TROTTING

NZ Truth, 6 January 1917, Page 10

TROTTING

Though a little slippy the traok at Ashburton was fast and the racing full of interest. Many horses improved their times considerably. The handicapping at Ashburton was done by V&rds and the starting from a stand* ten yards being allowed /per second. This distance per second is all. right for slow class events, but is quite; wrong in races where high-class pacers are engaged . The Linnet won a double at Ashburton through sheer gameness. On both occasions several; of her opponents looked sure to head her off, but she struggled .on and always got them in trouble. This mare will win better races before the season closes. % Great ' Britain is nqt a 'good one. When he wins the company will not! need to be very select. The American bred Trix Pointer was started twice on Boxing Day and on each occasion was supported by her people. First time out she refused to leave the mark, most probably through greenness, and on her second attempt the filly spoiled whatever chance she might have had through repeatedly tangling. This is a well-bred youngster, being by Demonio— BaJly Pointer, and she will see a better day. Mlss Havoc was also produced twice, in both races she went 'fairly well, but lacked the necessary pace to go up to the leaders. Messervey has her looking well, and when more seasoned she will win in her turn. Vermilion was very fretful and on looks he is developing a temper. The driver of a runner at ABhburton must have had a nail or tack In the end of his whip, as his horse after, a desperate finish was «treainlng with.; blood on his right flank when he Te-' turned to the birdcage . Such a practice should be stamped out. ■ The trotters in the Mitcham Handicap, with one exception, were a very/ bad lot. J Por the first time on record Imperial Victor went solidly through a race-and just lasted long enough to ;beat Havana. It took him 3.52 2-6 to cover the twelve furlongs, ; Havana, who ran Isecond to Imperial Victor, lost some ground at the start or she would have won I As It was. she went the mile and a half in 3.35 t'-5. which is very fair going for a trtftter on a grass track. Big and ungainly us this mare is she will yet put herself on a fast mark. Bow Bell has got a very ugly hitch when going fust, but he can get the ground. Once cored of the hitch he will vwln races. Arcadian wouUl not go steadily last week, and did not st«»p nearly as good a race as lie did at New Brighton. Wonderland, the grey gelding by Wildwood Junr. — Lady Mary, 'has the name of being a good trotter, but his public showings to date belie the statement. He Is only four years old so there Is plenty of time for improvement. Tornado showed a lot of speed for I about half a mile, bin after that ho Kiuk-d' right out of the race and was nn« when he pulled up. burton Trotting Cup Young Wllkrs, nvt^Zv^J^^a^Gl

crawl in the straight ami was beaten for second place by Sherwood, who finished at a great clip. General Link does not stay well and is not class enough to compete against good pacers. < Young Tohu is not a very reliable beginner at any time, but he is much more reliable in saddle than he is in harness. He detests sulky work. Hardy Wilkes will not go properly over., the first part of a race. When opposed to good pacers he is always carried off his feet ana once in, the air... it is very hard to make him catch again.' It's a wonder Jack -Farrell does not get tired of trying to win a two mile heat with St. Kevin. The best time against him was just under 4. 38, yet he is always put on the 4.35 and 4.36 mark, and he has not got a million to one chance of winning off. either mark. When he ran third in the Ashburton Cup last week he was credited with doing 4.36 2-5, the timekeepers working out their time (as per instructions) |on a ten yards , to the second basis, | which is ridiculous as the Rothschild honse went muoh nearer 4.38 than the time credited him. Author Dillon finished a long way back, in fourth place and' did not give a good showing. He must have been off color or he would have run better. Miss Vera can go fast for a bit, but she soon tires. The writer saw two cases of interference in the straight at Ashburton that certainly ought to have cost the offenders their share of the stake money. Such happenings make one wonder what stipendiary "stewards are paid for. Searchfield was a strong paddock tip for the Amateur Handicap at Ashburton, but he spoiled the good thing by refusing to so away properly.