WAIRARAPA TROTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22971, 24 February 1938, Page 11

WAIRARAPA TROTS

FINE FIELDS ENGAGED MANY PROMISING PACERS PROSPECTS OF MYRTLE ORO BY ABAYDOS Myrtle Oro was placed in her four races at Hutt Park and her earnings gained her 12 yards penalty. If she has gone on the right way since F. J. Smith parted with her, Myrtle Oro should give her new owner an early return. A novice who should be difficult to dispose of in tho Martinborough Handicap is Sewana, owned by Mr. N. Horscroft and trained by L. 0. Thomas. Sewana, a brother to Roi L'Or, has required careful handling,, but his rare finishing effort at his last start was indicative of something hotter in the near future. L. O. Thomas has another maiden, Otaua, engaged in the Featherston Handicap, and, if tho colt has learned how to leave the mark, ho will load tho opposition a merry dance. Otaua is a younger brother to Ideal and Trevor do Oro, but at' Wellington ho proved a handful at the barrier. He has tho family quota of speed. A green young pacer to attract attention at the Wellington meeting was Prince McElwyn, a son of tho highlybred David McElwyn. In three starts First Shako showed gradual improvement and in the final effort went very close ( to returning a good place dividend. First Shako may gain success at somo of the West Coast meetings.

Hal Pointer would only require to show tnoro staying power than whon he raced at Awapuni in November to have a hand in the decision of the Featherston Handicap. Ho is a solid type, who is not over-worked. Speed ol Acora

Acora, ono of Acron's progeny, although barely 12 months at the racing business, has won twice and was twice narrowly defeated. She has remarkable speed, but has a tendency to dwell at the barrier. She is smart in saddle. Travelwell showed a return to form when he ran first and second at Nelson, and, as it was his first racine for somo time, L. F. Berkett's pacer should bo in bettor racing condition. Travelwell is usually a good beginner and this will assist him in tho saddle event.

Bayard has been in the boom for many months, but has secured only ono win. If he is as good as his admirers aver, Bayard should have great opportunities in either the Carterton or the Greytown Handicap. After causing a good deal of anxiety. Philaris set minds at rest when ho registered two wins and a second in three starts at Nelspn. Ho has excellent prospects in his classes. Sans Pareil is useful and is well placed in the Greytown Handicap. Playful was not able to concede 48 yards start to the improving novices at Hutt Park, but he ran creditable races and with more suitable limits he should have brighter prospects. Ayrshire was placed at tho last Wnirarapa meeting and he should have a chance to obtain a share of the prizemoney. He goes usefully in saddle races. ' The Trotters. Air Pilot, who failed in his first starts at Awapuni and Claudelands but was successful at the last Wairarapa meeting, having proved his ability at two miles, is likely to be a strong fancy for the Moroa Handicap. A young horse, bred on sound trotting lines. Air Pilot may roach the high standard of other trotters raced by Mr. J. A. Mitchell, of Longburn. Biworthy, who has visitod Auckland, is one of tlio most promising improvers seen for a while. He is nicely placed in both trotting events and should take a power of beating in the Taratahi Handicap. Count Parrish, for a briof period trained at Epsom, where he did not show any form, was raced at both the pacing and trotting gait at Nelson. As a trotter he raced several seconds out of his class, but he may soon be eligible for the harder races. Audrey's Last, in one appearance last' season, shaped creditably, and the Hawke's Bay trotter may prove a surprise packet. He is the last of the line which produced Native Prince and Native Princess. '

Although Republic was entered for the Waikato and Auckland summer meetings, he was not produced, it being stated the Canterbury-bred trotter was not ready. If he has gone on the right way. Rennblio, who is a stable mate of Worthy Member should not be without a chance. Worthy Member, who lost form alter his Awapuni surprise, must, if right, be dangerous in the two-mile events.

IMPROVED PACERS LIMITS FROM 4.33 TO 4.28 UPWARD TREND AT EPSOM BY ABAYDOS From the number of horses racing at the recent meeting at Epsom from 24 yards, or burther back, in the 4.35 classes, it is evident there will be useful fields at the remaining Auckland Trotting Club fixtures if the limit is to 4.33. This may eliminate two or three, but they could be catered for by a 2.48 class "sprint, which would attract a large field. The club has endeavoured to cater for a good type of intermediate pacer, in the hope gradually of getting sufficient horses graded to the higher class. The policy is bearing good fruit, as can be seen from the following list of horses rated from 4.33 to 4.2B—Bingen Chief, Kenworthy, Star Pronto, Our McKinney, Willie Derby, Fernbrook Lass, Kewpie's Triumph, Lady Fame, Gold Dredge, Nervie's Last and Auto Machine. All these raced at the last meeting. Bingen Chief, since his run of successes a few seasons back, has not done much racing. He is regaining form, and a little more improvement on his Alexandra Park effort will see him again a winner. A pleasing feature was the come-back staged by Willie Derby, a performance that was on a level with that of Kewpie's Triumph in the .Otahuhu Handicap. Fernbrook Lass is also fast regaining the form that won her many handicaps in the South Island. Star Pronto was short of a race and ho should make improvement before being paraded again. Lady Fame had not appeared for several months. Our McKinney looked as if the racing would he beneficial. Gold Dredge, one of the most consistent two-mile pacers in the North, when going well in a handy position, came to grief. Nervie's Last, once more proved his ability to stay, and with Kenworthy can be relied on to add interest to these events. Three just outside the 4.33 limit are Crocus, Nawton Parrisli and Noble Prince. Crocus, in spite of brilliant mile and a-half form, has had four attempts at two miles without success. Tt looks as if she will require a really good track to stay the distance. Nawton Parrisli also has high-class form at middle journeys, but is an unknown quantity as a stayer. Noble Prince has many failures at the longer distance. These three pacers would make a sprint event very interesting.