NOTES FROM RICCARTON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23351, 17 November 1937, Page 17

NOTES FROM RICCARTON

(Special to Daily Times) CHRISTCHURCH. Nov. 16. After the bustle of race week, Riccarton is unusually quiet. All the visiting trainers have gone home with their horses, the last leaving for the North Island last night. The local teams are all having an easy time. Some of the horses arc showing signs of soreness, due to recent exertions on hard ground, and even those that came through the campaign without even minor trouble will benefit from a short rest. Ashburton will claim attention at the end of next week, with Hororata to follow a fortnight later, but for many horses there will be no more racing until the Christmas and New Year holidays, when Riccarton stables will have their customary representation in all parts of the Dominion. F. D. Jones expects to have three of his team for the Auckland meeting. Cerne Abbas will have the Auckland Cup as her main objective, and Royal Chief will be on hand for the Northern Derby. The two-year-old Protector, though still showing signs of the cold that prevented him from racing here, is on tne mend, and Jones hopes he will be able to accompany the other pair.

H. and A. Cutts have not completed their plans for the holidays. Their horses came through their recent racing in good health, and if they continue to do well during the next few weeks some may be at Auckland. C.C. McCarthy has Argentic on the easy list, but contemplates another trip to Auckland, where he was second last season in the Auckland Cup and the Clifford Plate, beaten by Cuddle in each race.

T. H. Gillettvhas shortened his team. Greek Shephera* has gone to Mr L. J. Fechney's farm near Ashburton, where he will have a light stud season, after which he may be tried again for racing when the tracks become easier. Concertpitch is to go home to Longbeach, where he will be spelled for a couple of months. His best form has always been shown in the autumn. Pelmet showed improved form in her recent win. Her next appearance will be made at Ashburton, where Love Affair, Dividend, and Shooting Star may be in action. The team includes only one two-year-old. Spartan, by Iliad from Dame Straitlace. He is a big fellow, and is not being hurried, though he may be given a race in February. Flashlight, the only jumper in work, is going along quietly, with a view to hurdle races in the autumn as a preliminary to a winter campaign over country.