THE TURF.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19616, 21 October 1925, Page 11

THE TURF.

By Sentinel. FRACTIOUS HORSES. When such a very severe punishment as disqualification can be imposed «n a horse for fractiousness at the post it becomes a> matter which demands attention. The severity of the punishment is shown bv the fact that Happy Warrior has been placed under the ban just as he gave good indications of coming back to his best formin fact, he would have taken a power of boating in the President's Handicap with 7.3 on his back. At his best the race would have been next door to a certainty for him. Every starter should be fully aware as part of his duty what horses are notoriously inclined to be fractious at the post, and also those who are apt to become so if kept too long facing the barrier, or if disturbed by others playing up at the post. It should also be part of a stipendiary steward's duty to discuss the matter with the starter, and seo that the latter is fully acquainted with the names of horses in danger of being placed on the so-called " schooling list." Horses in danger of being placed under the ban should not, under any circumstances, be allowed to line up at the barrier with the well-behaved horses. Starters are inclined to give them at least one chance. This was the ca?e at Oamaru. with the result that more trouble was seen at the post during the first, day's racing than has been witnessed in New Zealand for years past. If the fractious horses are allowed up before they have shown a decided improvement in their manners they are sure to create fractiousness in other horses. For this doubie reason thev should not receive any consideration calculated to be detrimental to well-behaved horses. The matter is far too serious to be alluded to except in the verv strongest terms, and it may be said that there was not a solitary racing man at Oamaru who did not strongly condemn the extraordinary latitude granted some of the fractious horses playing up at the post. A LIMITED OPPORTUNITY. There will be only a limited opportunity at the November sales for owners to pick up desirable yearlings, as tho full list runs to 21 youngsters only. This marks a rather small selection, considering the number of owners who fullv recognise the necessity of replenishing their teams with youngsters if thev havo any intention of participating in future classics or special weight races which supply the richest harvest to sucessful owner.-). 'Most of the successful stables have gathered a very considerable part of their winnings by the exploitation of two-year-old races, which can bo gathered with a good youngster without the handicappers being able to supply an anchor to a march of progress. The same thing applies to a good and well-engaged three-year-old. For instance. Count Cavour was not considered a high-class throe-year-old, but he nevertheless proved a good stake-winner at that age. As a more mature horse he will probably take high honours in the handicap field. Mr J. F. Buchanan will send up eight yearlings, and six of them are by Paladin, whoso stock have yet to make their appearance on a racecourse. The first on the list is a brown colt by Paladin from War Lady, by Martian from Ladv Lucy, the New Zealand Cup winner of 1909. This is a treat staying family, tracing to Ouida, and the line has been strengthened by a Martian infusion which is as rich in stamina as any equine tribe in the world. The next, is a colt by Paladin from Persian Lilac, the dam of Kukume. The Paladin colt should prove a lot smarter than the previous produce of his dam, because he carries a return to St. Simon, which should impart that influence to his pedigree. Then there is a chestnut colt by Paladin from Lovelorn, the clam of a great filly in'Nones and another good winner in Menelaus. A brown filly by Paladin from Cherub, by Martian—lntelligence, by Birkenhead—lndustry, by Nautilus, and another filly by the same sire from the imported mare Samares completes the list of Paladin's stock to be offered by Mr J. F. Buchanan. Tho Stud Book, by the way, states that Samares was bred to Martian in 1924, and not to Paladin. Mr Buchanan is also sending up a colt by the great sire Martian from Per Arma, bv Picton —Perush, by Persimmon. This is tho first colt thrown by Per Arma, and as she traces back to - Great orex, one of the first of Carbine's English-bred stock to win success on the turf, and later at the stud in South Africa, something superior may be represented by the youngster. The last of the Kinlock Stud lot is a filly by Martian from Torquata, but hero again some mistake appears to have occurred, a,s the Stud Book