TRACK WORK AT EPSOM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21578, 24 August 1933, Page 7

TRACK WORK AT EPSOM

BARRIER PRACTICE NOVICES SHOW IMPROVEMENT SOUND EFFORTS ON SAND BY ABAYDOS A special feature of training operationa at Epsom yesterdav morning was the barrier practice arranged by the Auckland Trotting Club's starter, Mr. A. Tronsen. The barrier was erected on the course proper at the mile nnd a-quarter post nnd the candidates were given the advantage of a sprint down tho back straight and back to the startingpoint. The course was in very fair order after recent heavy rain. Eight novices were sent to tho barrier, namely. Worthy Kate (A. J. Julian), Young Rodney (C. G. Lee), Mountain Sun (W. Fleming), Manna's Son (E. S. Groat). Hukunui (A. D. Hill). Anthony's Gift (W. Willetts), Nelson Luvan (C. G. Lee) and the Worthy Bond—Lady Joan three-year-old (M. S. Groat). They were despatched in relays, and, although all showed some nervousness when the tapes were released, there Was in most cases good improvement after the first run or two. The surprise of tlie bunch was the Worthy Bond youngster, who moved away from the barrier like an experienced hand. Worthy Kate and Young Rodney were the first pair to go, land, although both ran back a little from the tape, they shaped creditably. Worthy Kate gathered up speed more quickly and led to tho furlong pes. At the next attempt Young Rodney again followed Worthy Kate, but was with, her at the end of the straight. The trotters were joined by the Worthy Bondr—Lady Joan three-year-old and the young pacer led out smartly and repeated tho performance again when paired with his stable mate. Manna's Son. Manna's Son. Mountain Sun and Hukunui teamed together, tho first-mentioned striking his gait smartly and leading the others, who lost some ground, to tho finishing-line. Given another trial, Manna's Son was quickest away, but Mountain Sun overhauled him in tho run along the stiaight. Nelson Luvan, Mountain Sun, Anthony's Gift and Hukunui were next lined up. Hukunui was unruly and when the tapes were released she gave several pig-jumps and finally fell, but Hill cleverly got her on her feet promptly and set aftor tho others, of whom Mountain Sun did best. Nelson Luvan and Anthony's Gift paired off, but at the signal both ran back, tho former hitting his straps first and leading all the way. Both improved with another chsnco and in a final start by himself Anthony's Gift, after losing a little ground by jiimping, picked up his gait and sprinted a smart furlong. There was not much difference in the various timeß, the furlong, taken after the horses had moved, averaging 18 and 18J. . Good Pacing by Nellota . With one or two exceptions, all the training work was done on the sand track, which was-in nice order. Mountain Sun attracted attention by trotting soundly over four circuits, displaying good speed when sprinting the final auarter. He is in fine heart for hiß race in the Introductory Handicap, in which he holds good prospectg. Nellota gave a neat exhibition of unhoppled pacing and showed keenness. She has done particularly well on a lighter preparation than usual and should run well forward in the Mount Eden Handicap. Hukunui was given strong work and the manner in which she hit- out demonstrated she had taken no hurt from her earlier mishap. As far as condition is concerned, the half-sister _ to Mountain Dell looks ready to race with the best in her class. Young Rodney strode along boldly over three laps. He is a long-striding trotter who gets over the ground much faster than he appears to. No other novice trotter has made as much improvement and lie may create a surprise on Saturday. Nelson Luvan was anxious to hit out when coming home the last few furlongs of a fourlaps work-out. but he was held in check. He has done well in his preparation and has furnished into a nice type of pacer. Manna's Son went steadily for two laps, accompanied by the Worthy Bond juvenile, and, going an extra three furlongs by himself, trotted very boldly. The Worthy Bond— Manna gelding has made very good progress since being recommissioned after his operation. Mattie Herbilwyn, assisted by Free Gift, worked usefully over four rounds. Appreciating the easy state of the