D.J.C. SPRING MEETING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24735, 11 October 1941, Page 3

D.J.C. SPRING MEETING

THE PROSPECTS FOR TO-DAY

FOXHAVEN IN FAVOUR

The rain which fell on Thursday night changed the going at Wingatui from a fairly firm track to one a bit on the soft side. If the weather should be favourable in the meantime the going will not be deep, and should not seriously affect the action of long-striding horses. Good fields seem to be assured for the majority of events at the meeting, as arrivals include some not engaged until the second day. Horses with two engagements are left out of consideration, but will, no doubt, be in favour for their selected race. The following may be amongst those fancied for their engagements:— 12.30: SPRING »HURDLES. Merry Simon, Colonel Rouge, Flagman. 1.6: TRIAL HANDICAP. Paper Whistle, Kernel, Light Cavalry. 1.42: MAUNGATUA HANDICAP.—Sir Gundl, The Joker, Bascule, or Arabian Night. 2.18: AIR FORCE HANDICAP.—PaIfrey, Rebel Mate, Withdrawal. 2.54: CHURCHILL HANDICAP.— IceIand Spar, Doubleack. 3.30: McLEAN STAKES.—Foxhaven, • Chestnut Glow, Grilse, or Winning Flight. 4.6: OCTOBER HANDICAP. Strip, Stabilise, Night PaL 4.42: TAIOMA HANDlCAP.—Salutation, Silver Lily, Calypso. YESTERDAY’S TRACK WORK Training operations at Wingatui yesterday took place during showers. Fairly heavy rtin fell about 6.30, when the Canterbury horses were worked. The rain overnight made the going on the soft side, but unless it continues the track will not become heavy. The course proper was again open, and Iceland Spar, Palfrey, and Don’t Forget broke away at the five-furlong post, and each of the trio was going well when finishing in Imin 9 3-ssec. Arabian Night strode over five furlongs in Imin 12 3-ssec —the last half in 57 4-ssec. Foxhaven and Chestnut Glow went down to the four-furlong post, and from a moving start ran a furlong in 12 2-ssec, and, easing up, concluded half a mile on the rails in 51 2-ssec. Both youngsters are well advanced, and wifl dispute favouritism in the McLean Stakes.

Paper Whistle and Royoney covered six furlongs in imin 26 4-ssec. i Willow Wood left half a mile behind in 57 2-ssec.

Strip was travelling well throughout

Bascule.—The Foxbridge three-year-old Bascule has no form to attract attention to his chance in the Maungatua Handicap, but he has been showing improvement in his track work.

The Joker.—The Addington Handicap winner. The Joker, won on a slOw track at Rlccarton, and a repetition of the form should make him dangerous in. the .Maungatua Handicap. Arabian Night.—The Lord Quex gelding Arabian Night won well in Heavy going when he scored on the second day of the Grand National meeting, and may shape better than generally expected at Wingatui. Stud News.—Knocklong has produced a colt to Irish Lancer. Attractive Lady, the dam of Lord Nuffield, is on a visit to Irish Lancer, whose bookings will give him future opportunity to help his stud success.

Chandelier.—The Salmagundi three-year-old Chandelier had a good turn of speed when racing as a two-year-old. He has been shaping well in sprints, but would require to stay on better, and this may have been acquired with increasing age. A Difference.—Strip 9.0 beat Sham Boy 7.13 and Stabilise 8.0 in the Squatters' Handicap. On the second day Stabilise 7.11 won the President’s Handicap, and in the October Handicap has to meet Strip on 91b worse terms than when they met at Geraldine. Sir Gundi.—On Sir Gundi’s second to Palfrey in the John Grigg Stakes after being slow away at the start, he seems entitled to start favourite for the Maungatua Handicap. Raroa may shape well if started. Foxette.—Last season Foxette won twice and was placed five times in 18 starts. She finished up the season by winning the Rosewill Hack Handicap at Timaru with 8.13 in Imln 41sec. She faded in her only start this season, apparently being short of work. Night Scout.—Although Night Scout is not regarded as at his best in heavy going, he may shape well over hurdles. He has been schooling well, and so has his stablemate, Sir Hugh, who so far has been a failure over hurdles. A Good Team.—F. A. Roberts has a likely-looking team of five down for the Wingatui meeting. They all look in good shape and should more than pay their way during the season. The team consists of Salutation, Calypso, Bascule. Trapeze and Grilse.

