ON THE TURF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 19 December 1936, Page 14

ON THE TURF

ACCEPTANCES

RACING FIXTURES December 26—Hurunui Turf Club. December 26 —Waipukurau J.C. December 26—Alexander R.C. December 26, 28—Dunedin J.C. December 26, 28—Taranaki J.C. December 26, 28, 29 —Westland R.C. December 26, 28, 29 Manawatu R.C. December 26, 29, January 1,2 (1937) — Auckland .R.C. January I—Waiau1 —Waiau R.C. Annual (nontote). January I—Waikouaiti1 —Waikouaiti R.C. January I—Wyndham R.C. January 1, 2—Stratford R.C. January 1, 2 —Marton J.C. January 1, 2—Hawkes Bay J.C, January 1, 2—Wairarapa R.C. January 1, 2—Greymouth J.C. January 2—Oamaru J.C. January 2, 4 —Southland R.C. TROTTING FIXTURES December 26 —Hurunui Turf Hack R.C. (non-tote). December 26—AshburtonJT.C. December 26 —Gore T.C. December 28—Gore T.C. (if further totalisator license available). December 26, 28—Wairarapa T.C. December 26, 28—Westport T.C. December 29—Westland R.C. Midsummer (two trots third day). December 28, 30, 31—Auckland T.C. December 29 —Winton T.C. November 28—Ashburton County R.C. November 28, 30—Takapuna J.C., at

Ellerslie. November 28, 30—Feilding J.C. November 26, 28—Forbury Park T.C. November 28 —Ashburton County R.C. Summer (two light-harness events) December s—New Brighton T.C. December s—Waikato5 —Waikato T.C. December s—Wairio5 —Wairio T.C. (non-tote).

S*. MTES AMD COMMENTS JSg On Gallops and Trotting iwtUS

Royal interest in the Turf to he maintained under King George VI. One of his Majesty’s early announcements is that tlie Royal racing establishments and breeding stud will be continued as it was in the lifetime of his father. The nation will wish the King somewhat better fortune on the Turf than the late King George V enjoyed. As Duke of York the new King was not looked upon as a racing enthusiast, but that was also true of his lather prior to his succession. While King Edward VII was alive there could be

“only one Royal sportsman.” But King (Jeor’ge V proved himself no less a sportsman, and possibly a because of his Turf vicissitudes. While Prince Edward was heir to the Throne and later King of England there was again room for only one Royal sportsman: but King George VI, within a few days of his accession, lias stepped into this smaller breach. The Turf and the Crown would seem to be becoming inextricably interwoven. The sixth George is following so closely in the footsteps of his father that one may expect him to become as enthusiastic about racing as the fifth George was, and possibly, if that were possible, even more enthusiastic. Since the death of King George V the Royal colours—-purple, gold braid, scarlet sleeves, and black velvet cap with gold fringe—have not been seen on the racecourse, as the Royal horses have been raced under lease to Lord Derby for tho period of mourning; but they will reappear during the present National Hunt season, and the first horse to carry them will be the steeplechaser Marconi, who incidentally was also first horse to race and win in tbs late King Edward’s short reign. His Majesty's team for the coming season on the fiat is believed to be a particularly promising one, especially with its rising two-year-olds. The best

of these is thought to be Air Flow (a brother to Fairey), by Fairway, from Polish Air ; and next to him is Blair, by Limelight, who won some good races for King George V. Other interesting colts are said to be Foxbrush and Hatton Garden, sons respectively of Jacopo, now at the stud in the. United States, and Ilotweed. a French horse famous on the Turf a few years ago. The stable will also have a new first rider, as Stanley Wootton’s former apprentice, J. Crouch, was appointed to this position a few weeks ago, and it is most unlikely that the change in. Sovereigns will cause aiiv change in this appointment, as it has been felt for some time that a young rider should be secured so as to avoid .the frequent changes that had occurred in the past in the Royal jockeys. Crouch is just turned 21, it is also probable that the farm and stud activities that were recently being curtailed at Sandringham by the late King Edward will be restored as they were in . the reign of King George V. That would mean tho return of the stud from Hampton Court to Sandringham. The stud at present consists of 17 mares, which, in addition to Fairlead, includes newcomers in Feola and Canvas. The famous Scuttle died in 1934, but her daughter, Fairlead, should carry on the blood. „ Although the Railway Handicap topweight, Nainakia was unplaced in the Paterangi Handicap, of 7 furlongs, at the Waipa Meeting last Saturday, she was bv no means disgraced, for it was only near the end that she faded from the lead (says “Archer”). Drawing the outside at the barrier, Namakia had to go fast to reach tho lead in the first furlong and was kept busy in the middle stages by Wahine Reihi. It was therefore not surprising that she weakened under her 10.4. She is set a difficult task to win the Railway with 9.8 but six furlongs is a distance she rims particularly well. The biggest field of two-ycar-olds during the holiday period may parade at Awapuni on Boxing Day. The entry numbered twenty-five.

