RACING NEWS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 74, 22 February 1930, Page 13

RACING NEWS.

THE WOQDVILLE MEETING. COMMENT ON THE RACING. I (By “Binocular.”) By reason of its splendid course the Woodville Jockey Club almost invariably receives excellent support from owners and trainers, but it has not always been so fortunate as it was this year in respect to weather conditions. At the past autumn meeting the climatic conditions proved quite favourable and the club gained a well merited reward. A racing club is naturally governed, in so far as the amount of stake money offered is concerned, by its totalisator returns, and the Woodville Club will now bo in a position to make their events even more attractive in the future, boasting as it did an increase of £3OOO in the totalisator returns at the autumn meeting. For a country club, the Woodville authorities possess an ideal property and the grounds were looking in wonderfully good order for the opening of the autumn fixture —probably- better than ever before —and were a distinct credit to the caretaker. No doubt the future will bring with it better grandstand accommodation and thereby further enhance a beautiful property. The officials allowed mdttftrs to drag a little on the opening day and, as a result, the last race was run long after the scheduled hour. However, the saino state of affairs was not allowed to prevail on Thursday and, tvhilfe a'lkrgo' number were shut out for the .opening -event, they profited by the lesson. It is after all but a matter of education,’ for when patrons realise that they arc not to be afforded any grace they make their investments promptly. Mr -W. A. Lyon enjoys a wonderful reputation as the ideal secretary, and the various officials under the direction of Mr S. Bolton, the president, worked with a will which did much towards making the aufumn fixture the success it proved to be. Patrons had, however, to face many setbacks for each day there were five favourites Who did not fulfill the good things expected of them. Howdver, the racing was of a high order throughout and there was little which necessitated the attention of the stewards.

So free was the response from owners at the past fixture that there was a possibility that in one or two instances that division races would be necessitated. However, such did not prove necessary, although the starter was faced with cumbersome fields quite frequently and Mr H. E. Connop did not have an enviable task in consequence. While ho was somewhat unlucky in one or two instances his work was, on the whole, quite good, and ho promises still better things in the future. Mr Connop also filled his old role of paddock steward, so he had a busy time. A change of quarters is often beneficial to a horse and, since taking Air Laddio in charge, F. W. Davis has worked a material improvement in the Biplane gelding. In the Maiden Stakes on the opening day Leisure was preferred' to him, but tho chestnut mare could not hold tho Australian bred gelding. On the second day Air Laddie was transferred to the highweight company, but after promising to be in tho picture three furlongs from home, ho was beaten into fifth place. However, he should be heard from again.

Leisure is requiring time to emerge from the maiden ranks, the Lord Quex maro having been unlucky enough to have to be content with minor roles on several occasions. At Wanganui backers had to be content with tho return of but a portion of their original investment, but she showed a profit when she once again filled second berth on Thursday. Whereas Leisure has been almost invariably been out in front making the pace. Thursday saw her get away badly and then finish on, so it might be that a change in tactics would suit her better. A good looking sort from G. New’s Awapuni stable in Merry Melody, who is a product of Catmint and Merry Roe, finished very strongly in the Maiden Stakes on the opening day to beat Leisure home, although he could not reach Air Laddie. On the strength of that performance the colt came into favour when he elected to forego the novice company for the Mangapapa Handicap on the second day. However, he did not get away smartly enough to threaten any real danger, although he once again finished strongly. Whereas Air Laddie went from maiden company to • the highweight ranks on the second day, Cook reversed proceedings, and his presence in the Novice Plate on Thursday was the signal for a run on tho totalisator. ,The judgment proved to be well founded* lor the Lackham gelding won quite comfortably. Backers had, however, to be content with what was little better than a “Gloaming” price. Crown Link was yet another transfer from tho maiden ranks to the highweight class on tho second day, but whereas the Crown Imperial II gelding ran unsighted on the opening day, ho was responsible for a complete ‘boil-over” on Thursday when he led home two’other little fancied candidates in Pale Star and Jiu Jazz in the Hopelands Highweight Handicap to pay the largest dividend for the meeting. Of a good stamp, Crown Link should be heard of later as a hurdler. Merry Damon recorded quite a good performance in the Ashhurst Cup—his first outing since passing into the hands of G. New at Awapuni—and the Piolydamon gelding went still better when he captured the Woodville Cup last Wednesday. Half a mile from home he was racing on tho inside of two other runners at the rear of the field and his prospects did not Look at all bright. However, when asked the question he came at a great pace and, aided by a run close to the rails, he threaded his way through his field to get up and win by a head from Billion—a wonderful effort. By his success the Gisborne owner, Mr F. Hall, won a handsome gold cup which will prove to be a worthy ornament for his sideboard.