Airline.—The Surveyor horse Airline will not fulfil his Wingatui engagements. The presence of Airline in the principal handicaps would have greatly enhanced the Interest in the racing, but he would probably have to be eased up after his rase in the Geraldine Cup. Late Arrivals.—Some of the horses engaged at Wingatui did not arrive until the eve of the meeting and it is doubtful if their chance is improved by having to race after a fairly lengthy journey. If trainers could be Induced to put in an appearance two or three days before a meeting it would greatly enhance the interest.

Hermit.—When alluding to horses that bled during their racing career the most famous case in racing history was omitted. Prior to winning the English Derby of 1867 Hermit developed bleeding, and in consequence went right out of favour for the English classic, but he won in a field of 30, and incidentally dealt a final blow to the Marquis of Hastings and terminated his meteoric career on the turf. Hermit was owned by the then Mr Henry Chaplin, whose intended bride had eloped with the Marquis of Hastings. Cataract.—The McLean Stakes candidate Cataract worked at Wingatui yesterday morning and is a well-grown grey colt—a bit on the leg. He displayed a suspicion of short action when going slow, but may move better when warmed up to his work. Cataract was got by Theio from Gaimint, by Catmint—Brightly, by Gazeley—Morie, by Mahaki—Maude, by St. Leger—Hilda, by Musket —Quida, and

half a mile in 56 4-ssec. He has improved in appearance during the past few days. Rebel Mate led a Paper Money filly over half a mile in 57sec. Silver Lily and Pianiste finished their task by going half a mile in 60 4-ssec without being extended. Winning Flight had a run along the rails. Dark Flight was trotted on the inside and then sprinted three furlongs. He strode out well, and, allowed to do his best, finished in 40 2-ssec. Dark Flight pulled up well, and did not show a recurrence of bleeding. A number of others got through more or less easy work. These included Flagman, Islay Downs, Miss Sally, Raroa, Kohara, Happy Feet. Overland Red, Cataract, Attorney, Gay Lancer, Boucaut, Bascule, Withdrawal, Trapeze, Salutation, Calypso, Gold Branch, Grilse, Dark Olga, and others engaged at the meeting. RACING NEWS By Sentinel FIXTURES October 11.—Mastertdn H.C. October 11, 13.—Dunedin J-C. ' October 11. 13.—Auckland R.C. October 18.—Otakl R.C October 18.—Stratford R.C. __ October 18.—South Canterbury J.C. October 18— Rotorua R.C. October 23. 25, 27.—Wellington R.C. October 25.—Poverty Bay H.C. October 25, 27. —Gore R.C. October 27.—North Canterbury J.C. Two Novices.—Mosglel and Auctor are two novicfe hurdlers that may show Improved form. At Tlmarn.—Acceptances for the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s meeting are due on Tuesday next. Bird of Prey.—Under her light weight, Bird of Prey should help to make a good pace In the Air Force Handicap. Rebel Mate.—With 9.10 up, Rebel Mate won the Winter Handicap In Imin 22 3-ssec—the time indicating the atate of the going. He has 8.10 to-day. A Smart Field.—Some of- those engaged In the Air Force Handicap can muster a good turn of speed, and whatever wins will not be able to loiter on the journey. Palfrey.—When concluding a gallop with Don’t Forget and Iceland Spar, Palfrey was finishing on well, and handled the going well. Iceland Spar.—Since racing at Geraldine, Iceland Spar has come on nicely, and should not fail on the score of condition at Wingatui. Retains Dash.—Although Rebel Mate is now nine years old, he retains his dash, and strode out freely when galloping yesterday morning. Doubtful Pair.—Mungatoon and Monigere are a doubtful pair, but at their est they shape well over hurdles. They may get arpongst the money, but could only attract support at a long price. Gay Lancer.—The Irish Lancer gelding Gay Lancer has been working well, but his chance would be preferred on firmer going than what is likely to be the case at ■ Wingatui.

