SPORTING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20290, 24 December 1927, Page 8

SPORTING.

RACING NEWS. FIXTURES. Dec. 26, 27.-Dunedin J.C. Dec. 26, 27. —Westland R.C. Deo. 26, 27 —Taranaki J.C. Deo 26 27. 29. —Manawatu R.C. Dec. 26 r 28, Jan. 2, 3.-Auckland R.C. Dec. 30, 31, Jan 2.—Greymouth J.C. Deo. 31. Jan 2.—Wairarapa R.C January 2. —Wyndham R.C. January 2. —Waikouaiti R.C. January 2, 3.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. January 2, 3. —Stratford R.C. January 2, 3. —Marton J.C. January 3, 4. —Southland R.C. January 6,7, Reefton J.C. January 7, 9. — Vincent J.C. Jan. 12, 14—Dargaville R.C. Summer Jan. 14—Ashburton County R.C. Summei. Jan. 21. 23—Foxton R.C. Annual. Feb. I,—Tapanui R.C. Annual. Feb. 23. 25 —Nelson J.C. Annual. THE DUNEDIN SPRING MEETING. The Dunedin Jockey Club’s summer meeting will take place on Monday and Tuesday next and although the final gallops at Wingatui, which take place to-day, may prove instructive, many form their opinions without consideration of track work, handicapping or anything except their own more or less lucky inspiration. , A field of eight remain in the Otago Handicap, and in the light of recent success supporting previous good form, Set Sail is sure of a strong following. She has a good big weight and success will not help her chance in more valuable events to be decided in the near future. And viewed in that light her owner is worthy of congratulation on the sportsmanship which finds Set Sail amongst the acceptors and apparently booked as sure to take her chance in the race. Set Sail was possibly a bit short of work when she ran at the New Zealand Cup meeting, and certainly looked a better mare when she completed her dual success at Timaru. She now is shaping on the track as if the apex of form has y6t to be reached. Nevertheless it may be of interest to dance through the present strength of the field in the Otago Handicap. The form has to be picked up with the Fendalton Handicap run on the last day of the New Zealand Cup meeting. In that race Pink Note made, perhaps injudiciously, most of the running, but nevertheless finished in front of Set Sail, who had every advantage with Emerson in the saddle, and who is finally considerate and wise enough not to knock a mount about when beaten. Countersign was right at the tail of this field five furlongs from home, and finally finished third. And Taboo, after being conspicuous with Pink Note in the early stages, dropped right out of the picture. The handicaps in the Fendalton read; Set Sail 8.2, Taboo 7.10, Pink Note 7.6, and Countersign 7.4. Taboo and Pink Note meet Countersign on 51b better terms and the Paper Money’ filly meets the top weight on 41b better terms. With a better run Countersign would have been very near a winner in the Fendalton, and so with 41b in her favour must have a good chance of repeating the beating she administered to Set Sail at Riccarton. Set Sail came on. to Timaru and won a double, but she was lucky to beat Ark Royal, who ran her to a head and comes in on 41b better terms oyer the, same distance. Ark Royal did not show a semblance of his best form whan he ran in the Oamaru Cup. and consequently both he and Countersign have a good chance of beating the top weight whose increase to 9.8 accentuates the noundage against her far more than that to bo carried by her most stalwart opponents on paper. John Brpdbury react well treated through Pink Note on their form last season and one has. to travel back, at times, to where form first commenced to link up.' Let ,c suffice to say that John Bradbury has better form to his credit over a mile and a-quarter than Pink Note can show. John Bradbury also reads well through Queen Balboa to whom he gave more weight and a beating at Winton than what will be between them on Monday next. Still, Queen Balboa is not regarded as badly treated because she has been allotted as little as possible. Wingatui ran third in the Oamaru Cup, and it will bo remembered that she won the King George Handicap run at the Dunedin winter meeting. The brief glance at form will enable some to fresh their memory and a final summing up of the situation from all points of consideration may result in Countersign, Pink Note, and Ark Royal being the order of favouritism in what promises to prove an interesting race. Circulation and Solrose look sure to be backed for the Federal Handicap, in which Gay Sonnet may prove the best of the light-weights. The Dunedin Handicap should be an interesting race, and providing that they do not prove barrier-shy, Dunblane and Phaster may be supported in the hope that the two at the top ot the list cannot give them so much as the margin between them. Wharnchffe and Dubious may be popular picks foi the Sunnier Hurdles, and Luminant and Money Peer selected as most likely to stay of those in the Salisbury Handicap. Wayward and Court Jester have more to their credit than the rest of those engaged in the Trial Stakes, and Good as Gold appears to have scared most of those ol the opposition out of the Burnside Handicap. Good as Gold, Money Peer, and Brightling ran at even weights at the Oamaru meeting, when the first-named slipped her field and gave nothing a chance. Money Mine meets her at 41b and Brightling at 71b better terms. Rotor appears to be the danger to Good as Gold. Royal Saxon and Schottischo “ cut each other’s throats ” in the Farewell Handicap run at the Oamaru meeting, and the former stayed on into a good third behind Overdrawn and Gay Sonnet. Royal Saxon appears to hold Schottische safe m meeting her on the same terms in the Otokia Handicap, and may be found disputing favouritism with Nincompoop, whilst Black Duke may also bo expected to lend interest to the race. It was beautifully fine at Wingatui yesterday morning, and, in fact, it became rather warm towards midday. The heat of a strong sun was working a beneficial effect on the course, which is rapidly becoming quite firm and should provide excellent going for the opening of the summer meeting, which starts on Monday next.