Another defeat was debited against Oratrix at Woodvillc and it is difficult to offer any excuses unless it is that enthusiasts were over-optimistic in expecting her to soon. At Pahiatua—her first appearanco since her return from Australia—the Kilbroney mare was-installed favourite for the Pahiatua Cup only to be beaten out of themoney after being favourably enough placed at the turn for home. At Woodville her rider had her again in a good position throughout, but she could not go on with it. However, those two outings should have done the daughter of Oratress good and no doubt she will have an opportunity to improve on those displays in the immediate future.

Count Palatine had one start at Wanganui when he ran second to_ Otairi in the Stewards’ Handicap after having been placed badly in the early stages of the journey, and he made hie next appearance at W oodville on Wednesday when he contested the Cup event. Ho was again somewhat slow to find his feet and was lying eighth as the field went away from home, but he improved two places going down the back and then wdrked up to behind the two leaders eroding the top. Of those two leaders, Billion hung on to beat him home and it was only the fast finishing effort on the part of Merry Damon which forced him further back. While he appears to have amended his ways'to some extent, Stanchion is still very bad at the barrier and he suffered in consequence in the Cup contest, he and Discourse, who is almost invariably slow to ge*. moving, being in the rear over the early portion and he never got near enough to the loaders thereafter to bo really dangerous. On the second day he again delayed matters, but got away comparatively well and eventually finished second to Tcxeuma with Mountain Heath, who had not been so favourably placed, but a short neck back. Toxeuma was somewhat unlucky in not getting clear of the ruck earlier in tho Ruahine Handicap on tho opening day and he just failed to reach Arikinui before the post was reached. On tho second, day be essayed the Longer distance of. the Autumn Handicap and scored in attractive style, the manner in which he drew away over the final pinch with his burden of 9.3 making it apparent that he had a lot in hand. Star Area has failed to reach his top form to date this season, but he at least gave promise that he was coming back to his best in the Ruahine Handicap on the second day. In the Cup race on Wednesday he was well back in the early stages, but H. Gray took him to the front in the Autumn Handicap on the second day and he acted as pacemaker right into the straight. However, he could not stall off the challengers and had to be content with fourth place. It was nevertheless a promising effort. Arikinui escaped a rehandicap for his two seconds at Wanganui and the Chief Ruler gelding won the open sprint the first day in good style, although another stride l would no doubt have seen him go under Ito Toxeuma. The handicapper gave him I an additional 151bs on the second day, but, with Toxeuma absent, ho scored comfortably. his winning margin on this occasion being one of two lengths. Celmesia, the dam of Arikinui, possessed a fund ■of pace and it is apparent that tho offspring is similarly endowed. On the opening day at Woodville the much fancied Ridgemount declined his Ruahine Handicap engagement and Bonogne represented the stable. They figured in different events on the second day when Ridgemount was installed scond favourite for the Telegraph Handicap only to be beaten out of a place. However, followers of the stable got a shadb more than even on the transaction when Bonogne ran second in ! the Maharahara Handicap, the Bisogne gelding coming with a great burst of speed over the concluding stages. Limosin was the outstanding hack at the fixture, the Limond gelding following up hie double at Wanganui by running second on the opening day prior to scoring on the second day. Ho appeared to be a shade unlucky on the opening day at Woodville and the public did not hesitate to install him favourite on Thursday, despite his steadier of 9.5. Their faith met its reward for he was one of the leaders into the straight and kept there to the end.

