TURF TOPICS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 14 September 1935, Page 2

TURF TOPICS.

HORSES—AND COURSES. (By ‘ ‘Tne Punter”). Tiie racing at Harton last week showed that Heritage had wintered well. The easy mariner in which this colt won, will certainly bring him into favour for the early classics. Unfortunately, he is not entered for the Wanganui Guineas, which will be run to-morrow, but when he goes north to contest the Avondale Guineas, the public will most probably send him out Javourile. Hr. W. 11. Gaisford, who raced Commendation some years back, certainly appears to have got hold of another good one in Heritage. Corroborro, another three-year-old, had a race in the maiden at Marton, linisoii.o- very fast into fourth pluec. Last year this horse seemed to be rather slow to find his feet, and he can be expected to do better over a bit longer distance. Ho is sure to improve as the season advances. He is also engaged in the Avondale Guineas.

One local sport sorted Bazaine out as a certainty at Marten,--and after coupling it up with everything in the sprint, put £SO on the tote, only to see Bazaine run third. The names he called this horse of Fred Attfield’s would set the paper on the tire, but he would do well ,to remember that race-course “certainties” are still as elusive as ever.

Talking of certainties reminds me of what one of Australia’s loading horsemen said when asked, “Have you ever ridden a certainty?” After cogitating for awhile he replied: “Yes, once, and once only, and the brute finished third.” But I am not sure now if the word brute was used. Larry Wiggins did not take long to find out about India. Reports say that he is on his way home again. Horsemen who ride at his weight and have his ability should be able to get along anywhere, providing conditions are good. The connections of Pokanui are a bit unlucky, again striking a bad patch. [There are rumours that this nice-look-

iug colt is a bit touched in the wind. Track-watchers speak highly of this animal. Has it ever occurred to readers that the good-looking, well-groomed horse they look at and admire in the birdcage is not just a machine, but has feelings like a humgn being, and needs careful watching and handling by its trainer? So when punters think a horse ought to win and then gets beaten they should not condemn it. Most probably they are not the only ones who have lost money over its failure. What about the owner? He pays all along the line. Royal Banquet did not go far at Marton with a winning chance but he piade amends yesterday. P. Atkins usually rides back to the birdcage but at Marton time he had to walk back, having been dislodged just after, the start of the big race. This good looking chestnut took some time to come right, but he is good one to be with now. “Snow” Morris appears to have the makings of a jumper a bit above the average in Clarion Call. This one will Help to pay expenses when entered

over the sticks. While on the subject of expenses my advice is this: Never

try to keep track of your racing cxperiences—you will certainly get a headache and that is all. And when the wife asks, “How did you get on at the races?” the easiest way out of a tangle is. to tell her that you put half a dollar on a winner for her. (There is generally one small dividend at any race meeting).

F. Jones has moved his team from iWoodville to Wanganui to enable more work to be done. The track at the Rivertown being sandy, it is much drier. Remember how Heritage won at Marten? Haut Monde and Plato may be just as forward. This pair of Mv T. H. Lowry’s is going to lie hard to head off this season, so be prepared, and remember that F. Davis is a pastmaster when it comes to preparing twO-year-olds. He is sure to produce some winners later on.

The Eoxton Racing Club, which holds a one-day meeting on (September 21st, has given other small dubs something to beat, in offering a gold cup to the winner of the, big race. Good trophies are welcomed by owners who are lucky enough to have a handicap horse racing in their colours, but. unfortunately, horses that, can run out a mile and a quarter are at present hard to find, but a hit later in the season there should be plenty when the batch of three-year-olds get going.

A Good Bet: —When you ask a friend how he got on at the races, and he tells you, “I held my own. Of course I did not try very much.” It is a safe bet that he lost his roll or the largest part of it.

It did not take the Aussie officers of racing long to find fault with L. .1. Ellis. After riding Le Grand they asked a question. If this N.Z. colt has not mended his ways from last year he is likely to cause his riders quite a lot of trouble. He is said to be good, but works all his own wav.

New Zealand riders are still doing well in Australia. Voitre, Webster, W. Jenkins and Reed, still ride their share

of winners, and it will not be long before the Ellis Bros, salute the judge.

The Foxton Club has a race for two-year-olds on its programme, but no encouragement has been given them to keep it there. Only five babies have ben entered this year. All the other races have filled well and a good day's racing should be enjoyed next weekend.