A large number of horses were worked during the morning, but with two or three exceptions they were restricted to steady work. Set Sail and Lucy Locket were allotted nice striding work over a couple of circuits and came along at a fairly solid pace in the run home. Ark Royal, Whitirangi, and Appian Way also got through fairly strong work in s " twiceround ” task, with a rattle down the straight. Overhaul drew away from King Sol at the end of six furlongs, which the former ran out in Imin 21sec. Gay Sonnet got through the only other gallop by covering five furlongs in Imin 6 l-psoc. All the horses engaged at the holiday meetings to be held next week are at headquarters, and include recent arrivals in Countersign, Rotor, Alerivale, Amorist, Court Jester, Luminant, Dubious, Nincompoop, Sir Roy, Koauau, Red Jazz, and Wayward. The balance of the southern horses engaged were expected to arrive during the day. The chestnut filly Luminant, who is engaged in the Salisbury Handicap, started once last season as a two-year-old without troubling the judge. This season she was unplaced at the Ashburton spring meeting and then won the High-weight Handicap, run over a mile at the North Canterbury meeting. She carried 9st, and won in heavy going from Shandre 9st 10!b. No Response 9st, and nine others. the Banks Peninsula spring meeting Luminant won the Trial Stakes, Sst each over seven furlongs, from Princess Mafalda. Donne, Beaming, Quarterdeck, Wreath of Myrtle, St. Nicholas, Spearman, and Motion. _ She won* by a neck in Imin 34sec. Luminant was got by Thurnham from Sunglow, a sister to Boniform, and the dam of Many Kittle and others of lesser note. Until he raced on the flat on Saturday last Wharncliffo has not been placed over hurdles since Dubious beat him at the Dunedin spring moeting ; when he carried 12.2, and ran the La Notto gelding to a length in a track record of 3min 17 4-osec. Dubious has been dropped 6lb and Wharneliffe 31b in the Summer Hurdles, and bo the latter has a bit the worst of it on paper. Dubious was subsequently twice unplaced over hurdles, and again in a high-weight handicap run at the New Zealand Cup meeting. It is, and always has been, a most remarkable fact that whilst handicaps are the basis of racing in Now Zealand, practically nothing knowledgable in the way of criticism can even be heard concerning them. Perhaps it is because owners’ recent attention being bestowed on their favourably handicapped horses, or because handicappcrs object to opinions about, adjustments which point to a flaw indicating possible winners. Stewards of a club strongly object to any criticism of themselves or their club’s officials as servants o£ the sporting public. It must not be

forgotten that racing is kept alive by difference of opinion, and if unifomity existed the game would perish. No one should object to criticism which points out mistakes, and so endeavours to kill their repetitions. Many are silent for purely diplomatic reasons, or principally because they do not know what is going on under their official supervision. Rumours of a ring are again abroad concerning racing in the North Island. There is also a rumour that a strong combination with more “ points ” than a ring has been at work in the South Island.