The Trotting Cop.—Of the 19 horses nominated for the New Zealand Trotting Cup, 12 have qualified for the limit, 4min 26sec, or faster. Three—Josedale Grattan, Peter Smith and Kenworthy—are assessed at 4min 27sec; and four—Ned Worthy, Molly Direct, Gold Bar, and Zincali—are on 4min 28sec. This means that the candidates assessed on 4mln 27sec and 4min 28sec will have to win one distance race, at least, before Cup day, to avoid giving away a handicap to start in the big race in November. The field comprises 12 newcomers to Cup class, and the pick of the horses that have competed in previous events. The newcomers are Ned Worthy. Molly Direct. Gold Bar, Zincali, Josedale Grattan, Peter Smith, Ken worthy, Nell Grattan. Navy Blue, Ferry Post, Sandusky and Nelson Eddy. Although it is a far cry now to Cup day, four horses have already been singled out as being too good for the others. They are Ferry Post, Josedale Grattan. Gold Bar, and last year’s winner, Marlene, who will be coupled with Ferry Post. However, there are other points to be considered, says the Star-Sun. Ferry Post, Marlene and Josedale Grattan were under a cloud last year owing to unsoundness, while many question Gold Bar’s stamina in a hard contest. His performances do not support that contention. In most of his races. Gold Bar has dashed out of the barrier, and set such a torrid pace that his opponents have not been able to keep up with him. Time and again he lias gained a lead of a dozen lengths or more in the first half-mile and kept it to the finish. Some evidence of his great speed and stamina can be gleaned from his performance in the Air Force Handicap at Wellington in January last. In that race he paced the first half-mile in Imin 3sec, the mile in 2min 8 l-ssec, the mile and a-half In 3min 11 3-ssec, and coasted home a winner by 14 lengths in 4min 21 2-ssec. A repetition of that performance will leave most of his opponents in the Cup gasping over the final furlong. THE SOUTHERN CONTINGENT (Special) INVERCARGILL, Oct. 10. The local contingent for the Dunedin meeting, comprising Anglo-Irish, Colonel, Rouge and Chandelier (W. E. Hazlett), Doubleack and Macedoine (R. E. McLellan). Desert Maid and Carolyn (F. W. Ellis), and Platform (F. J t Boyle), were taken through to Wingatui this afternoon. Secret Flight. Irish Ruler and Black Bard will not fulfil their engagements. Anglo-Irish has only to repeat his track work to be a winner at the meeting, and Chandelier has been shaping promisingly In his work. Colonel Rouge has shown marked ability in his schooling tasks, and should make a success of his new role The Colonel Cygnus gelding will probably accompany the Grand National Steeplechase winner. Astral Flame, to the Wellington meeting, as -he has been nominated for hurdle events there. Doubleack has come through his preparation with flying colours, and whether the track is wet or dry the son of Balboa promises to make a bold bid for honours in the Churchill Handicap. The McLean Stakes candidates, Carolyn and Macedoine, have done everything required of them in good style, and their meeting with the Rlccarton youngsters will be awaited with interest here. Carolyn has shown more brilliancy in her work, but Macedoine will not be disgraced and will probably be found doing her best work over the concluding stages. She may be given Just this one race, and then put aside until next season. Desert Maid has been working in a manner which suggests that she will make an early appearance on the winning list The seven furlongs of the Taioma Handicap may prove a bit too far for her at this stage, and it will depend on how she shapes In this race whether she will contest the Dunedin Guineas on the second day. In the event of her not contesting the classic she will tackle the Kaikorai Handicap, and, sharpened up by her outing on the first day, she should be hard to beat over six furlongs. Platform showed only moderate form when lightly raced by E. J. Ellis last season, but he was never really himself. He has done well since going into F. J Boyle’s stable, and he must be given a chance on his latest track work. Platform is a four-year-old half-brother to good winners in Rin Tin Tin. Charmaine. Tauramai and Passafcrm, so lacks nothing on the score of breeding.