footing, Mattje Herbilwyn trotted without displaying uny sirn of her recent leg trouble. Golden Huia and Windchat were not sent faster than a 2.38 gait over the final lap of a two-miles task. Both trotters maintained an even gait nnd they have benefited by recent fast work. Anthony's Gift, with Stanmoor giving him a lead, sprinted boldly over two sejtarate quarters. The novice can gather up a useful turn of soeed once he is on the way and with a bit more ago and experience should show much improvement. Etta Cole's Condition Etta Cole, pulling a heavy sulky, hit out in good style over a mile and a-half. She was not asked to go at top and could hav? shown vast improvement on 1.17 for tbe last half. Etta Cole is looking the picture of good health and C. F. Giesen has succeeded in building her up in condition. She has rounded out in the hindquarters, where formerly sho was on the mean side, and in her present good order is capable of providing a surprise in the Royal Oak Handicap. Red Hope created interest when stripped for a light unhoppled task and his wellconditioned appearance speaks well for the attention bestowed on him by L. McMahon. He bears signs of having done a lot of solid work and is nice and muscular. McMahon stated yesterday that since the sale oi Gold Jacket Red Hope has not had a working companion at Whangarei, and, being a. lazy worker, it is difficult to get a line on him. Gay Pnree was worked solidly in saddle; having Worthy Chief ns a companion. The trotter went in good style and appeared to be in one of his best moods, but he was not asked for speed. Worthy Chief revelled in his work and is fast rounding into racing shape. , Tempo showed glimpses of speed while running alopg each straight, but his work was chiefly of the long, strong order. He is putting on more condition and with racing may again regain the form which made him useful two seasons ago. Auto Machine pulled hard in an unhoppled work-out, and, particularly over the last three furlongs, he fought hard to increase the speed. He is in splendid heart and under nonnnl conditions should run f ft ffood race in the-Massey Memorial Handicap. Peter Pirate. Silver Bingen and Kelp were restricted to jogging exercise. R. D. Kennerley's three pacers are well forward for their engagements nnd Peter Pirate has come on remarkably well during the last two weeks. Dan Direct, who has been enjoying a lengthy and well-earned B Pell» Put in an appearance under the care of (r. Coles, ljie roan horse has put on much condition during the holiday. ... , The outside of the course proper will be available for fast work between 8.30 and 10.30 this morning. NOTES FROM EVERYWHERE TRACK AND STABLE GOSSIP The Awapuni trainer L. Knapp has decidt 1 not to persevere with Currajong. who joined his stable a couple of months ago. Gold Trail still has a slight cough and it is almost certain that she will not be sent to Australia. At Hastings the other day she covered a round on the plough in 1.40, carrying a lightweight. Bright Glow and Gold Dawn, who are both by Day Comet from Red Dolly, are to visit the Son-in-law horse Siegfried this season. Bright Glow won the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie in 1929. At Gawler, Adelaide, on August 5. Two for Tea, a five-year-old mare by Tea Irav from Margarethe, won the Trial Stakes. She was bred in New Zealand, her dam being by Birkenhead from Chant, .by Tho Officer. Tho Takanini trainer P. E. Pope t con templars,, visiting the Marton_ and Wanganui spring 'meetings, his team including Speedmint, Diversion and the pay Shield Lady Marie filly, sister to Gay Sheila. MARTON NOMINATIONS Nominations for the Marton Jockey Club's Spring Meeting will close at 9 p.m. tomorrow. NEW ZEALAND CUP ENTRIES Entries for the New Zealand.Cup .to be run at the Canterbury Jockey Clubs November meeting, close at 8 p.m. to-morrow. RACING FIXTURES August 2S—Hawke's Bay Hunt Club. September 2—Taranaki Hunt Club. leptember Racing Club Sffite S Racing September 21. 23-Wanganui Jockey Club. September 21, 23—Geraldine Raf'ne club - September 30—Kurow Jockey Club. September 30—Foxton Racing Club. September 30-Napier Park Racins Club. October 5, 7—Dunedm Jockey Club. October 6, 7—Otaki Maori Racing Club. October 7, 9—Avondale Jockey Club.