Ellerslie will probably see six I rentham horses in action, representative of four stables. R. W. A. Lewis is already in the north with Shy and Verden. The Auckland Cup on the first day might prove too far for Shy, though Lewis has always thought the chestnut would stay, and perhaps his chance will come over a shorter course on the later days. Verden has had a steady preparation during the last three months, and if he remains sound he might be a surprise

packet, in the hurdling events, for he has previously done well over fences on the track during the summer. Two years ago he won the New Year's Ilurdies under 9.4 and lie is not at all badly treated with 9.10 in the opening day’s hurdles this year.

Cuddle will attempt to win her second successive Aucklanu Cup, and her connections have no ground for complaint with the weight she has received. Her trainer, T. R. George, believes lie ha:#Tie'r as well as ever she was. It remains only to be seen if she can still manage a two-mile journey, and about this there must be some doubt till she lias again been tested. Last year' she not only won tho Cup, but the King’s Elate and Clifford Plate as well. Sunec and Essex will be the veteran J. W. Lowe’s band and both are fit horses. Sunce has jiever been as well as he is at present? For a period lie did not seem destined to make a stayer, but his C.J.C. Metropolitan effort showed that he could stay. The Australian Sun breed often take a long time to come (solid. Sunec is one of flic good lightweight chances in the Auckland Cup. Essex is to race in the Queen’s Plate on the first day, and then in the Derby on New Year’s Day. The Derby may be just too rich for him in the presence of Trench Fight and Martara, but this pair will not be opposing him on the opening day. The centre’s remaining candidate for tho north is the, Siegfried filly Brunhilde, whose mission is the Great Northern Foal Stakes. S. J. Reid has her very well and is now busy fining her down into racing trim again. On disclosed form the only one in the field who could be rated superior to lier is Francis Drake; and unbeaten Smoke Screen is ihe other threat. Second or third prize would more than pay the expenses of the trip. There will probably be upwards of a s4ore of Trentham horses racing at the Manawatu Meeting, and they; will bo competing in all classes. Practically all these horses will be racing subsequently at Wairarapa; the exceptions may be a couple or three horses from T. R. George’s stables, and also the members (Siegmund. Windward, and Mother-in-Law) of D. McCauley’s team, who might go on to Marton. George has his usual big hand for Awapuni. With five wins, the stable had a fair innings last year, and that record might easily have been bettered with a slight variation of luck. On its performance to date this season the stable may not be expecting any better re-