Grand Knight is one of the beat handicapped horses ever seen in a race. Strange to say, his name seems to have escaped notice in the Auckland Cup, despite the fact that he recently beat Footfall at even terms in the Stead Gold Cup. Cimabue and Money Order will help to carry on the speed in the Railway Handicap. Money Order generally gallops under a strong hold, but there will not be much of it necessary when Gascony and Paperchase are on the scene, and the change may unballance speed usually accustomed to be held in strong reserve. At the New Zealand Cup meeting Childsplay won easily in .59 2-ssec. At the same meeting Staghunter also won easily with 8.4 in 59sec. Staghunter improved rapidly from the Wellington spring meeting to that at Kiccarton, and over an extra furlong may give the filly a lot of trouble, because he has most scope for improvement. Staghunter is reported to have improved since he won at the New Zealand Cup meeting. He may give trouble to Childsplay in the Foal Stakes. Mr H. Halligan is supervising the training of C. Giesler’s team during the latter’s absence in the north. T. Metcalf has been booked to ride for Mr R. A. M'Kenzie’s stable at the Manawatu Cup meeting, and will probably be on Clarinda in the principal event.

The “men of observation" at Ellerslie have apparently -not yet been hit in the eye by Battlement and Receipt.. W. Brown is to have the mount on Battlement in the Auckland' Cup.

Paperchase will be piloted by W. Jones in the Railway Handicap. T. Green may have the mount on Gascony in the Railway Handicap.

S. Henderson will have the mount on Grand Knight and Cimabue on the first day of the Auckland Cup meeting.

TROTTING

FIXTURES. - December 26.—Ashburton T.C. December 26, 27.—Westport T.C. December 26, 27.--South Wairarapa. December 26.—Gore T.C. December 29.—Winton T.C. December* 27, 89. 31.—Auckland T.C. January 2.—Waikouaiti (two events). January 2. —Wyndham R.C. (two events). January 2, 3.—Canterbury Park T.C. Summer January 3. —Westland T.C. Annual. January 3, 4.—S. R. Meeting (four events). Light harness enthusiasts will have plenty to occupy their attention within the next week or so. In the South Island the Gore Trotting Club’s meeting and the Ashburton Trotting Club’s*meeting will both draw plenty of patronage on Boxing Day. Excellent fields figure on both cards, and keen interest will also be taken in the Auckland Trotting ‘Cup, where Great Bingen may be found troubling the Bryce bracket. yueen’s Own is reported to bo looking in goOd racing shape. Audobell never carries any condition, but he has a good turn of speed, and goes better than his appearance suggests. He is travelling well m his work at present. Searchlight Lad, who won at New Bngfi ton, is now being worked under saddle. Among the horses engaged in the slow class trotters events at the Auckland summer meeting is Bingen Boy, a six-year-old brother to those good horses Nelson Derby and Nelson Fame. Bingen Boy put up a rather remarkable performance at Gisborne last season, says an Auckland paper, when ho ran second in the trotters’ event then came out in the next race with the straps on and won easily. Hie is owned by R. Fisken, who also owns that good trotter Peterwah. The Waikato Trotting Club’s December meeting turned in a profit of 900sovs._ The leading event at the next meeting will be the Waikato Trotting Cup, of 600sovs. with a 75sovs gold cup, for a 4.36 class. Nelson Tasker has been pleasing the track watchers at Auckland. Although Nelson Fame has, except on one occasion, and then in moderate company. failed badly each time he has attempted to go two miles, he has been paid up for in the Grandstand Handciap. The limit is 4.38, and S. August’s charge is on 72 yards, or 4.32. Seeing that on the occasion, says “ Orion,” he was handicapped on 4.28, he looks well treated but oven so he is not likely to be fancied. The crack trotter Peterwah is reported to be looking particularly well at the present time.

