RACING NEWS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9722, 26 July 1917, Page 8

RACING NEWS

NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By “Tohunga.”) Euripos, who performed well at Front ham, has done little work since returning to Riccarton. He must run along at Riccarton if started. Dionysius, who is alleged to have a local connection, has been placed on the easy list, according to southern accounts, but some accounts are not reliable. Bangi Thompson, who will ride Master Strowan' in the Grand National Steeplechase, won the race in 1911 on P’aritutu. He was schooled for that event by the Trentham trainer, J. McLaughlin, and there is no valid reason to suppose that he will not carry off the honours this year, providing he can remain upon ail fours. Following the example of the South Canterbury Jockey Club, the Ashburton Racing Club has decided to have an off-day between the dates of its spring meeting, instead of racing on consecutive days. This will suit the club’s local patrons, but it will not be appreciated by those who have to travel far td the fixture.

The death is announced of the brilliant pacing gelding Lopp. During a lengthy racing career the son of Rothschild put up several smart performances, hut lately he has been supplying the family coffers with pelf in the shape of duties from a productive view-point. Braeburn is put down, as an almost certain starter for the Grand National. Admiral Wood is said to be in great heart and condition just now, and should be amongst the foremost at the forthcoming meeting at Addington. A South Island critic sums up the possibilities of the Winter Cup in the following words: —“Past of the contest for the popular Winter Cup goes to show that heavily-weight-ed horses hay© all the worst of the argument. This is no uncommon thing with welter races, especially if run on heavy tracks- The three top-weights in next month’s contest, Rewi Roto, Oxenhope, and Bisogne, have all shown ability to handle plenty of poundage- Rewi Roto is a very unlikely starter, and Oxenhope has never shown a partiality for heavy going. Bisogne, on the other hand, is reported to be little affected by the state of -the track, and his _chance must be greatly respected. Fiery Cross has gone out of favour as his stable-mate Killjoy has advanced, but such a consistently game finisher cannot be written out. Kauri King is partial to heavy going, and Parisian Diamond seems, to bo at home under any circumstances. . Indications point to the latter starting favourite. Miss Deval looks to have none, the best of the handicap in:being put on the same, mark as Parisian Diamond. Snub can hardly be at his best, also Sartorze. Despite want of form at Trentham, Eaumannwhiri and Johnny.. Walker have plenty of friends, also Killjoy, Tip-Up, Potentiality, and Zuland. Altogether the race appears just as hard to size up as in any previous year, and no doubt luck will, as usual, play an important part in its decision.”