE CHAT

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 8 March 1935, Page 3

TRACK AND STABLE CHAT

RACING FIXTURES

(In New Zealand.)

March 6—Rangitikei R.C. March 8, 9—Cromwell J.C. March 9—Napier Park R.C. March 9, 11—Waikato R.C. March 16—Kurow J.C. March 16—Clifden R.C. March 16, 18—Ohinemuri J.C. March 16, 18—Wellington R.C. March 20—Opotiki J.C. March 21, 23 —Oamaru J.C. March 22, 23 Manawatu R.C. March 23, 25—Bay of Plenty J.C. March 30—Hawke’s Bay J.C, March 30 —Bircliwood H.C.

(In. Australia.) Feb. 27—Ascot. March 2 —Canterbury Park, March 2,6, 9 —V.R.C.

A Useful Hack. There is no doubt that if Note Issue leaves the mark she can hold her own with the majority of hack sprinters, and it seems to be only a matter of her settling down to win races in hack company, although she may never be of much class. With a better run she may have made Dick Whittington’s task much harder on Wednesday. A Thompson Prospect. Considering that she was having her first race for some time, Korokio made quite a good showing in the seven furlong event at Bulls, being amongst the leaders when her condition gave out. Korokio should not be long in returning to the winning list and in her next one or two starts may be found doing the trick. With the handy weight of 7.12 Korokio cannot be left out of calculation in the Thompson Handicap. Defeat was Costly. Big money came for Debut in the final event at Bulls, and his defeat must have proved very costly in certain quarters. There was absolutely no excuse to offer for his showing, as he had every chance, lie drew the second position at the barrier and, after being sent out smartly by Sam Anderson was in an ideal position out in front. However, the Diaequcnod gelding shut up very quickly when challenged once the straight was reached,finishing in the rear of the field. It seems that this handsome chestnut is either not as good as is generally surmised, or is far from his best at present. Was Not Disgraced.

Although beaten, iMidian was far from disgraced in the Rangitikei Cup, for, better handled, he would assuredly lidve been much harder to beat. It was surprising ’to find such an experienced rider as Atkins being out “scouting;’’ for practically the full journey, but such was the case and naturally Midian was left without a run once the straight was reached. He should not be long in making amends.

Vintage’s Big Task. Seeing that it was. his first race iu Australia, Vintage may reasonably be expected to improve on his Essendon Stakes form. All the same, his task in meeting Topical at 231 b worse terms in the Australian Cup looks truly formidable. Topical has already won an Australian Cup and has finished a deau-heat for third, close to the winner, in the Melbourne Cup, so there are no doubts about his staying ability. La Trobo is another dangerous Cup candidate, while Contact, who finished third in the St, Leger, has only 6.12 in tlxe long handicap. Sold for Australia. The Hunting Song—Blue Mint gelding Calydon has been sold by Mr W. G. Shannon to an Australian sportsman, who is stated to be identical with Synagogue’s new owner. Calydon registered his best performances last season at Trentliam, where lie won the Trial Handicap at the March meeting and the Highweight Handicap at the July meeting. As lie had been given mi insight into jumping a good future appeared to lie ahead of him, and the local ranks are all the poorer by his departure. A Rare Privilege. Grecian Prince was hurdled off as soon as the field for the Kinloch Handicap lined up on Saturday, and as his trainer stood close to him, the gelding stood-quietly, and was one of the first to'show out when the barrier was released. Special permission was secured from the stewards to allow the trainer to go to the post, but he did not handle the horse, nor did he take any active part in keeping him up to the tape. His presence, however, evidently steadied Grecian Prince, who did not show any inclination to be on the move as on many previous occasions. It is not often that this privilege is extended to trainers, and iu the event of a whole held of horses being of an unruly temperament, it would be interesting to view the picture of all trainers standing at the barrier endeavouring by their presence to calm tlieir candidates.

(By “Childers”)

A .Successful Meeting,

As a result of the recent very successful race meeting the To Aroha Jockey Club, will show a profit of approximately £2OOO. This is considered by the officials of the club to be very satisfactory, and goes to show that the keeping up of the stakes at a high level has been amply justified. Form was Encouraging. Orac showed some pace in the Elstow Handicap at Te Aroha recently, leading into the straight in that event. On that showing he looked to have a good chance in his engagements at the Franklin meeting. He was installed favourite for the Tuakau Stakes, five furlongs, and beat everything with the exception of Tonnerre. On Monday lie was again saddled up for the Maromaku Stakes, of similar distance, and again ran a really good race. Light' Comedy being the only one to finish in front of him. Orac is by Hunting Song from Wenday, who did good service for Mr 11. D. Caro some seasons ago. Mr Caro races Orac, and it is interesting to note that the name is derived by spelling Caro backwards. V.R.C. St. Leger Victor. Sylvandale, who won the V.R.C. St. Leger Stakes on Saturday, gave his stablemate Theo a great battle in the Victoria Derby in the Spring. As a two-year-old, he won tlirieo at Randwick, and one of these successes was gained in the A.J.C. Fez’nhill Handicap, one mile, in which he carried 8.11 and was followed home by Theo 9.0.. Sylvandale is by Silvius, a good imported horse who raced only two seasons. His successes included the Moonee Valley Gold Cup, Melbourne Stakes and C. B. Fisher Plate, while he was runner-up to Trivalve iu the Melbourne Cup. Silvius is the sire of Bracburn, winner of the Queensland Derby and Cup. He is by the Polymelus horse Silvern from Addenda, half-sister by. Spearmint to Pretty Polly. La Bergeronette, dam of Sylvandale, is an imported mare by Poor Boy (son of Perth II) from Stathglass (half-sister to Eaton Lad, a.successful sire in Australia) by Isinglass from Hush by . Hermit from Knavery by Lord Clifden from Flutter by Alar am.