TIMARU TROTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23603, 12 March 1940, Page 11

TIMARU TROTS

DUSKY SOUND PLEASES BRILLIANT TWO-YEAR-OLDS WALTER MOORE MAKES RECORD [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] TIMARU, Monday Going to the front with seven furlongs still to hp covered, Dusky Sound scored a fine win in the Timaru trotting Cup 011 Saturday. At no part in the concluding round did lie appear in danger of defeat and his success stamped him as .1 pacer likely to he seen to further advantage at the Easter meeting at Addington. Great Don mado the pace over the first half-mile in 1.0, at which stage he was followed by Harold Guy, Red Pigeon, Dusky Sound, Donor and Kelson Eddy, who was favourite. Nelson Eddy was not pacing kindly, and, although ho mado a forward move at tho end of a mile, he never flattered tho hopes of his supporters. Great Don reached tho mile in 2.15 and at this point Dusky Sound moved up smartly to run the last mile in 2.8 and score convincingly. Great Don was a good second, with Red Pigeon close up third. Harold Guy, Cruiser, Waipahi and Donor were next to finish. Tho Timaru Nursery Stakes was run in two divisions, and, although tho first heat was an uninspiring contest, the second resulted in a great race between two outstanding colts. Shadow Maid, a daughter of Red Shadow, began smartly in the first division, and, establishing a lead of five lengths in tho first half-mile, had little difliculty in winning from Surprise Potts, who finished very solidly. Diamond Jim and Earl s Prido were next without being impressive. Shadow Maid is a fine big filly with a very free style of pacing and can bo expected to show considerable improvement with time. Gold Chief began quickly in the second division, and, after settling down, was joined by Walter Moore. These two made the running throughout, Gold Chief having a slight advantage at the home turn. Both were under pressure in the straight and Walter Moore responded gamely to win by a neck in 2.10 4-5, which is easily an Australian and New Zealand record for a two-year-old. Quite Likely was a pleasing third, with Special Force closo np and the others beaten Walter Moore, a half-brother to Southern Chief, is a brilliant juvenile who carries tho stamp of a class performer. Gold Chief is also a quality-looking colt, who should reach a high standard. Quito Likely pleased and she should do better later or., as should Special Force. However, there is no doubt that at the moment Walter Moore and Gold Chief are far superior to anything of their age; in fact, it is doubtful if better two-year-olds havo ever been produced in the Dominion.

TAKANINI HORSES SUCCESSFUL SEASON RECORD WINNINGS LIKELY 28 FIRSTS FOR F. SMITH The success of horses trained at Takanini has been well maintained at recent meetings, and the winnings for the season appear certain to be a record, as only one more win is required to equal the previous best in 1931-32. Up to and including the recent meeting at Pukekohe, 80 wins havo been gained, and, with four months of tho season still to complete, there is a strong possibility of the century mark being reached. Stakes secured total £25.153, which is ahead of tho previous best year, when £22,225 was obtained. Easily tho most successful trainer has been F. Smith, whose team has won 28 races of a total value of £O3BO 15s. His best winners havo been Gladynev, £1801; Aravakur, £1775; Proud Fox, £1740; Orelio, £1215; Cornish, £1035 15s; Sunola, £650; and Pull Hand, £OOO. Smith has enjoyed a remarkable run of success during tho past few years and his team won over £BOOO last season. As a result of his achievement, ho has now gone to the top of tho list of winning trainers for Takanini as far as stake-earnings are concerned, his figures being 118 wins, 202 placings and £35.015 ss. Tho next best aro J. T. Janiieson, £31,850 10s. and E. Popo. £33.353 Os. Record ol E. Pope Although E. Pope appears to havo struck a lean patch after an auspicious start in the season, ho has some promising young horses, likely to develop into very useful three-year-olds. In this category aro Air Port, Aberdovey, Miss Jose. Kerona and a filly by vaals from Marion Acre. Kerona is the recentlynamed filly by Vaals from Night Lamp. _ One of the first trainers to establish himself at Takanini 12 years ago, E. Pope has enjoyed a good measure of success since transferring from Ellerslie, and. exclusive of Australian wins, has been the most successful trainer in the number of wins, namely, 1 10. In addition, his horses gave gained no fewer than 252 minor placings. The best winner from Popes stable this season has been the Railway Handicap victress Bronwen, who has won £1075. Others who have done well are Maxam. £185; Kentucky, £130; Saccone, ''100; Miss Valerie, £328; and Penzance, £250. Valimeen Strikes Torm