turn this year; but the mere fact that the members have not been winning races recently places them in lianciy positions in the handicaps, and quite a number of the team are very close to winning form again. _ Two maidens in the stable who might open their account before the holidays are through are Alunga and Sea Wrack. Alunga, who is due to make his debut at Otaki on Saturday, is a very promising three-year-old son of Spear Dance who will carry the same colours as Brown Pearl did last season. Sea Wrack lias been disappointing during the spring, but is now doing better in her work. Other novices in the stable who will improve with a race or two are Silver Fox and possibly Trimden. For the open-class events, George has Might, Boomerang, Fulojoy, Acceptable, Darccourt, and Vinco. Might will not be resuming till the \\ airarapa Meeting, and it "is doubtful if lie will be right even by then. Darecourt has already shown winning form recently, but a better pair for the class will probably be Acceptable and Boomerang. Acceptable is forward enough to win a race at any time, though lie has not yet been out since resuming work. Boomerang is galloping very smoothly again, and as everything he docs sees him finishing on strongly he is to be continued at a staying role, lie will race im to V A miles at Awapuni, and after that he may go on for the \\ airarapa Cup. With the large fields that are promised for the Manawatu Meeting this year, owners and trainers are having considerable difficulty in securing suitable riders for the first clay. It will be easier on the second clay, when several horsemen will be down from Auckland. Derive, who got borne by a beau from Allspice in the Hororata I rial Plate last Saturday, and incidentally gave L. J. Ellis the first of his four winning mounts at that meeting, is a sister to Sistcrena. According to an Auckland report, Silver Ring still shows signs of lameness and has' not been galloped since his return from Australia. He was on the track on Tuesday morning, but did only easy pace work, am) moved short. The jockey N. Creighton returned to Australia tliis week. He received a cable last week offering good Christmas riding ill Melbourne and decided to accept it. Creighton enjoyed his stay at Hawera, but decided that there were not the advantages in New Zealand like there are in Australia for a jockey of his weight. , . , . Though it is very doubtful on ms breeding if Paper Slipper will ever be a real stayer, lie has been assessed on the assumption that lie might be in being set on 8.11 in the Wairarapa Cup. Mr Henrys undoubtedly remembers that another Paper Money horse in Autopay found no difficulty itt going I 3 miles on the turning Tauherenikau course, and Paper Slipper, besides having won at a mile, is out of a Solferino mare. Grand Mogul’s position as favourite for the Auckland Trotting Cup has strengthened since acceptances. Ills rise to the top class was rapid, as lie opened last season on a 4min 51sec mark, and eight successes during that term landed him on a 4min 29see mark at its close. He gave away a second to contest the King Edward Handicap, a 4min 28sec class, so that this success, for which he wag penalised 24 yards, actually cost him 36 yards. Grand Mogul has proved himself a true stayer, and has exceptional speed, as evidence liis last mile of a trial at Addington in 2min 5 2-Ssec, and' the last half in a tick under a minute. The only thing that will discount his , prospects is a heavy track. So far lie has been purely a dry-footed pacer. Of the others, Graham Direct, King s Warrior, and Red Shadow are the most discussed at this stage. The following table shows the marks and records of the candidates : Mark. Time. Bonny Azure 4.28 4.26 3-5 King’s Warrior ... 4.28 4.24 Smooger 4.28 4.25 3-5 Auto Machine 4.27 4.29 Bingen Palm 4.27 4.23 3-5 Rey Spec 4.27 4.19 4-5 Graham Direct 4.26 4.19 Glenrossie 4.25 4.16 3-5 Grand Mogul 4.25 4.21 Red Shadow 4.23 4.18 2-5

Polly Pail, who was ° n 4min 52sec when she re-entered F. J. Smith’s stable before the October Meeting, lias gone back to 4min 43sec. When she won the Mountain Handicap she received 48 yardu penalty, but fared worse at Addington, for winning the Spring Handicap, U miles, she was penalised 60 yards at two miles. She is improving with racing. , . . . Golden Eaglo, sister to Great Admiral, lias failed on several occasions at two miles, but may improve and on a firm track she should be a useful second string for J. T. Paul. Wall Street, who in the December Handicap at Auckland, is a four-year-old by Llewellyn from Belle Keller, both of whom were imported from America by Mr J. R. McKenzie. Wall Street was unsuccessful in her only start last season and is now trained at Te Awamutu. She is bred well enough to prove useful with age and experience. ' . Oiie of .the best contests at the . Wairarapa Meeting should be the Thompson Handicap: Among those who have shown veal ability to a mile and a quarter are Fi'olaretanan, Silk Cord, Activity, Rare Rey, and Winshow. Most improvement may be expected from Proletarian and Silk Cord. Great Gem, who races in the same interests as Gloster. is a well-bred four year-old by Great Parrish from Jewel 'and was bred by J. T. Paul, for whom Great, Parrish won the Auckland Cup and Jewel the Adams Memorial C'upGicat Gem lias not had much experience. but should later justify her good breeding.; . . Apart from the brilliant filly 1 arisionne, the Hutt Park-trained Ropata is the only Great Northern Trotting Derby candidate with winning, form. Ronata. who is by the American-bred horse David McElvyn (winner of the Hawera Cup) from Zella, is trained by the veteran T. Leadhetter, who won races •at Epsom last season with Supertax. Although C. S. Donald, who won the Auckland Trotting Cup in 1930 with Carmel, has no representative this year, he has a useful team engaged at the Auckland Meeting, including Mocast,. Plutus, Carus, Superior Rank and Parrish Chimes. The last-named is Donald’s candidate for the Rowe Memorial Handicap, which ho previously won with Kompton. All the horses have shown good form recently.