Napland is now said to be looking much lighter in condition than when trained by W. J. Tomkinson.

Last season’s crack three-year-old Great Peter, whose victories included the Great Northern Trotting Derby and the Now Zealand Champion Stakes, has not yet raced this season, and he is evidently going to have an easy season. It is possible, says an exchange, however, that he may be seen out at the Auckland summer meeting, as he is entered for the Tramway Handicap, one mile and a-quarter. on the second day.

NEW STARTING DEVICE,

PJVERSDALE INVENTION. (From Orb Own Correspondent.) GORE, December 23. A trial of a new starting invention for trotting races was given at Lynch Bros.’ propetry adjacent to Riversdale on Wednesday. There was a good attendance of owners and trainers, amongst whom was present Air J. E. Cuthill, secretary of the Southland Centre. The invention is that of Air John Curry (a well-known athlete in his day, and also an enthusiast in the light harness sport, and known as the owner of Wild Bill and Bessie Alac). He had gone to considerable trouble in erecting a working model of his invention, and its appearance, though crude, gave promise of receiving early attention by the authorities concerned.

Among those present at the demonstration were Alessrs J. J. APAlath, D. Kerr, VV. H. Aluir, and J. Al'Cubbin, and others occupied in training operations in the district. Air J. B. Thomson, a member of the Trotting Association, was also present. ' , Air T. APAlath, speaking on behalf of the inventor, stated that there was a great deal of controversy over the standing starting system, as the difficulty was in getting horses away from their marks. The device overcame this, an;d every horse had a fair chance of getting away well. Among the horses present that day were many of the worst starters, and although the device was crude, the inventor’s intention was to have worked it by electricity, and in such a manner that all noise would be eliminated. The idea underlying the invention contemplates the provision of moving platforms (which may be on rails and actuated by any suitable source of power), coupled together, the platforms being spaced at suitable intervals apart, according to handicaps, and opposite which each horse or horses on a handicap move in line with the moving platforms, until on all the horses being in line, assistant starters located on each platform having indicated to the chief starter that the horses are in starting position, the starting position is given by the chief starter, and all the horses commence at once f rom their respective positions. Various coloured flags may be used in connection with each platform, and by the assistant starter in charge, to identify the positions and avoid risk of coiffusion. if a horse gets left at the mark it can catch up to its proper platform while the latter is in motion, so as to ensure all starting at the same time at their respective handicaps. It will be understood that the object is to give all horses a moving start. The platforms may travel at about 12 to 15 miles per hour, but this may be varied as circumstances direct.

A description of the device may lie given as follows;—Erected over the course is a bridge-likc frame, such being made of suitable material, and preferably divided into six equal distant sections, each having its own platform on which the assistant starters stand ami conveniently watch the horses in their particular section. The frame and platform are mounted on wheels running on rails, each section having its own distinctive colour shown by side curtains and a flag. Tim chief starter ie located on a stand near

the hauling engine, about 200 yards down the course, and in a position to see the assistant starters. The horses are arranged alongside their respective colours according to the handicaps, and upon the signal being given that the horses are in position, the engine is started, and hauls the frame and by cable along the rails towards the main starter at the prescribed speed. The horses move with the frame, keeping abreast of their colour. Any horse making a bad start is able to catch up its section in the interval between the start of the apparatus and its arrival at the position of the mam starter. The apparatus then stops, but a moving start has been given, and the correct handicaps maintained by the distance between the sections. Several demonstrations were given, and impressed those present, and the future of the invention augurs well for Mr Curry. Patent rights have been taken out in Now Zealand and Australia.