RACING IN AUSTRALIA GUARDS FOR BEAU VITE SYDNEY, Oct. 10. Armed guards, working In relays, will stay at Beau Vite’s side all the time he is in Melbourne. Beau Vite, who is now favourite for both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, left for Melbourne last night. He will be quartered at the Caulfield stables, which are surrounded by high walls. A guard will also accompany the horse while he is on the way to his daily exercise or to race meetings. When Beau Vite was favourite for the last Melbourne Cup an attempt was made to shoot him, but failed.

so belongs on the, dam’s side to a great family of stayers.' Thefo’s stock, on the other hand, look like speed. A Glance Back.—When Pay Roll and Corn Prince dead-heated in the Pioneer Handicap, Salutation 8.7 was a length away in 99 2-9 sec. Palfrey 7.2 was fourth. Silver Lily 8.7 (who had commenced to go back), Willow Wood 7.8 and Desert Maid 7.5 were unplaced. Palfrey improved most during the balance 'of the season. In the Welcome Stakes Salutation had to make up ground to dead heat for second place behind Pay Roll. Both Silver Lily and Salutation have been doing well, and a meeting between them in the Tafoma Handicap, with Desert Maid and Willow Wood also engaged, should provide an interesting race. Calypso, another of the same age, Is also engaged, as well as others that should supply the three-year-olds with an excellent test for the Dunedin Guineas. A Good Gallop.—The gallop put up by Poxhaven and Chestnut Glow will bring them Into favour for the McLean Stakes. Both youngsters are well grown, and look rather more forward than others seen at Wlngatul. The time recorded could have been improved if they had been fully extended. Foxhaven is trained by C. Emerson, who rode winners of the McLean Stakes in Nones, Meteorite, Top Score, Count Cavour, Childsplay. Aspiring. and Satisfy, and can saddle up a horse as well as he could ride them. F. D. Jones was a leading horseman of his day, and has trained some of the most notable winners in New Zealand and Australia. He trained Control when he won in 1933. but his best winners at Wlngatui were Limerick and Amythas. TROTTING NOTES By Sehtinel FIXTURES October 11.—New Brighton T.C. October 25, 27.—Greymouth T.C. October 25, 27.—Auckland T.C. October 27.—Oamaru T.C. Oamaru Trotting Meeting.— Nominations are due on Monday next for the Oamaru Trotting Club’s meeting. Rocks Ahead.—The smart pacer Rocks Ahead has produced a colt to Sandydale. ( Gold Bank.—ln 1940 Gold Bank made an exhibition of a good-class field in the All-Aged Stakes at a meeting run by the Ashburton Trotting Club at Addington. Since then his form has been comparatively poor, and in 11 starts last season he failed to win a race. Gold Bank is a better horse than his later performances show, and a good beginning in the Victory Handicap may find him in the picture throughout the race. The Victory Handicap, however, presents the biggest problem of the day for speculators, and. while M. Holmes has had little experience with Acuity in races, the great fight the chestnut mare put up In the Methven Cup suggest? that she Will be handy this time. In some of her Starts Acuity has not gone away so well as expected, and i has lost her chances. It remains to be seen whether Holmes can persuade her to begin cor-, rectly. If she'leaves the mark the remainder will have a big task in front oi them. Acuity is a good stayer, and the New Brighton track is made for horses possessed of stamina.

