TE AROHA TROTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20866, 7 May 1931, Page 7

TE AROHA TROTS.

REVIEW OF THE CUP FIELD. J. T. PAUL'S STRONG HAND. PROSPECTS OF GRAND CANYON. Although during tlie last few years good fields have contested the Te Aroha Trotting Cup, the clasa generally has never been of such a high standard as in the approaching contest. Following so closely on the race for the. Cambridge Cup, the form disclosed last Saturday, as far as those taking part in that event is concerned, should act i.s a good guide, but tlio presence of several newcomers will make the work of solving the problem,rather difficult. Taking a line on the Cambridge, running, followers of form will select First Flight and Peter Phfite as the most troublesome for the best of the fresh candidates. First Flight ran a sound race, but she had every chance und was beaten only in the final stages because she lacked the stamina necessary to stall off the finishing dash of a proved stayer like Gold Treasure. She will again start off tlio limit mark on Saturday and must bo treated as one of the hardest to beat. Peter Pirate, 12 yards, made a better fehowing than in his previous two miles displays this season, and, if ho had not struck trouble, he would have been closer. To finish third, after travelling tlio last half-mile with a damaged wheel, was a creditable performance. J. T. Paul, j who drives Peter Pirate, also has Great Parrish engaged on Saturday, but if he elects to rely upon Pe.tcr Pirate that will bo one of the chief fancies. Nella Dillon rail her usual consistent race at Cambridge, but fourth was the best she could do, although she was well placed and carefully driven by C. G. Lee. Nella Dillon can be relied upon to make a good showing again. Dan Direct can only have a starter's chance, while Lady Author and June Nordiia, useful as they are over two miles in less pretentious company, are likely to find a few of their opponents 'oo solid. if started, June Nordica will probably set a merry puce oil the end, but the mile saddle race looks easier for her. Muster Hum and Wnkelield will run solid races from the 12 yards mark, but a point further back Grand Canyon makes a stronger appeal. 'J'ho Wrack four-yeur-okl is proving himself a good stayer, and his second to June Nordica at Epsom in February, when he ran -1.35 3-5 off -1.15, was attractive. Last month he won tli<; big two miles event each day at New Plymouth and did his work like a tradesman. Of the pair on 30 yards, Dealer overshadows Belle Axworthy, who appears to liavo lost all form. Dealer can run a sound two miles and is entitled to respect in spite of his failure at Cambridge. Brutus, on *lB yards, is a buck-number, but off the same mark Mignonne and Great Parrish have good testimonials over two miles. Mignonne promises to be in better shape than when she contested the Thames Cup, but Great Parrish should hold her safe. Great Parrish was unlucky in the Hawera Cup, but on the second day he gave nothing a chance in the Wuimato Plains Handicap, which he won on his lonesome in 4.32. "He beat a stouter field than that in the Te Aroha Cup, and, if started, he should bo favourite. Great Bollin has no recommendations yet as a two-mile., and from 60 ynrds his chance does not look rosy. The following table shows the best time recorded for a placed performance by each candidate* Great Ballin having no record over the distance:—