WYNDHAM ACCEPTANCES. (Per United Association.) INVERCARGILL, December 23. The following acceptances have been received for the Wyudham Racing Club’.s annual meeting on January 2: New Year Hurdle of ivosovs. One rniio and five furlongs.—Koauan 11.5, Kaikahu 11.3, Coastguard 10.13, Dubious 10.13, Cartoon 1C.9, Aatpo 9.H. Captain Sarto 9.11. Thistlccrown 9.9, Jack o’ Lantern 9.5, Tholomon 9.0, Bloom 9.0, Royal Head 9.0. Tnnamoe 9.0, Olympia 9.0. Trial Plato Handicap, of USsovs. Five furlongs.—Coomassie 9.0, Court Jester 8.7, Thcssaby 8.7, Cupid’s Dart 8.0, Zola man 8.0, Some Form 8.0, Red Racer 8.0, Insolence 8.0, Attractive 8.0, Lady feoldon 8.0, Wayward 8.0, Traction 1 8.0, Lady Springmead 8.0. Victory Trot Handicap (harness), of lob sovs. One mile and five furlongs.—Royal Sun, Wee Spark, Young Bingen, Morning Chimes, Sunspot, Curfew Boy, Needles, Ardooh Bells, Jolly Maid, Quo Vadis, Erin’s Oown scr, Sea Hawk 24yds bhd, Bricklayer. Revolt 36, Sunshower 48, Slump, Drake, Golden Dawn 60 Wyndham Cup Handicap, of SOOsovs and cup, valued £SO. One mile and a-quartor. —Baldowa 8.8, Taboo 8.5, Circulation 8.4, Overhaul 8.2. Pink Note 8,2, Overdrawn 8.1, Sol rose 7.13, Wingatui 7.9, Battle Colours 7.3. Bilbo 7.0, Equerry 7.0. Mimihau Hack Handicap, of ISOsovs. Six furlongs.—Strathnavor 8.8. Sparkling Eyes 8.1, Takafea 7.10, Ace of Hearts 7.8 Battle Flag 7.6, King Cup 7.0, Ladv Wmton 7.0, Wnvward 7.0, Amorist 7.0. President’s Handiacp. of 220sovs. Six furlongs.— Booster 9.8. Solrose 8.9. Nincompoop 8.1. Moorland 7.13 Miss Wmkio 7.7. Briffhtmark 7.0, Frivol 7.0, Spearmaid 7.0, Bugle Note 7.0. n Diners’ Saddle Trot, of 145aovs. One mile "and a-half Sunllro Carnllon, Overture, Sunspot, Master M Gnnth, Grace Bingen, Continuance, Beta M'Kmncy scr, Wee Spark. Princess Thorpe, Sunstorm. Winnie Chrysler 12yds bhd. Maybird 24, Bue>. Up. Red Abbey. Osar 48. Visitors’ Hack Handicap, of I6osovs. One mile.—Strathnaver 8.9. Divimal 8.5, Arrowy 81 Piton 7.12. Red Leaf 7.8, Navy Cut i.Z, Eyed Ova 7.3. El Nidn 7.3.

GREYMOUTH TROTTING CLUB. ,Peb United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 23 The following handicaps have been declared for the Greymouth Trotting Club’s m Weßtfand Handicap, of 125sova. Twelve furlongs and a-half, {Op©»).““Real Light, Avon Wood, Author Wood, Don Logan, lona Logan, Jean Dillon, Cawthorne, Challenger, Tumatakuru, Vesuvius, Bush Light, Anon Plain Bill, Charlie Lincoln, Afton Waters. Proud Pointer, Lady Brent, Rose Marie, Haeranga Pai Audience. Myrtle Dillon, Pet Locanda, Waiana, Hilda Oront, Dundas Boy, Kawana, Bessie Dillon scr, Queen’s Ferry, Val Logan, Kanieri 12yds bhd, Bingen Wood. Audubon Lad 24, Sylvie Logan 48, La Sonette 84. Railway Handicap, of 150sovs. Class 3. Ten furlongs and a-half.—Auto, Mac Dillon, Greataux, Thorpie Rap, Great Audi, Pageant, Electric Huon, Petromus, Verna re. La Sonette, Meritor, Harina scr, Royal Autheress, Bertha Bingen, Lady Minto, Locanda Maid 12yds bhd, Horotana 24, Kreisler, Hope Dillon 36, Logan Lad 48.