reports that the mare was bred to Warplane and Paladin in 1924. The catalogue may rectify the errors, but so far it has not come to hand. The writer has been fortunate enough to make the acqiiaintanc of the lot contributed to the sale ,by the Elderslie Stud. Thev are all by Paper Money except one. The very remarkable success achieved by Paper Money in his first seaoon and the fact that his stock have supplied evidence that they will train on —Money Order. Father O'Flvnn. .lohn Bradbury, to wit. to mention only a few—should create keen competition for youngsters who seem to receive a natural gift of galloping. There are three colts and three fillies. A colt from Fair Fight, by Martian—Purity, bv The Officer Enid, by Anremont—ldalia, is n nice level-built chap with a pedigree in tail female that has thoroughly proved its worth. Martian is also the sire of the next colt's dam, and it should not be overlooked that mares got by the son of Martagon and Otterden are doing well at the stud. The crack colt Manfred belongs to the Otterden tribe, and when bred to a successful sire something good seems sure to follow. The half-brother to Fulmar fills the eye as a really fine sturdy colt. Fulica has shown that she can produce speed, and n mating with Paper Monev should accord her much higher honours than her first contribution to tho Stud Book. Tho last colt of the Elderslie Stud lot is a handsome and racy-looking one got by Kilbroney from Lady Violet, by Boniform—Vicereine, bv Birkenhead. The Paper Money—Killena fillv is a really fine sort. Killena was a high-class two-year-old, and ha* produced Kilfane, Stream, and Bonena. A half-sister to Enthusiasm is built on attractive lines, and as her dam was got by Martian from Perolina, by Persimmon, she should prove very valuable for the turf and paddock. Then there is the fillv by Money from Kilcalm, by Kilbroney from Esther. Kilcalm is a sister to Kilcullen, whom Mr J. B. Reidi took Home to his English stud. Mr J. Grigg, of I-ongbeaeh, is pending up a chestnut colt by Thurnham from the dam of Pitprop, who was a really rrood horse who 9howed beyond doubt that Pit brow Lass can stock. The some stud supplies a Majftian—Love-a-Duck fillv that ranks as a half-sister to L'Amour The Longbeach trio is completed by a colt bv Gay Lad from Snapshot, by Calibre from j'"irst Glance. Anything frc*r First Glance should attract attention, as there was no doubt about her racing merit. Mr H. M. Peeves has a colt bv Paladin from April Folly, by Absurd—Martian Princess, by Martian —Two Step, bv Stebniak —Faraway, by Bill of Portland—Happy Land, by Musket. This colt is bred on very, attractive lines, with : a return to St. Simon, and the -•p.me stud will also offer n filly by Kilbroney from Italian Beauty. Tho last on the list is a colt bv Paladin from W T aterspray, the dam of Pilbewinkie. and as a half-brother to such a fine performer he should command a crood m-iee if he ha: j individuality to back his relationship. THE OAMARU MEETING. The Oamaru Spring meeting was held under very favourable circumstances, and the general result proved so satisfactory as to create the idea that it may mark the "turn of the tide" towards a more successful trend of affairs. The weather was perfect on tho first day, but the attendance was somewhat disappointing in numbers. A much more pleasing muster viewed tho second day's card, as the attendance .appeared to be tho best seen on the course for some considerable time. In fact, it really seems that with favourable weather arid a good oanl the Oamaru meetings can draw the crowd necessary for a successful meeting. The track was in excellent order, and carrifld a fine sole of rrass, providing the best going seen at any meeting the writer has attpnded this season. Fields were of 4 satisfactory size throughout the meeting and might have been still better but some owners withdrew their horses even after they had accepted for them. ho racing throughout was rather interesting, and close finishes had on several occasions to be decided by Mr J. Cameron, who occupied the box and gave unquestioned decisions. Tho appearance of several New Zealand Cup candidates lent a tone to the quality engaged in some of the fields, even though they did not shape with a dash calculated to bring them into extra favour for the big handicap to be decided at. Riwarton next month. On the first day, Red Wink, Tarleton, Malaga, Heather Lad. and Ca: pentier were in the field saddled for the principal event. Carpentier just got the verdict from Happy Days, whilst the other candidates failed to reach a place. A more reliable test was supplied by the Oamaru Cup, run over a mile and a-quarter. On this occasion Malaga dropped out and Kilfane joined the fie'H. Heather Lad scored and staved on well when he won from Kilfane, whilst Tarleton, who looked dangerous down tho running, failed to come on as they breasted tho rise to the post. Red Wink was going well in the earlv part of the race, but tho ark**, .mi . - » «b rvMiaatier beemed to anchor