Oil recent form First Plight, Nell a Dillon. Peter Pirate., Grand Canyon, Dealer and Great Parrish look a likely half-dozen to attract most attention, and favouritism may finally rest with J. T. Paul's elect. Grand Canyon, and First Flight.. THE FAREWELL HANDICAP. HIGH SEA A POSSIBILITY. A cood field is engaged in the Farewell Handicap at Te Aroha, but several of the acceptors also appear in the cup and may not start in the sprint. On the other hand, prominent form in the principal raco will bring them well into the limelight. Of the quartette On the limit. Dad's Hope and Some Dillon can unravel some rare Bpeed, but neither is dependable on race day, while Carnui and Andover may not bo quite up to the standard required. A similar number appear on the 12 yards line, and while it is possible for the winner to be concealed here it is not probable. Little Guy lacks dash at tho business end, while Lady Author docs not commence smartly enough, otherwise she would be very dangerous. Richoro will be a fresh horse, and. if he elects to do his best, may create a surprise. Wakefield's mission will probably bo tho cup. After his Cambridge displays High bea, 2-1 yards, will be one «f the popular selections. He is an improved pacer since tho Easter meetings and the racing last week should prove beneficiil. 110 finished with determination in both tho mile saddle and tho Farewell Handicap at Cambridge, and he threatens <o get some share of the prizemoney in this race. Lord Nepean and Tiger Salve, on the same mark, do not appeal. „ There is a smart trio on 30 yards, Grand Canyon, Dealer and Master Huia, and each can step a merry 10 furlongs. If Grand Canyon escapes a penalty in the chief event, he will be in great demand for the sprint, and, if reserved, should take a lot of beating. Master Huia ran prominently at Thames, and Dealer is in good form. OiT •13 yards, Mienonne and Dnn Direct cannot be overlooked, but a quartette in demand at this stage comprises Grand Canyon. High Sea, Master Huia and Dealer. LIFEBUOY'S WIN CONFIRMED. EFFECT OF CHANGE OF GEAR. [BIT TELEORAI'K.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH. Wednesday. At the meeting of the New Zealand Trotting Board, correspondence was received from tho Marlborough Pacing Club concerning the change of gear on Lifebuoy. It was stated that in the first raco a portion of Lifebuoy's bridle broke, and for the Awatore Trolling Handicap the horse was equipped with 5 wool shadow blind to prevent moving about too much. The club, on the application of the owner of tho second horse, had withheld tho stakes for that race, which Lifebuoy won. It, was decided lo reply that the stipendiary steward was tho only official who could give permission for a change of gear. The only penalty that could bo inflicted on tho first horse was a fine. The stakes should be paid over.

JOCKEY'S SUSPENSION. J. W. JENNINGS TO APPEAL. [KJtOM OUU OWN COIUIESI'ONDENT.] CIIIUSTCHUItCH, Monday. Mount, Boa. who had the .services of K. Reed 111 th<j Stnrky Memorial Handicap at Rircarton on Saturday, was in keen demand, but lost his chance by being sent back to a rear position after two furlongs had been traversed. Slat-shooter was racing in front of him at that stage, but, being crowded on the fence by an outside horse, had to bo steadied and in consequenco interfered with Mount Boa, who also caused trouble to those 'following him.. This incident led to J. W. Jennings, rider of Starshooter, being suspended for a month for crossing Mount Boa and to Reed being cautioned by the stewards for giving what they considered to bo unsatisfactory evidence. This judicial finding, came as a general surprise, as other riders _ expressed the opinion afterwards that Jennings was not to blame and that the trouble on his part was purely accidental. There certainly was no justification for a charge of crossing, and in regard to Reed's case he supported Jennings in his version of the incident, and his evidence was on the lines of statements made privately by other riders behind 'he two horses involved. Jennings had never suffered a suspension before and has lodged an appeal TROTTING FIXTURES. May 7—Marlborough Trotting Club. 2j liy 7 i 9_Forbury Park Trotting Club. May 9—Te Arohu Trotting Club. May 10—Waikuto Trotting Club. May ir>—Oamaru Trotting Club. May 30—Waikato Trotting Club. June 3, &— Canterbury Park Trottins Club.

June Nordica. . . 4.3S 1st 4.40 Dan Direct . . . 4.37 '2-5 1st 4.40 Nella Dillon .. . 4.40 3rd 4.40 First Flight .. . 4. -10 1-5 2nd 4.10 Lady Author . . . 4.39 4-5 1st 4.40 Master Iluin .. . 4.3G 1-5 3rd 4.3J Peter Pirate . . . 4.33 2-5 3rd 4.30 Wakefield .. . 4.35 3rd 4.30 Grand Canyon . 4.35 3-5 2nd 4.38 Dealer . 4.34 3-5 2nd 4.37 Bello Axworthy . 4.313 '2-5 3rd 4.37 Brutus . 4.33 4-5 2nd 4.3 1 ! Mijrnonne . 4.31 2-5 2nd •1.3(5 Great Parrieh. . . 4.32 1st 4.>i; Great Ballin . . — — ■ 4.35