FROM TRACK AND STABLE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 177, 27 June 1936, Page 10

FROM TRACK AND STABLE.

WELLINGTON STEEPLECHASE. NOTES ON HANDICAPS. (By “Spectator.”) Billy Boy, tho Great Northern Steeplechase winner, lias been placed at ihe head of tho Wellington Steeplechase handicap! with 11.3, the same weight as he won thie event with in 1932, and 21b less than when he won again 'in 1934. He carried 10.7 when ho won the Great Northern narrowly from Forest Glow earlier this month. Tho latter carried 9.13 and has gone up to 10.8. The Awapuni-traincd gelding won tho Winter Steeplechase on the final day with 10.3, Billy Boy (11.1) being unplaced. Billy Boy has not had a race since, but Forest Glow had an outing in tho Wanganui Steeplechase and, carrying 11.3, never got near the front at any stage. He should do better at Trentham and his consistent form this season will ensure his being one of tho popular fancies on the day. Allegretto’s successes at Auckland evidently impressed the Wellington handicapper for he has been placed cn the same line as Forest Glow in the Wellington Steeplechase, 10.8. There was not a groat deal of merit in his defeat of Diamond in the Grcenlane Steeplechase for lie carried only 9.8 compared with Diamond's burden of 11.9, while ho was not opposed by anything of real class when lie Scored an effortless victory in- the Tamaki Steeplechase on the final day. What was impressive was the manner of his jumping—clean and swift and without effort —and there is no doubt that he has only to train on to take a leading place in cross-country events of the future. Whether he is experienced enough to win the Wellington Steeplechase remains to bo seen.

Punchcstown carried 10.1 when defeated by Valpeen in last year's Grand National Steeplechase. Ho has been awarded 4!h more in the Wellington Steeplechase and as-he has schooled brilliantly at Riccarton during tho past few weeks he must be given a chance of finishing in the money. Even if he fails at Trentham the racing will do him an immense amount of good in view of bin tackling the Grand National again in August. Royal I.iufond fell at Auckland when ho was considered to be going like a winner, and he has only to recover fully from his soreness to give a good account of himself with 10.10. Ho was raced at Dunedin this week, but. was not successful though he finished in a place.

Windsor Lad created a very favourable impression at, Wanganui, hut lie box been awarded 10.5, the same as Puncestown. and it would not come as a sprpri.se if he were miss from the acceptances. Pahu has raced well of late, and was fourth last year. He appears to be considerably better this season. Of the lightweights, the best mav bo Emancipation, Gascille, and Hiss Winston. The most favoured at this juncture may be Forest Glow, Biily Boy, Allegretto, Punchcstown, and Pahu.