The Crooner in Great Heart for Trentham

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 61, 14 March 1938, Page 4

The Crooner in Great Heart for Trentham

One of the most impressive gallops at Awapuni on Saturday was that of The Crooner and this splendid little colt is sure to give a good account of himself at Trentham. On Saturday, with H. Johnstone in the saddle, he sprinted six furlongs with Surmount (Vr. R. Tattersall) whom he beat after Surmount had made the pace to the straight. The time for the full distance was 1.18 1-5. It was not the fastest of the morning over six on the plough, but The Crooner was never oft the bit and he worked as if he really liked it. Awapuni track watchers will not be surprised if he wins a race in the very near future. Laughing Lass Goes Fast. Another fine gallop on Saturday was that of Laughing Lass’- who recorded the fastest of the morning over six on the plough. With Pratt, a very light boy, in the saddle, she wasted no time in running the distance in 1.16 1-5. It was a fine effort and she cannot be left out of calculations when the chances of candidates for the Railway Handicap are being summed up. Bluffer Beats Conveyer. Bluffer (W. Little) and Conveyer (1L Johnstone) Avere companions in . an .interesting contest over seven furlongs, also on the plough, and Bluffer, shaken up, finished in front. Bluffer is a lazy track worker but on Saturday she was kept up to it and when Conveyer eased up just short of the post she drew out for a comfortable victory. They ran the first two in 25*, four in 51 2-5 and five in 1.5 2-5 and they completed ill I. 2-5. Catalogue and Old Surrey. The Thompson Handicap candidates from the McDonald stable Avere galloped a mile on the plough and Uld Surrey (Little) was in front until just before they reached the finishing line Avhen Catalogue (Johnstone) made a "dab’* to head Old Surrey, it Avas a spleiidid Avork out by both horses and they appear to be in great condition for Wellington. They ran the three from the seven to* tho half mile in 38 so that the pace Avas on all the way.' Half a mile took them 51, the last seven 1.33 and they completed in 1.40. Oratory Shows Rare Burst of Speed;

L. G. Morris worked his Thompson Handicap candidate, Oratory, ovef seven on the plough. Tattersall was in the saddle and Royal Chief (I. Howe) joined in at the five. The pace was on from the start and Oratory ran from the six to tho three m 38. Half a mile took 50* and, with Oratory slowing down*over the last bit, the time for the full distance was 1.31 4-5. Oratory is well and as early brilliance must count for something in the Thompson, her chances must not be overlooked.