ON THE TURF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 1 September 1934, Page 11

ON THE TURF

RACING FIXTURES September s—-Marion J.C. September 13 ; 15 —Wanganui J.C. September 15—Asliburton County R-C. September 20, 22 —Geraldine R.G'. September 22 —Foxton R.G. September 28, 29—Marlborough R.C. September 29 —Kurow J.C. September 29—Napier Park R.C. September 29, October I—Taumarunui R.C. TROTTING FIXTURES September B—Wellington T.C. September 29—Methven T.C. October 6—New Brighton T.C. October 12, 13—Westport T.C. October 13- —Waikato T.C. October 20, 22—-Auckland T.C. October 20, 22—Greymouth T.C. October 22—Oamaru T.C. Octobor 22- Manawatu T.C. October 27—Wellington T.C. November 6,8, 9 —New Zealand Metropolitan T.C. November 10—Te Aroha T.C. November 22, 24—Forbury Park T.C. November 24 . 26 —Nelson T.C.

One of the most impressive performances at the National meeting was that of Davolo in the Islington Handicap, one mile and a quarter, on the second day. There was a,popular belief that a mile was far enough for Davolo, and that he would not run a good mile and a quarter. The manner in which he dismissed that theory compels one to enside him an excellent prospect for the spring racing. He was top weight in his race-—carrying 201 b above the minimum—and ran the ten furlongs in 2.5, excellent time, particularly for August. The course was in splendid condition, but not nearly so fast as it becomes later in the season, so that 2.5 with 9.6 up was a really good gallop. Davolo is not merely of winter class. He should win.' other middle distance races this season.

One of the best of the spring prospects may be Polydora. She ran very attractively on the last day, although she did not take part in the finish, and she should be a better mare by November. In fact, at almost any time now, she should be capable of winning a stake. She is another whose name may be found in the New Zealand Cup list.

It will not surprise to find Limbohm an entrant for the New Zealand Cup. He has been running on very strongly at the ends of the races he contested, and it seems highly probable that his owner will test him as a stayer. New Zealand Cups do not attract good fields, and Limbolnn would not be out of place in one. Princess Doreen’s one good win—the Winter Cup—after a long lean period, has not convinced everyone that she is right back to her best, but there is no doubt she is much better now than she has been for more than a year. She should be heard of again as the season progresses. Another who should win middle-dis-tance races in the spring is Vintage who was not at the top of his form when he competed at the National meeting. His best performance there was third, under 9.5, to Davolo, 9.6, and Tiger Gain, 8.6. Though above himself in condition he was prominent all through the latter part of the race, but the last furlong found him wanting. By November, or before then, he should be ready. He is a fine stamp of horse, and if solid should be a good winner. Tiger Gain’s best form in the south was in the race in which he split Davolo and Vintage. He earned only 61b above the minimum, but ran on well enough at the end of a mile and a quarter to cut Vintage out o fsecond place. With a Manawatu Cup to his credit and his recent form, he should not be overlooked in middle-distance races at North Island provincial fixtures. He is a free galloper, and has won at a mile and a half, but middle, not long, distances may suit him best.

One passenger on the race special which left Paddington for Liverpool on Grand National day was a young lady of much charm and not a little nerve, and her specialty was laying the odds. Tall prices, backed up by a pretty face, caused hundreds of usually shrewd sportsmen to accept her “Bet in Comfort” cards and to hand over good money in exchange for tickets representing wagers made, winners to be paid on the return trip. Unfortunately for all but the fair damsel, the favourite won the Grand National, and needless to add the race special lacked one of its passengers on the homeward journey! Whether it is that hard times have caused punters to make their wagers with greater care and forethought, Aus-

NOTES AND COMMENTS

ON GALLOPS AND TROTTING

tralian bookmakers are having a lean time at present, and from all States come appeals for reduced "taxation charges. The Betting Control Board in Adelaide lias ascertained that up to the beginning of June South Australian punters put £1,304,068 into the bookmakers’ satchels and took out £1,184,262 in winnings, to which must be added Government taxes totalling nearly £IOO,OOO. The net profit divided between 362 Bar Vons only totalled £22,626, viz.,' £63 a bead, and 35 lost money at the game. In New South Wales taxation is also adding to bookmakers’ troubles, tile annual charges at the principal meetings being: Randwick (paddock) £lO5, and Government tax £7O; Warwick Farm. Canterbury and Moorfield £4O ; and Rosehill £55; a Government tax of £2B covering four minor courses. Bar Vons pay £6B per annum, plus £2B, to bet at Kensington, Victoria Park, Ascot and Rosebery. And on top of all these charges the Government holds its greedy maw out- for one per cent, of turnover, and a penny for each betting ticket used. No wonder the days of eight-inch cigars and limousines are vanishing.

There is strong criticism in Adelaide racing of the manner in which the Redlock ringing-in case was handled by the officials of the South Australian Jockey Club (llie ruling body of that State), who persisted in their statements that the horse was the real Redlock, and yet did not make any attempt to shave the brands of the gelding until a Melbourne newspaper’s story forced them to take action. Then the services of a brand expert were obtained. The brands of the gelding who had been racing Redlock were shaved and thus disclosed the brands of Erbie underneath. Luck lias not- favoured Solarium in his latest- races, and lie did not have the, best of passages at either Te Awarnutu or Rotorua, (says an Auckland writer). He had two runs at the latter meeting, and at his second start was left standing at the post. Solarium is a good hack and he will not bo overlooked at his next appearance. He lias been nominated at Marton, and, as he seems to run his best races on lefthanded tracks, lie should bo suited by that course.

There will be no penalty attached to the winning of the £SOO Free-for-all during the centenary meetings in Melbourne. This is a wise decision, as on a good day the event is expected to be run in fast time, and no horse on a good mark will have to prejudice his future chances.

J. T. Paul, the Mangcve owner and trainer, easily topped the list of winning owners for the North Island last season with £1,822 10s. Kingtrue £520, Bessie’ Parrish £295, Great Parrish £290, Moko Bells £207, and Golden Eagle £205 were liis principal winners.

They do not appear to be a great collection of trotters engaged at the Wellington Meeting, and if Sonoma King performs well at New Brighton lie should find the other a profitable meeting. He promises to shine in the slower class trotters’ races, and will reach better company.

Auckland enthusiasts hold a very high opinion of the three-year-old pacer Proletarian, who is by the American sire Frank Worthy. Proletarian is heralded as a big winner this season; Except for liis headpiece Willow Wave is one of the best pacers racing in the middle classes (says the “Sun”). He lias the speed and stamina, but when the barrier goes he puts his head down and apparently attempts to burrow. He comes from Southland, and gives the impression that lie would like to hibernate. Perhaps lie will do bettor in the summer, but,it is doubtful.

The following names appear among the recent registrations:—Betty May* three-year-old filly by Silk Thread — Queen May; Red Bingen, three-year-old gelding by Native King—Waitaki Girl; Young Parry, two-ycar-okl gelding by Great Parrisli —The Abbess; Rhine Gold, four-year-old gelding by Great Bingen—Cammie; and Nonnie Wrack, (a five-year-old mare by Wrack from Nonnie. There is some excuse for interference which takes place in a crowded field, but that should not be the case when only five starters go to the post. In the August Handicap, run at Auckland F. J. Smith was fined £l6 for careless driving, and creating an alleged interference with First Flight. Of course, interference can take place with only two runners, but drivers should be compelled to give plenty of room to each other in a small field.