It seemed as if by letting Lineage in at 7.4 in the Sapling Stakes, .the handicapper had overlooked the Limond filly’s performance in the Avondalo Stakes, which she had won with 7.9. Whilo she duly prevailed on Wednesday, she did not prove to be the good thing anticipated for in a punishing finish she only got home by three-quarters of the a length from Appledore. The latter is an Australian-bred youngster for whom the W’airarapa sportsman, Mr C. Elgar, paid 1600gns, and the Rossendale gelding came into strong favour on the second day, but he met his match in Tripping—a product of Nigger Minstrel out of that ono time brilliant performer, Dainty Step. While tho winner had an advantage of 121bs in the weights, the filly went well. STAKE WINNERS. Mr J. J. McGrath, who accounted for the open sprint event both days with Arikinui, headed the winning owners’ list at the fixture with £275, being attended by Mr F. Ormond, who won £255 from the success of Toxeuma in the Autumn Handicap, a second by the same animal in the Ruahine Handicap the previous day, and a second by Grattus. Then came Mr F. Hall, .whose representative, Merry Damon, captured the Woodville Cup, the stako money therefrom amounting to £215 apart from a handsome gold cup valued at £IOO. Mr C. Elgar, who had a good team at the fixture, annexed £175 as the result of place money, Appledore occupying second berth on two occasions, Grecian a first placing once, while Count Palatine filled a third berth. Other, but smaller stake winners were as under:—-Mr W. Green £l2O, Messrs H. McManaway and A. A. Small £lls each, Messrs E. W. Ruddick and V. Riddiford £llO each, Messrs F W. Davis and E. H. Whiteman £lO5 each, Messrs T. W. Wills, H, Marshall and Cornfoot and D’Oyley £IOO each, Mr A. J. Toxward £BO, Mr J. A. Symonds £7O, Mr W. E. Bidwili £SO, Mr W. Jury £45, Messrs R. Johnson, W. H. Gaisford, Manning and Verschaffelt and Brown and Kneebone £25 each, Messrs L. H. Collinson and W. Pine £2O each, Messrs H. Murphy, 0. A. Thompson, J. Dealy, McLeod and Slater and Mrs K. Brough £ls each, Messrs J. P. Coyle, R. A. McKenzie, J. J. and S. R. Cribb and E. and N. Foreman £lO each, Messrs T. F. Quinlivan and A. Sexton £5 each. Total stakes distributed £2510 and cups valued at £125. SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS. Tho Trentham mentor, E. J. Murtagh, saddled up three winners in Arikinui (twice) and Habit during the two days, while the two Woodville mentors, F. W. Davis and J. Sullivan, led in a brace apiece, the former winning with Air Laddie and Cook, while his fellow townsman scored with Tripping and Mothplane. Single winners were credited to the following:—D. Kemp, Woodville (Tunbridge), G. W. New (Awapuni (Merry Damon), A. W. Wright, Feilding (Paiko), W. D. Moroney, Feathorston (Grecian), R. Marshall, Waipukurau (Crown Link), W. McKinnon, Hastings (Toxeuma), H. Brown, Trentham (Limosin), W. C. Griffith, Hastings (Head Serang) and S. J. Reid, Trentham (Lineage).

SUCCESSFUL JOCKEYS. Two horsemen in T. Webster and H. Gray experienced a good innings at the meeting, the former riding four winners in Arikinui (twice), Paiko and Tripping, while the veteran rider piloted Air Laddie, Habit and Cook. A. E. Ellis saluted the judge twice on Tunbridge and Toxeuma, while single successes were credited A. G. Murray (Merry Damon), J. Gunn (Lineage), B; H. Morris (Grecian), A. Jenkins (Crown Link), R. McTavish (Limosin), T. Metcalf (Mothplane) and W. Home (Head Sorang). THE SIRES' LIST. Progeny of Chief Ruler captured four events, Arikinui (twice), Paiko and Head Serang winning for their sire. Limond was represented by two winners in Lineage and Limosin, while single championship points were credited to the following:—Biplane (Air Laddie), Tpnbridgo (Tunbridge), Polydamon (Merry Damon), Lord Que* (Grecian), Thespian (Habit), Lackham (Cook), Crown Imperial 11. (Crown Link), Arrowsmith (Toxeuma), Nigger Minetrel (Tripping) and Warplane (Mothplane). DANNEVIRKE ACCEPTANCES. Por Press Association. DANNEVIRKE, Feb. 21. The following acceptances have been received for the first day (February 26) of the Dannevirke Racing Club's autumn meeting.