him, even though the distance was generally considered more in his favour than on the first day. At Riccarton Kilfane will bo meeting Heather Lad on 161 b terms, Tarleton meets him on 151 b, Red Wink on 151 b, and Carnentier comes in on 101 b better terms, so that there seems no necessity to increase Heather Lad's poundage at Riccarton. The Oamaru Cup was a fastrun race, and is. from a timo point of view, one of the best put up on the track. First Glance holds the record at 2.5 1-5. Kilfane won over the distance last year in 2.6, and Heather Lad comes next with 2.6 1-5. Kilfane meets Tarleton on 91b better terms at Riccarton, and, regarded as a trial, the Killena gelding reads the best of the lot, as on paper he should beat all he met in the Oamaru Cup. Still, Heather Lad could do more than win, and although under pressure, was going on and displaying no signs of shirking his task. He was remarkably well handled by a newcomer in B. Rosen, who in a couple of races easily proved himself a welcome addition to our ranks of lightweights. THE COLOUR QUESTION. A northern contemporary recently stated that Absurd's stock could not stay because ihey did not receive opportunity to do so. It is recognised in England that chestnuts left by Sundridgo were sprinters pure and simple, and that any stayers he got were generally bays. Absurd got a handsome colt in Inferno, a blood-like bay, who could go very fast, but so far has proved very deficient in stamina, even though he stretched out Count Cavour in the New Zealand Derby. In fact, without going into further particulars in that direction, the general student of breeding would readily admit that Absurd has not, and possibly cannot, get a stayer. On the other hand, wo have a Sundridge horse in Sunny Lake, also a chestnut, who got Sunart, the winner of the last New Zealand Cup. Wanganui Cup, and other races run beyond a milo and three furlongs. Our contemporary, by the way, appeared to overlook Sunny Lake in the reference to Sundridge horses. It seems a strange fact that the colour of a sire's stock should indicate their merit as sprinters and stayers. For instance, Clanranald, a chestnut, had as his best stayers two bays in. Masterpiece and Glenaladale —about the only real stayers he got perhaps, apart from another bay in Glenculloch. Cannie Chiel was about the best of, his chestnut stayers, but he failed in the Great Autumn Handicap, when more fancied for the race than his bay stable mate Glenaladale. As a rule, all the chestnuts left by Clanranald were sprinters, and one of the best of his sprinters was a bay in Madam Madcap, who won the Jockey Club Handicap as a three-year-old. Another very noticeable instance of colour distinction is supplied by the stock of The Tetrarch. His greys are most noted for tremendous speed, but his St. Leger winners consisted of Caligula (grey), Polemarch (chestnut), and Salmon Trout (a brown horse). The colour distinction does not seem to obtain in connection with Absurd, as his stock —bays, chestnuts, and browns—seem, oven when bred from dams with staying blood, are stopped by their speed,, and their stamina ends when asked to go beyond a mile and a-quarter in good company. The Wellington Spring meeting will be opened on Saturday next. Nominations for the South Canterbury meeting are due on November 10. Apple Dighton and Comic Song may show a return to form during the Gore meeting. There is an opinion abroad that a record field will be seen out in the New Zealand Cup. It is rumoured that Happy Warrior may be taken off the schooling list and given another chance. Red Wink will have to make vast improvement on recent form to hold a chanco in the New Zealand Cup. Songbird got kicked when at the post for his race at Oamaru, and was slightly larno when brought back to the paddock. The Tractor filly Windshield is developing into a good-looking sort, and when fully tuned up she should win races. Ravenna meets Kilfane on 81b worst, terms in the Gore Cup than when they ran first and second in tho Mosgiel Handicap. Clareina was well fancied for the President's Handicap, and also in the Oamaru Cup, but she stopped on the hill each day. Bonena wont a bit sore after running ai, the Dunedin Spring meeting, and did not fulfil his engagements at the Oamaru meeting. In another week or so owners