RICCARTON DOINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22986, 14 March 1938, Page 9

RICCARTON DOINGS

TRENTHAM CONTINGENT BRILLIANT SEVEN FURLONGS SWORDSTICK AND DICTATE [by telegraph—own* correspondent] RICCARTON, Saturday Although fog again delayed the commencement of early morning work at Riccarton to-day, it was possible to time all of the horses who are to race at Trentham. The outside of the course proper .was thrown open, but all the early gallops were recorded on the plough, which was slower than usual, owing to a liberal watering overnight and the thick atmosphere. On the plough Kindly gilloped seven furlongs in 1.32, Ruling Star accompanying her over the last five. Kindly has come to hand very nicely and should do well at Trentham. Rousseau and Royal Chief kept together throughout nine furlongs in 2.1, the first three taking 41s and the first half-mile 53 3-ss. Rousseau hit out. well, but may not go to Trentham for the high-weight events if the going remains firm, as he is not partial to hard ground. Royal Chief again did his work pleasingly, and Courtcraft will find him a different opponent than when they last met Paper Slipper's Six Paper Slipper and Wild Chase covered six furlongs in 1.16 4-5. Paper Slipper has been paid up for in two races on the first day at Trentham, but indications point to him contesting the Thompson Handicap.

Lazybones strode over seven furlongs in 1.31 4-5. Ho looks better than at any stage of his career, and can be expected to make a return at Trentham.

Studley Royal covered seven furlongs in 1.31 3-5. He is in great heart for his Thompson Handicap engagement, and will adyance in favour if rain falls before the meeting. Gaoler and Good Passage took 1.20 for six furlongs. Both should run useful races at Trentham.

On the course proper Defaulter, Kilrobe and Spendthrift were responsible for a smart effort over five furlongs in 1.2 3-5, running the last four in 49 l-ss. They kept close company throughout, Defaulter and Kilrobe finishing about half-a-length in front of Spendthrift, who is now to go to Trentham. Kilrobo is to race on the second day only. Nigktcalm led Happy Night over the first two furlongs of a mile, but they passed the post on terms -in 1.44, after running the first half in 51s. It was a good gallop, as they were not | bustled. Grey Honour and Davolo Swordstick and Dictate, carrying feather-weights, covered seven _ furlongs in 1.27 1-5, the first two in 24 3-ss, and three in 3(3 3-ss. They were together a few strides from the post, but Swordstick finished a neck in front. Swordstick is to have his next racing at- Westport, and on his track work he should not have much difficulty in winning races. Dictate should, bo a jjossibility for the Thompson Handicap if the track becomes soft. Grey Honour and Davolo, carrying 9st., 'finished " together_ after covering six furlongs in 1.15 3-5, the last four in 51 3-ss. They completed their work well. Grev Honour is to have the services of C. G. Goulsbro at Irentham; owing to L. J. Ellis making an earlier engagement for Brunhild. A rider has not been engaged for Davolo in the Thompson Handicap, but in the event of Top Row being reserved for the Railway Handicap C. Wilson will have the mount. Courtyard and Hossack jumped four brush I'iurdlcs satisfactorily. Tom Cat and Chaste did well in a similar task.