The success of Valimeen at Pukekohe was pleasing in view of the fact that her connections have enjoyed anything but the best of luck this season. The idea that \ aluneen would not be . seen at her best until the autumn is proving correct. In her two previous seasons' racing she did not succeed until that period. While in her present form, Valimeen should be difficult to beat in open sprint events, more especially as she is in a favourable position in the handicaps. Tho reappearance of Flood Tide is a matter of interest. As he has not raced since contesting tho Auckland Cup. after which lie pulled up tender, it is pleasing to find that he is returning to work in good order to undergo another preparation. Partial to soft, going, Flood Tide would need only to survive further training to earn distinction at the late autumn and winter meetings. One of the most unproved hurdlers this season is Lapidarian, who is going along nicely in preparation for the Brighton Hurdles at Ellerslie at Easter. The dash he is showing in training suggests that he is even better than formerly. A winner of three hurdle races and £OOO in stakes this season. Lapidarian's future is regarded very hopefully, especially as he is partial to soft going and should bo suited by the conditions nt lato autumn and winter meetings.

SYDNEY HANDICAPS THE CUP AND DONCASTER AJ AX TOP-WEIGHT IN BOTH SYDNEY, March 1.1 Following are the top-weights and weights of New Zealand horses engaged in the chief handicap events to be decided at the Australian Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting, which opens at Randwick next Saturday week:— SYDNEY CUP, of £7OOO and gold cup valued at £200; 2 miles (run March Aiax, 0.7; Merry Mathew, Maikai. 0.0; Royal Chief, ft.s; Actor, 0.2; Mosaic, 0.1; Round Up, 8.12; Reading, 8.10; High Caste, Early Bird, Mildura. 8.7; Beaulivre, 8.5; Elanage. 8.0; Yours Truly. 7.12; Pantoon, 7.8; Sir Regent, 7.0; Highborn, 7.3; Rival Hit, 7.2 DONCASTER HANDICAP, of £3000; 1 mile (run March 23).—Ajax, 9.13; Amiable, 0.7: El Golea, 0.4; Hilton, 0.3; Actor, 0.1; High Caste. Delmestor, 0.0; Gold Rod. 8.12; Reading. 8.11; Mosaic. 8.10; Mildura, 8.8; Beaulivre, 8.7; Gold Salute, 8.3; Limulet. 8.0; .Sir Regent, 7.4; Highborn. 7.3; Rival Hit, 7.2; Waireka, 7.1; The Squire, 6.13; Pan, 6.12; Royal Routine, 6.7.

DEFEAT OF AJAX STATEMENT BY JOCKEY MELBOURNE, March 11 Following the running of the C. M. Lloyd Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, jockey H. Badger stated that Ajax was not as good ns he was, and showed no dash after tho first six furlongs.

HORSES FOR TARANAKI TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS Realising that Auckland owners anil trainers with horses engaged at the Taranaki and Hawera trotting meetings this month would be fared with transport difficulties, Mr. D le C. Morgan, secretary of tho Taranaki trotting Club, communicated with tho manager of the Xew Zealand railways regarding the matter. The department has agreed to attach U.G. waggons to tho Now Plymouth express leaving Auckland on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday before each meeting, and travelling via Marton, the cost to be at the game rate as would have been charged if the •Sorter route were available.