will be discovering a good many geese amongst the swans they entered for the New Zealand Cup. The injuries to Bachelor Gay are not so serious as originally thought, n.nd after h, good spell he should be ready for business again. Tarleton now looks' a much better horse than ho did this time last season, but he is not running in keeping with his improved appearance. J. M'Comfee struck his horses out of their Oamaru engagements because ho could not get his team homo until tho following Monday if ho had come south. Tho most notable thing about some of the short races at Oamaru was the tremendous amount of trouble which some of the horses gave at the post. The special race train to Oamaru from Dunedin was very poorly patronised from this end. Dunedin seems to be a groat place'for stay-at-home sports. J. Beale was unable to ride at the Oamaru meeting owing to illness. He has been suffering from some internal complaint, whioh may necessitate an operation. Dancing Days can still go very fast, but not very far. Siho, however, made play at a good pace for a,bout a mile in the Oamaru Cup. .. It is understood that the Dunedin spring meeting resulted in a loss of about £6OO, or about £2OO less than the previous spring meeting held at Wingatui. Clontarf ran well last week, although not good enough to win. Ho has a good turn of speed over a short course, and it, seems as if he should be kept to that Kilfane ran a good solid race in the Oamaru Cup, but could not concede 231 b to Heather Lad, who, however, had to be ridden out to keep clear of the Killena tjeld'ng. It is understood that L. J. Ellis will have the mount on Ravenna in tho New Zealand Cup. Ho is probably tho most diminutive jockey in the world, as his legs can hardly span "a saddle-flap. Uncle Bob did not act with any dash at Oamaru, and those who knew him in tho North Island declare that tho more he is trained and treated like a racehorse the less he runs up to the part. Zaragoza was finishing on at Oamaru, and got up in timo to cut Uleaiborg out of second place in the Grange Handicap. The half-sister to Malaga may capture a win before the season grows much more. Happy Days has made a complete recovery from the trouble following a hoof getting pricked by a northern blacksmith. He ran an excellent race at Oamaru, when he came within an ace of scoring a win. The excellent programme issued for the Forbury Park Trotting Club's spring meeting is attracting attention in light harness sporting circles. The meeting will take place shortly after tho opening of tho Big Exhibition.

The new combination as trainers in A. and F. Trilford saddled up their first winner in Moorland, who won last week. Tho boys promise to “follow in father’s footsteps,” and turn out winners for patrons of their stables. The Banker, who is one of the ruling fancies for the New Zealand Cup, and claimed to bo a great stayer, was got by Kilbroney from Vonville, by Bomform— Garston, 'by Birkenhead—Lullaby, by Apromont —Hammock. A special sale of imported bloodstock will be held by Messrs Pyne, Gould, and Guinness during the New Zealand Cup meeting. The list includes seven fillies by successful sires, and a three-year-old colt by Grosvenor—Rosey, by Ladas. ' Bright Mark seems to have improved beyond all expectations since going into G. Foilcling’s stable. She ran two really good races at Oamaru, and shaped well in better company than one could accord her a chance with a few months ago. Red Wink had two races at Oamaru, and ' they should help to sharpen him up for future engagements. He, however, shaped a bit disappointingly, and was in consequence struck out of all his engagements at the Wellington spring meeting. Malaga is still running a good deal away from form, but is improving in racing condition. He, however, is not getting any younger, as he was foaled in 1917. and perhaps has become a bit tired of tho game, oven though holding all his speed. Fulmar was galloping on at tho end of his race on tho second day at Oamaru, and seems to be training on. There is a sturdily-built half-brother to him by Paper Money who should attract competition when ho goes under tho hammer in November. Tarleton looks in fine shape now, and has been improving all through the season. Still, he has not been running up to expectations so far, and will have to train on well during tho next two or_ three weeks to grow in favour for tho New Zealand Cup. , .... • • Solferino s stock continued in winning habit at Oamaru, where Volant won a double. Los Ambus also won, and put up a good second under 9.13 on tho second day. One of the most promising sorts seen out at tho meeting is tho three-year-old filly, Solroeo.

