SUMMER MEETING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22627, 15 January 1937, Page 7

SUMMER MEETING

fibst day prospects WELLINGTON CUP CONTEST good performers encaged likely fancies in sprint BY ARCHER Excellent acceptances have been received for the opening of the Wellington Racing Club's summer meeting at Trentham on Wednesday and a successful 'gathering appears to be assured. Horses from practically all parts of the Dominion will ho competing and the various races are very open. The acceptance of 25 for the Wellington Cup is remarkably good and the contest may prove one of the best in the history of the race, as the winner is well concealed. On the form they have revealed at a mile and a-half this season the Aueklanders Flood Tide and Scotland arc entitled to unqualified respect and both are likely to have solid followings. Tho four-year-old Oratory has done most of her racing this season over shorter distances but she belongs to a fine staying family and should run a sound milo and a-half if produced tit. She won the Great Northern Oaks last season and is handily placed with 8.(3, which represents 51b. less than her weight-for-age. Spiral in Fine Form Form indicates good chances for Argentic and Queen of Song and they should be capable of solid performances. Vintage won two years ago but he has been affected with various troubles in the meantime and it is doubtful whether he .will ever ho as good as formerly. Dungarvan performed consistently well during the holidays but his past efforts indicate that a mile and a-half is a shade far for him. Spiral is in fine form at present and he usually races well at Trentham. He has two thirds in the event to his credit and has demonstrated more than once his ability to run the distance soundly. Davolo has recent winning performances in the South Island but his prospects would appeal more if the journey were a little shorter. Fersen is a proved stayer and Hazoor won during the holidays. Lowenberg and Tiger Gain also have recent form to their credit and the former appears to have reached his best. The Great Northern Derby winner Essex stays well and he is an improving colt likely to take a good deal of beating. Essex is a very resolute finisher and seems to be tho right type to shine in a solidly-run race. Of those lower down the best prospects may be the improving Rebel Lad and Ponty. Rebel Lad has made steady progress since his return from Australia in the spring and appeals as a very likely lightweight. The state of the going and the work of the candidates in the meantime may have an influence on the final summing-up. However, it is certain that fancies will take, a wide range and some wiio may be in demand are Oratory, Hood Tide, Scotland and Essex. Telegraph Handicap Field Some fine sprinters will contest the Telegraph Handicap and the issue is very open. Xaniakia should not he out of it with 9.5, as she is very brilliant. Knockfin, Pakanui and Greek Gold all have recent form that entitles them to ■respect. Pakanui and Greek Gold will have enhanced prospects if the ground happens to be soft, as they are in their element when the going is that way. Concertpitch is capable of a good effort over six furlongs when in form, while Lady Kvra performed well at New Pymouth and Stratford during the holidavs.

The latest performances of Gold Boa have teen consistently good and she is an improved sprinter likely to run very prominently. Besides being a smart beginner, she finishes solidly and is handily weighted at 8.2. The speedy Karl should not be without a chance, as he has been working nicely and seems to be on the upgrade. Chance for Royal Dance A repetition of the effort that enabled him ,to finish third in the Railway Handicap on Boxing Day should make Royal Dance difficult to beat. Lochlaggan was a winner at Dunedin during the holidays. Laughing Lass has raced very consistently and is a solid sprinter who rarely fails to run a good race. Others who should be capable of adding interest to the contest may be Lone Raider, Deficit, Peter Beckford and Fulojoy. The favourites may include Gold Boa, Knockfin, Royal Dance and Laughing Lass.

RIDERS FOR TRENTHAM JOCKEY'S ENGAGEMENTS Additional riding engagements announced for the Wellington meeting include the following:—C. Thomson.—Taumau. •J. Winder.—Wild Flower. •1. Callahan.—The Buzzer. W. J. McDowell.—Nightlass. fcf. 'N. Wiggins.—The Crooner. S. Anderson.—Southern Blood, Only One, Nelumbo. W. J. Broughton.—Fersen. MARTARA OMITTED PLATE ACCEPTANCE MISSED [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] , PALMERSTON NORTH, Thursday It was intended to accept with Martara for the Apprentices' Plate, to be run on the opening day at Trentham out the closing hour was mistaken bv "is trainer. No doubt, Martara will po through for the following days but H nray be significant that G. Tattersall has accepted the rides on Pango and Land Tax at Ashburton on January ' HENRI'S CHOICE WINS Horse who had neck broken , For a horse with a broken neck there is only one end, and that a quick one, but tho famous exception, known to racing as Henri's Choice, again came ! n to the limelight at Newbury, Eng'anu, at the beginning of last month. Henri's Choice, a grey gelding by Motley, owned by Mr. B. Warner, broke Y,neek in ,-i race at Ain tree in 1035, competing in the Liverpool jiurdles, for which he was favourite on . e strength of his consistently good °rni earlier in the season. His owner, ° n 'pertaining that the fracture was I con M)ieto, refused to have the aniij s £°t, and in a remarkably short ■ m ° " e was pronounced to have rov®red and to be ready to go into work a g3m. s as done, and Henri's Choice ].J 1 during the flat racing season on n^ ear ' a dding further to his fame w Uec ember w hen he won the Banks jt . by six lengths. .]. e , ls now a seven-year-old, and trainer. 0. Anthony, den racing had restored his confiand that lie had never jumped so prior to his accident..