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB boxing day meeting (By Telegraph—Press Association) ASHBURTON, 17th December Acceptances for the Ashburton Trotting Chib’s meeting. t.o be held on 26th December, are as follows.— 12.15—Mitcham Handicap, of £l4o'. 3.49 class; one mile and a half. —Fluke, Gay Crusader. Gerfalcon, Great Horatius, Grade Fields, Lustre, Sagamore. Sir Kit. Swift Guy, Timworthy, Guy Forrest, Harvest Note, Lord Ernleigh Pilot Peter, Winnow, scr; Highrate. 36vds bhd; Great Linnet, 48. 12.50—'Wakanui Handicap, of £140; 3.43 class; one mile and a half. —Ace High.. Boreas, Bridget Brough, Chaise, Credit Balance, Ebbtide, Intrigue. Labourman. Linklight, Mirage, Maurie McKinney. Mystery Girl, Nelson McFarlane, Pursuit, Reymere, Sickle, Temeraire, Thornworthy, Tru Beau, Waitaki Power, scr; New Ideal, Travis

Pringle, Boltaire, 12yds bhd; Native Son, Player, 36; Silver Guy, 60. I.36— Ashburton Cup, of £675; 4.27 class; two miles. —Rollo, scr; Cloudy Range, Evicus, Graham Direct, Sir Guy, Tempest, War Buoy, Willow Wave. 12yds bhd; New Derby, 24; Blue Mountain, 36; Roi I’Or, 72. 2 s— New Zealand Champion Stakes, for 1936. of £650; for three-year-olds; one mile and a half.—R. S. Wood’s b g Loyal Pat, Miss J. Cuff’s b. c. Southern Chief, E. F. E. Hinds’s b. f. Effie Parrish, J. Randall’s blk. f. Silk Thread—Pearl Light, M. C. McTigue’s br. g. Dark Hazard, August Bros.’ b. g. Frisco Boy, M. A. McLeod’s blk. c. Donald Dhu, Miss Kidd’s blk. g. Royal Gratton, Mrs D. R. Revell’s ch. f. Parisienne, J. Richardson’s b. c. Toorak, P. J. Andrew’s b. c. Peter Bee, Durbar Lodge’s b. f. Santa Fe. 2,40 —Midsummer Handicap of £200; 444 class; two miles—Doris Derby, Full Hand. Lucky Jack. Play On. Raider, Sea Trail, U. Scott, Wild Dreams, scr; Real Huon, 12yds bhd; Kibo. 48; On Parade, 60. 3 15 —Winslow Handicap, of £300; 3.26 class; one mile and a half —Air Flow, Discord, Lough Guy, scr; Bessie Parrish. Norma Bingen, Writer, 12yds bhd; Wrackler, 36; Sea Gift, Trampfast, 60.

McLean Handicap, cf £200; 3.35 class; one mile and a half—Currageen, Dundee, Colonel Bogey, Fay Rey, Lottie Guy, Llewellyn’s Pet, Oversight, Reno, Reylena, Shotlace, Vanity Fair, Wee Wrack, Zest, scr; Ace Pot, Gaillard, Glorictta, Marsceres, Our War, Rewai, Sky Wink, Sports Review, Trireme, 12yds bhd; Raclaim (t) 24; Credit Funds, Play On, 36. 4.45 —Boxing Day Handicap, of 300 sovs; 3.23 class; one mile and a half— Chechahco, Encounter, Gallant Knight, Gay Gordon, Isabel Derby, Morello. Noble Prince, Southern Smile, Sterling Lady, Subsidy, Village Guy. scr: Chancellor, Iraq. Peter Locanda, 12yds bhd; Elvo, Craganour, George Rey, Marie Celeste, 24; Reporter, 36.