J. H. White has left for Wellington with All Style, Real Glad, and Jolly Glad. The well-named His Majesty (Kilbroney— Bebc) landed a oouplo of races at Oamaru, and won so well on each occasion that lie should continue to follow a winning groove. He cost 1000 guineas as a yearling, but was purchased by his present owner at ICO guineas. An acceptance is due on October 23 for the G..T.G. Stewards’ Handicap. A further payment is due on the same date for the N.Z. Cup. and first forfeits must bo declared for Welcome Stakes, Derby and Oaks, final payments for all the above events fall due on Monday, November 2. On the eve of being taken to Oamaru, Heather Lad’s bit broke whilst doing a gallop at Wingatui, and he bolted three circuits before Ixfitig stopped by a rider on a. hack. This mishap took some of the steel out of him for his first race at the meeting, but he went down with renewed dash in his preliminary on the second day and won his race. Heather Lad was ridden at Oamaru by the Australian rider B. Rosen, and the thoroughly capable manner in which ho handled his mount at once attracted the attention of those who saw him in the saddle for the first time. Rosen can ride 7.2, and hir excellent horsemanship would get him plenty of mounts if he elected to attend South Island meetings. The Orari trainer J. Thistle-ton pulled off a nice win when he won with Blazes at Oamaru, and incidentally landed a good dividend. Blazes has improved very much .since he was last seen in public, and gave a fine exhibition of quick hurdling. Ho also ran a good race on the second day. but the very substantial rise of 171 b anchored the little chap. Reports from the north state that Pedro Pronto, who was one of (ho ruling favourites for the Trotting Cup, has broken down. Handicaps for the Timaru Trotting Club’s mooting will be issued on October 27, and acceptances must bo declared by owners on October 23. Those interested should note the brief period between the two dates mentioned above.

Los Ambus continues to do very good service for his owner, and was in winning groove at Oamaru. The Solferino gelding has won three races this season, and this brings his winning total up to 10. He, like most of Solferino's stock, continues to improve in what might be called both form and figure, and now fills the eye as a hotter horse than ever.

Lisogne did not jump too well on tho first day at Oamaru, but it was quite a sight to seo her and Blazes sailing over tho hurdles on the second day of tho mooting. Both these horses are on the small side, and not likely to act well except under a light weight. 'Still, both of them can streak along over the hurdle? and make the top-weights carry their loud. A rather nice cut of a three-year-old chestnut filly in Solrose showed a lot of speed in her races at Oamaru, and all going well looks sure to pick up a stake. She is a wcll-groWn half-sister, by Solferino, to Sun Up, and when in racing shape should be worthy of note. Her race on the first day upset her a little, and sho in consequence got loft at the barrier on tho second day. Moorland received a bad passage in his race on the first day at Oamaru, and did well to finish third under the circumstances. Ho ran well on the second day, when he had, however, a very big pull in tho weights with Los Ambus, who was all out to beat him three-parts of a length at Geraldine. At Oamaru Moorland was meeting Los Ambus on no less than 171 b bettor terms. Rather substantial increases of burden was bestowed on tho winners on tho first clay at Oamaru. Blazes was lifted 171 b for winning tho .Spring Hurdles, Carpentier went up 14lb for his win in the President’s Handicap, Los Ambus went up from 9.1 to 9.13 for his win in tho Flying Handicap, and Volant went up 141 b for his win, 'but in this latter case it failed to stop him from winning again. Carpentier, who won the principal event on the first card of tho Oamaru meeting, did not win a race last season, although gaining a place four times out of nine starts. He is a raking big chap, and should race better this season as a iivo-year-old now that ho has displayed evidence of coming to the full strength of his big frame. His dam has not produced much of note except Kilrain, who was a good horse in his day, but Carpentier may help to build up the family reputation. ihoro should ho some particularly interesting racing at Trent ham on Saturday and Monday next, when several of the best horses in training are likely to be seen in action. Amongst them will be Gold Light, Nigger Minstrel, Rapine, Runnymede, and a long array of handicap horses. In addition, tho Carbines in embryo will sport silk in the Wellesley Stakes. Gold Light and Nigger Minstrel will have an opportunity of meeting in (he Champion Plate, and it should be an interesting battle if, as some claim, that the ebony troubadour is a better racer than his famous sister Desert ’Gold, who cut such a wide swath on tho turf during her racing career.