GORE ACCEPTANCES. Per Press Association. GORE, Feb. 21. For the first day (February 26) o£ the Gore Racing Club’s summer meeting, the following acceptances have been received: — Gore Hurdle Handicap, of 140 sovs. One mile and three-quarters.—Oriflamb 11.3, Gayoma 10.5, Red Heather 10.0, Maungamoe, Taramoa 9.5. Longford Hack, of 125.50v5. Six furlongs. —lnevitable 9.13, Ace of Hearts 8.13, Flying Binge Battle Maid, ffleitui 7.13, Court Jester, Palermo 7.12, Some Maid, Barney Google 7.11, On Watch, Jazz Girl 7.10, Despot, Leading Boy, Night Maid, Bachelor Boy 7.9, Pukemaori 7.8, Crossbow, Cetchela 7.7.. Racing Club Handicap, of 250 sovs. One mile and a quarter.—Pink Note 9.0, Latin Quarter 8.12, King Balboa 8.1, Money Mine 7.9, John Bradbury 7.3, Red Sea, Camisader 7.1, Stealth, Evening 7.0. Riversdale Trot (harness), of 135 sovs.; 4.52 class. Two miles.—Free Chimes, Sunfire, Tennis, Silver Jack, Cheap Money, Rollicking Bells, Princess Pointer scr, Luath, Black Friar, Nelbar 12yds bhd, Erin’s Boy, Alva Lass 24, Musical Chimes, Sunbeli 36, Lucky Harold 84, Revolt 108. Novice Race, of 120 sovs. Six furlongs.— Jock o’ Hazeldean, Banner Boy 9.0, Sentinel Lad 8.13, Leading Boy, Zelanian, Poor Boy 8.10, My Council 8.8, Flash, Bopax, Miss Redowa, Blue China, Some Breeze, Crubenmore, Rombeau, Pacific Star 8.7. Croydon Handicap, of 145 sovs. Six furlongs.—Royal Saxon 9.2, Money Mine 8.4, Wingatui, Lucky Light 8.3, Blue Metal 7.7, Some Rose 7.5, Inevitable 7.4, Full Fling, Coomassie, Ace of Hearts, Attract 7.0. Electric Trot (saddle), of 125 sovs.; 3.42 class. One mile and a half. —Black Lion, Crown Jewel, Mountain Dweller, Gillie Callum, Keen Derby, La Rona, Orphan Annie, Radio, Sunflash, Tussore Silk, Wavesoon, Bingesia scr, Satin King, Fescue Bill 24yds bhd, Woodburn Direct 48, Erin’s Boy 60. Summer Hack Handicap, of 135 sovs. Eight furlongs and a half.—lmpertinence 8.12, Town Major 8.11, Paris, Sailing Home 8.4, Royal Flower 8.0, Vinegrove 7.13, Dumblane 7.8, Attractive Lady, Birdwood 7.7. MARLBOROUGH WEIGHTS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb. 21. The following handicaps have been declared for the first day (February 28) cf the Marlborough Racing Club’s meeting: Marlborough Cup Handicap, of 200 sovs. One mile and a quarter.—Dolomite 9.0, Royal Game 8.5, Make Up 7.13, Cerf 7.12, Modern 7.10, Imateagirl 7.3, Kiriana 7.0. Brookby Hack Handicap, of 100 sovs. Minimum weight 9.0. Seven furlongs.—. Tourist 10.9, Dermod 9.11, Dainty Ways 9.9, Volplane 9.5, Projection 9.4, Evening Hero 9.3, Fallow 9.0. Summer Handicap, of 140 sovs. Six furlongs.—Booster 9.3, Goblin Market 3.9, Rameses 8.3, Moorland 7.13, Make Up 7.9, Cerf 7.8, Imateagirl 7.0. Pelorous Hack Handicap, of 100 sovs. Six furlongs.—Ex Dono 9.0, Mandy 8.13, Dermod 8.4, Dainty Ways 8.3, Easterly 7.10, Projection 7.10, Tapestry 7.7, Evening Hero 7.7, Dancing Star 7.7» Hunting Call 7.3, Greenfield 7.2, Bon Acre 7.2, Fair Go 7.2. Blenheim Handicap, of 120 60vs. Minimum weight 7.11. One mile. —Royal Game 9.4, Make Up 8.12, Modem 8.9, Tourist 8.5, Imateagirl 8.2, Ardfinnan 7.13, Kiriana 7.11. Starborough Trotting Handicap (harness), of 90 sovs.; 3.46 class. One mile and a half. —Bonny Light, Lively Pronto, Ailsa Bingen, Danroco, Nelson Gara, Lomar 6cr, Greythorpe 72yds bhd, Castle Chimes 96. Awatere Trotting Handicap (harness), of 100 sovs.; 3.3 class. One mile and a quarter. —Hone Heke, Loganway, Kentucky Direct, Chilmat scr,. Radiola, Chancellor Wilkes 12 yds bhd, Grey Thorpe, Country Life 24, Castle Chimes 48, Waipuke 84.

HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, of 100 sovB. One mile and a-quarter. Mothplane 9 13 Arrowzone 9 5 Perle de Leoi i 9 13 Revel 9 0 Grand Nations d 9 11 Whakane 9 0 Tunbridge 9 8 Joke Form 9 0 Pale Star 9 8 KaokaOroa 9 0 Call Again 9 7 MAIDEN PLATE, of 80 povs. Fi ve furlongs. Lucretia 8 9 Ho Wanpa 8 9 Moatoa 8 9 Lady Lackham 8 9 Real Estate 8 9 Pari 8 9 Agrestic 8 9 Winacre 8 9 Maidstone 8 9 Corneroff 3 9 Black Acre 8 9 Emerald Abbey 8 9 Acreline 8 9 Pompadour 8 9 Crown Jest 8 9 Lackaday 8 9 DANNEVIRKE CUP, of 235 sovs. One mile and a -quarter. The Hawk 8 11 Billion 7 2 Blimp 8 7 Chopin 7 1 The Swell 8 1 My Own 7 0 Marjoram ' 7 11 Air Laddie 7 0 Stanchion 7 8 Balloon 7 0 Rory Mor 7 2 Birkbeck 7 0 Mount. Heath 7 2 TAHORAITE HACK HANDICAP of 100 sovs i. Six furlongs. Belle Star 8 1 Quinola 7 9 Golden Shadow 7 11 Arrowzono 7 8 The Mug 7 9 Werata 7 8 Keen 7 9 RAKAIATAI NURSERY HANDICAP, of 100 sovs. For two-year-olds. Five furlongs. Tripping 8 3 Dick Benign 7 10 Whittington 7 7 Henry of Futurist 7 4 Navarre 7 7 Souchong 7 4 Sporting Chance 7 7 Recant 7 4 Manuiri 7 7 Lady Ronald 7 4 War Worn 7 7 ORINGI HACK HANDICAP, of 100 sovs. Seven furlongs. Royal Opera 8 9 First Ruler 7 3 Warfille 8 8Kahu Ariki 7 0 High Society 7 13 Spearform 7 0 St. Melba 7 13 Emotion 7 0 Lackham 7 9 Rioghail 7 0 Air Force 7 8 Crown Link 7 0 Water Spear 7 8 Acrospiro 7 0 Watchman 7 3 Hand Over 7 0 PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP, of 150 sovs. i 5ix furlongs. Kaihoro 8 3 Cuticle 7 5 Bonogne 7 13 Second Thought 7 Z Royal Parade 7 6 Veronese 7 0 Dobbin 7 5 Moepai 7 0 MAKIRIKIRI HACK, of 100 sovs; lowest weight 7.9. Oho mile. Kilorell 8 11 Grand National 8 1 Mothplane 8 9 Wilmoreana 7 9 Disrasik & 7 Cook 7 9 Lackham 8 4 Kosher 7 9 Waterspear 8 2 Myola 7 9 Birkbeck 8 1