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Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 16, 16 December 1937, Page 14

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FRANCIS DRAKE RECOVERS. IMPRESSIVE WOODVILLE WIN. (By “Spectator.”) Francis Drake reproduced his old brilliance at Woodville when, in his first start since returning’ from Australia, where he was never right, he won the Railway Handicap easily by three lengths from Pakanui. Running very freely in a longstriding action, he came on practically on the bit. Though he is not in the or the Royal Stakes at Auckland, he is engaged in the Christmas Handicap (for which he has not been rehandicapped), and other races. His Woodville form was very impressive, and he looks a likeiy winner over the holidays. Two Good Races. Mishna ran two good races into 'minor places at Woodville, and the Rabbi horse should soon collect a stake. Red Sand F.it. Red Sand, who had to race wide out in the Gorge Handicap at Woodville, and then ran a close second to Fossicker, has returned to form, and should be an early winner. Mishap To iMungacre. Mungacre slipped into the last fence and crashed through it when schooling at lo Awamutu this week. He cut a foreleg rather severely, and is an unlikely starter at the Waipa meeting. , Maestro Too Good. Maestro, who was produced very fit for the Whariti Handicap at Woodville, has developed into a solid horse. ‘ He outclassed the opposition, and should win some good races before the end of the season. Should Run Well. Mazir, who is getting' into better shape with racing, is executing satisfactory track work and is being prepared for the Auckland Cup, in which race he is to be ridden by 11. Wiggins. He should run a good race in the Waipa Cup, in which ho was second last year. Debut At Awapuni. Prime Quality, who was tnken to Woodville but did not fulfil his engagements owing to a slightly cracked heel, appeared little the worse for his trip when exercising lafer, although he has lightened up a trifle. He will probably make his debut- with the colours up at Awapuni on Boxing Day.

Team Coming North. The Riccarton trainer A. Cutts is due at Ellei6lie to-morrow with Sir Charles Clifford’s representatives for the Auckland Racing Club’s summer meeting. The team includes the Auckland Cup candidate Wild Chase, and Trench Fight, Paper Slipper and Nightdress. Next At Manawatu.

Cohort, the four-figure Australian-bred colt by Melfort from Columbia, purchased by Mr W. Devon (owner of Lucullus Lad), had his first race in the Nursery Handicap at Woodville, but finished second to last after being slow away. He is entered for the Nursery Handicap on the first day of tho ManMWttu summer meeting.

Royal Passage Destroyed. Royal Passage, who ricked himself at Te Rapa, and was subsequently turned out for a spell, met with a mishap while running in the paddock, and broke tho pastern joint of his off foreleg, which was

his injured limb. He had to be destroyed. Royal Passage was owned by Mr I • ,E. Quinlivan and was trained by A. Quinlivan.

An Amazing Run. Grand City was responsible for an amazing performance in winning the Kiritaki Handicap at Woodville when, after being badly left, he came with a good run on the outsido in the straight to overtake the whole field. It was his second start of the season. He won two races last autumn and is now nine years old. It was a brilliant run by tho Matamata horse. Riccarton Representatives. Riccarton slables are represented in the nominations for the Manawatu Racing Club’s Christmas meeting by Haughty Winner, Great Bramble, Mob Rule, Dictate, Phalanx, and Screamer. Most of these horses are due to follow up at the Wairarapa meeting, but Dictate will have other engagements made for him at Marton as well as at the Otago fixtures. Padishah Going North.

Padishah has failed to win since he was successful on each day at Hastings last May, but his race in the Bolton Handicap at Woodville on Saturday was satisfactory, as he finished on well from the rear of the field. Padishah has been entered for both the Auckland and _ the Manawatu Cups, and it has been decided by liis owner-trainer, Mr J. Hennah, to take him to Ellerslie. Now Third Jockey.

Having piloted 24 winners to date this season, including three at Woodville, the Awapuni lightweight horseman, W. J. Broughton, now holds third position among the winning New Zealand jockeys this season. L. J. Ellis leads with 29 wins and B. H. Morris is second with 25; C. G, Goulsbro, who rode one winner at Woodville, is just behind Broughton with 23 wins. ~

Likely To Make Good. Cletrac, who scored decisively on each day in the hurdles at Woodville, when he both outjumped and outstayed his rivals, is well bred for jumping. He was second in his first start over fences at Hastings, and won at his next two starts. Besides possessing stamina, this son of Tractor has pace. He won his first race when he carried off the Ladies’ Bracelet at the Manawatu winter meetling this year. Blue Tiger Reappears.

The hurdler Blue Tiger injured a pastern when he raced at the Takapuna meeting and had to be eased up, but lie made a reappearance at Ellerslie over the week-end and did slow work well enough to suggest he has overcome tho trouble. As the Ellerslie carnival is less than a fortnight off the let-up was inopportune, and possibly may leave him a little back ward for the opening day. However, he should come on quickly with a little work. Plenty of Speed.

The Gisborne hack Huntette, who was taken to Ellerslie a few weeks ago by W. Goscomb, is engaged at the Waipa meeting. Although a shade on the small side, tho daughter of Hunting Song and Oynette possesses plenty of speed and has been in the money several times this season. At her two last starts she rail second to Peter Beekford in a six-furlong race at Poverty Bay and to Mata Hari at the same meeting, and that form will ensure her support at Waipa. Riding Engagements.

L. Dulieu will do the Manawatu and Marlon meetings. He has been engaged for King Roy, Impasto, Rona Bay, Count Willonyx, Tidewaiter (second day), and Scarf Dance. B. 11. Morris, W. J. Broughton, P. Atkins, S. Wilson and C. G. Goulsbro will be at Auckland for the first day, but will travel back to Awapuni for the second and third days. Goulsbro has been engaged for Sunee, Good Sun, Knightsbridge, and Bluffer on the second day at Awapuni.

Riders At Waipa. Riding engagements announced for the W’aipa Racing Club’s meeting at Te Awamufu on Saturday include: —W. M. Thomson, Respectful, Free Advice, Fairy Hill, Diacquedoon, Gay Streak, Hopalong, Mangukaha; J. McLaughlin, Australian Star; 11. N. Wiggins. Stretto, Sir Abb; G. Gilchrist, Kelly, Rereatu, Iluntingniore; T. Dornan, Black Thread; B. H. Morris, Friesland; W. J. Mudford, Fidelis; P. Atkins, Huntette; D. Green, Surella; J. F. Fergus, Desert Star; R. J. Sargent, Grateful, Torch; O. G. Goulsbro, Suleiman, Maxown,