Dunollie Handicap, of l2ssova. Ten furlongs and a-half.—-Whispering Boy, Page Bingen, Rothrino, Merrijiggs, Eva Reta, Dipnoi, Author Thorpe, Rosie Nelson, King Elect scr, Royal Review, Kitty Patch, Golden Spray, Prudent Child 12yds bhd, To Repa, Mat Audubon, Miss Wilkes 24, Taipoiti, Tidewater, Great Elect, Peter Felix, Connie Audubon 60, Comfort, Oval 72. Grey Trotting Club Cup, of 400sovs. Class 4.44. Two miles.—Locanda Boy, Vesuvius, Donard, Panto, Avonwqod, Mao Dillon, Okoura, Wairua, Wineberry, Petronius, Sarolla, Kreisler, Nipper, Wee Gus scr, Nourmahal, Shadowland, Bankhead, Sungloam, Jackie Audubon, Rapier 12yds bhd, Audobell 24, Transport, Orphan 36, Acre 60, Daphne do Oro, Haunui 84. Victoria Park Handicap, ’of 145sovs. Cass 3.40. Twelve furlongs and a-half.— Queen’s Ferry, Challenger, Avon Wood, Author Wood, Dan Logan, Logan Dillon, Real Light, Sylvie Logan, Tumatakuru, Val Logan,' Charlie Lincoln, Tommy Dillon, Afton Waters, Lady Brent, Bingen Wood, Rose Marie, Haeranga Pai, Audience, Electric Huon, Nigger Minstrel, Writer, Allanora, Dundas Boy, Kawana scr, Routine 12yds bhd, Audsoy Dillon, Sedmcre, Mentor 24, Thorpie, La Sonette 36, Wineberry, Actor 48. President’s Handicap (saddle) of 155sovs. Class 2.23. Eight furlongs and ahalf.—Mentor, Auto Royal. Authoress, Du Maurior, Qreateaux, The Thistle, Bush King, Bertha Bingen, Rap, Rochdale, Great Audo, Pageant, Lady Minto, Venarc, Sedmcre, Locanda Maid, Alpha L MKeuric Girl, Harina scr, Expedient 12yds bhd, Kreisler, Jean M’Elwyn,. Harley Dillon, Panto, Kyana 24. Sahib 48, Aero 72. • . , County Handicap, of 200sovs Class 5. Sixteen furlongs and a-half. Whispering Boy, Quickfire, Page Bingen, Mat Audobon, Peter Fashion, Eva Beta, Miss Wilkin Proud Mac, Kitty Patch, Golden Spray,'Te Repa, Dipnoi, Author Lhorpo, King Elect, Nelson Wood scr, lamoiti, Peter Eyre, Direct E.oct, I eter 1 ehx, Tidewater, Connie Audubon 24yds bhd, Oval. Comford 36, Louisiana 95. Paparoa Handicap, of 70sovs. Class 2.20. Eight furlongs and a-half.—Lenoia, Donard, Panto, The Thistle, Wairuna, Wee Gus, Hope Dillon, Jean M’Eiwyn, Sarella, Kreisler, Wee Audubon, Locanda Boy scr. Transport, Okoura, Bankhead, Jackie Audubon, Logan Lad, Shadowland 12y = bhd, Sahib, Nipper 24, Haunui, Daphne do bro 48.

AUCKLAND SCRATCHINGS

(Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, December 23. Phaola was scratched for all engagements at the Auckland summer meeting at 6.25 p.m. to-day.