HASTINGS TRACK NOTES & GOSSIP.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 282, 13 November 1929, Page 3

HASTINGS TRACK NOTES & GOSSIP.

With half of the C.J.C. spring meeting over Hawke's Bay horses, considering the limited number of representatives, have done . well ’.n securing three open races, including two such substantial stakes as the Stewards’ and Criterion.

White Fang’s victory was not altogether unexpected in the Stewards', but his remarkable big dividend did certainly come as a surprise. Outside his win at Flemington two years back, the Stewards’ was the most important win of the son of Polyldamon and Valatites. Always a plain sort his looks have belied his galloping ability, and it is safe to say that since being under W. Griffiths he is a decidedly improved performer.

Toxcuma's win in the Members’ after his close second to Paganelli at Trentham was fully expected, and as he started favourite Bay sports were not alone in their anticipation. Up to a mile Mr. Frank Ormond's five-year-old gelding has hardly a superior in the handicap class in tho Dominion. • » »

Admiral Drake's win on Saturday was a just reward for his consistency this season. The bay colt, by his failure to gain a place in the Derby, indicates that he is not a stayer. Mr. Frank Armstrong’s colt should pick up a decent middle distance handicap this season.

Royal Parade’s failure so far at the meeting has disappointed quite a few Bayites. So far he has competed in seven-furlong events at Riccarton, but when it comes to a furlong less he should go close to retrieving losses.

With the wet weather this last week fast work on the local tracks has not been indulged in.

The half-brother to Huikai by Arausio, Kahikatoa, in running half a mile in oOjsecs. yesterday morning surprised quite a few, more so as he finished quite six lengths ahead of Ruby Step, who acted as a close runner-up to Princess Betty at Napier. So far Kahikatoa is easily the most promising of any of the progeny of Arausio yet seen out in this district.

The three-year-old filly in W. Young’s stable by Arrowsmith from a Wormwood—Kooya mare, is beginning to furnish up and impresses as being a useful sort. This filly may race under the name of Apothecary.

Claremore, in the same stable and owned in Gisborne, is showing signs of improvement, and should not be long in picking up a stake. The Cynic gelding’s next outing will he at Otaki.

Watch Officer who, in the very near future may be making tracks for Australia in a new ownership, is at present in the stable presided over by W. Griffiths.

Mr. J. J. Gatenby’s two two-year-olds, the full sister to Phar Lap and tho colt by Weathervane—Rada in J. M. Cameron’s stable, are beginning to shape up into nice youngsters and about Woodville time may receive their first public outing. Tho later, despite the relationship of the filly, is selected by quite a few to develop into the best performer.

The Hawk is as perky as ever and although not doing a deal of galloping is doing solid work, and judging by appearances the old champion is certain to further add to his laurels.

Kinross is at present being used as a shepherd’s hack. This gelding has belied quite a few judges' judgment. Perhaps the work he is at present doing may make a horse of him.

Mr. Lack McKenzie’s youngster by Psychology from Poaonui has had the name of Child’s Study claimed for him.

Both of Mr. E. Langley's jumpers, Abisogne and Princess Elizabeth, are at present enjoying a spell. Another who at present is eating the oats of idleness is Mr. Oswald Nelson’s Ponjola. No one can say the Tannaha gelding has not thoroughly earned and deserved same.

Miss M. Douglas’ half-brother to Maunga by King Souit, who is known as Kaokaoroa, has been put to hurdling, and although at present he jumps on the big side he promises to develop into a good lepper. This gelding, since raced last season, has developed into a fine cut of the thoroughbred, and quite a few of the old hands predict him to be above the average.

Mountain Heath is going along the right way, and in all probability will bo next raced at Feilding, where this time last season he had such hard luck when running second on both days.

Luke Wilson’s team at present are practically all being restricted to easy tasks, not having any near immediate engagements.

Queen’s Choice has now fully recovered from the kick received in Gisborne and has rejoined the daily workers.

Moa Bird is in active work again, hut will not he seen out again until about 'Xmas time.

The hurdle horseman. Bert Weaver, has attached himself to W. Griffiths’ stable.

Shrewd looks the picture of health and condition. If this five-year-o)a son of King Mark does not win an important handicap this season there will be quite a number of poor judges in this burgh.

Civilform, who was recently resurrected, has been put out in the paddock again.