There vail bo plenty of sport to occupy attention during the next week. The principal fixture of the moment will take place at Trentham, where the Wellington Spring meeting will take place on Saturday and Monday next. The (lore Racing Club’s Spring meeting will take place on Monday and Wednesday next. Many will attend the Oaniarn Trotting Chib's meeting, as they can travel on the sumo day lip and back from the White City by train. On Saturday next (ho Works Committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club will visit Wingatui, and, amongst other thing's, will consider the question of laying down a winter (rack. When considering the matter, it should ho remembered that some of the very best horses brought down for the Spring meeting ran considerably below expectations, because they “could not net in the going.’’ The quoted words were frequently heard expressed by visiting trainers, whose opinion surely carries a great deal of weight. The going on which visiting horses could not act on is considered by some people quite good enough for our local trainers to train their horses. Just let those who deem it unnecessary to lay down a, winter track ponder over that, aspect of the question. Heather Lad, the winner of the Oamaru Cup, was got by Gay Lad from Heather Dow, by Dirk Hammerhand —The Gift, by Ravcnscraig—Flying Fish, by Malton Spray. He seems to throw to Dirk Hiunmerhand, who was a tine type of a thoroughbred that once look first prize at the Melbourne Agricultural Show before he found his way to Now Zealand. Dirk Ham-, merhand was a good performer in Australia, where he won the Adelaide St. Roger, but did not receive much stud opportunity in New Zealand, although he got a really, good hurdler in Slaney. A good hurdler in Red Gown is, by the way. a half-sister to Heather Lad. Dirk Hammerhand was got by Carlyon (son of Chester) from Lady Doris, by Neokersgat—Emily, by Lecturer. When one read -about this or that having a good chance in the Melbourne Cup, Loughrca was invariably missing from the calculations. If the Kilhroncy gelding had been landed at the post fit and well ho would have taken a tremendous lot of beating. It is very doutbful, indeed, if anything handicapped above him could give away weight and a beating. When, however it was announced that Loughrca would run at the Dunedin Spring meeting, even if sent to Australia, that seemed to be an end to his chance, as ho would require 10 oe easily a world-beater to leave Dunedin soon after the Bth or 10th of October and win the Melbourne Cup on November o. The crack Kilbroney gelding, however, na.-> been put out of training, and that encis nil, dreams of a Melbourne Cup win for him th After a playing up for some considerable time when at the post tor the Grange Handicap, Cornflower s rider dismounted, and the held was sent away without her Apparently she had been ordered out of the field. Some of those present apparently thought this was a rather drastic method of dealing with the marc Still, it is the only wav of dealing with horses that cannot ho dragged up to the hairier. I nder Ihe Rules of Racing there is no express authority bestowed on a starter or a steward at the post to order a horse back to the paddock. On the other hand, a starter cannot waste nil the day m an effort to get a fractious horse up to the barrier. Authority to order a fractious horse back to the paddock could bo assumed under Rule 5, Part XXIV which states: “The starter’s decision shall bo final except in ease of a start in front of tlio starting post, or on a wrong course, cr before the appointed time. ‘the si.arter’s decision shall be final’ is open to an interpretation that a starter can order a horse, away from the rest of the field if ho has sufficient grounds for doing so.