RICCARTON NOTES WINGATUI PROSPECTS (Special) CHRISTCHURCH. Oct. 10. Riccarton stables will have 20 horses at the Dunedin meeting. Though they will meet stout southern opposition, they seem a good lot, capable of getting a good share of the money. Three Guineas candidates from here will run in the Maungatua Handicap, Sir Gundi has done well since the John Grigg Stakes, in which he showed stamina to finish second. He may be favourite. Arabian Night has not raced since he won at Riccarton in August, and it is worth recalling that the track was heavy that day. He has done plenty of good work. Bascule has shown promising form, without being in the money. He may get some on this trip, as he has improved out of sight lately, while he has given evidence of ability to run a mile. In addition to the three-year-olds, Ackemma will make interest. She is very well and she has shown that she can stay. Sham Boy. with consistent sprint form, may show up in the Air Force Handicap, but the field is stronger than he has been used to. The three-year-old Palfrey, a smart beginner, may be in the picture all the way. He has to concede 151 b to Bird of Prey, a difficult task if she is at her best, though her preparation has been checked. There .will be a very small field for the Churchill Handicap, but it is a race with possibilities, as the four probable starters are all in the New Zealand Cup. Don’t Forget runs his best out in front and with a sound pace all the way Iceland Spar appeals as likely to overhaul him. Airline is another who usually tries to go alb the way, so there should be no waiting. If Doubleack is at his best, he is capable of keeping all the northerners busy, so it may be a very interesting contest. There is no race form as a guide to the McLean Stakes. In a big field, Riecarton will provide six candidates. Foxhaven takes the eye as a colt likely to go on to good class, and the only question is whether he will . begin smartly enough. Chestnut Glow is very nippy and should be handy all the way. The stable mates, Trapeze and Grilse, are good gallopers, with the latter preferred on firm ground, but she has not pleased on a heavy track. Gold Branch, though speedy, looks too small, while Prince Leighon has shown no special form yet. Stabilise has had a good rise in weight, but after his easy win at Geraldine, he will be hard to shake off in the October Handicap as he can run a good mile. In the Taioma Handicap there are three more of our three-year-olds. Calvpso impressed in her two successes at Geraldine and should run well again. She will, however, find a tough opponent in her stable mate. Salutation. This filly has not had a race this season, but her track work has been very good and she will have a 71b allowance, for a capable apprentice rider. Willow Wood has great speed, so he is certain to be prominent early, but it is against him, at present, that-he is a hard puller. There were some heavy showers of rain here this morning, but the sky cleared again just before the work pt Riccarton was concluded, and the sun was shining brightly before noon. Unless more rain falls, the track will not be seriously affected. NEW BRIGHTON TROTS At the New Brighton trotting meeting to-day the win-and-place system of betting will be operated and horses likely .to be in favour are:—l2, Innovation Handicap—Bomber, Windsor Lad, Mavis Nelson: 12.40. Shirley Handicap—Countless. Statuette, Catalpa; 1.25, Members’ Handicap—lndian Clipper, All Gallant, Channel Fleet; 2.5, Rattray Memorial HandicapBronze Eagle, Springfield Globe, Accountant; 2.45, Travis Handicap—Nationalist, .Pacing Power, Mazaire; 3.25, Avon Handicap—Allie Audubon. Hatrack, Sagamore; 4.8, Beach Handicap—Little Derby, Direct Bell, Durability; 4.45. Victory HandicapAcuity. Clockwork. Gold Bank. MASTERTON MEETING (Special) WELLINGTON. Oct. 10. Though the weather has improved, the track is likely to remain heavy for the concluding day of the Masterton spring meeting. Betting will be win-and-place, and the following horses are likely to be fancied:—ll.4s, Trial Stakes —Maharajah, Makarora, Matalite; 12.25, Blairlogie Highweight Handicap—Miss Leighon, Te Ore. Esperance Bay; 1.5, Macara Handicap— Croupisino, Flying Hawk. Pas de Cheval; 1.50, Vallance Memorial Handicap—Master Cyklon, The Monarch: 2.30, Gladstone Handicap—Moderate, Distress Signal; 3.15. Waipipi Handicap—Circular Note, Corn Prince; 4.0. Champion Hack Handicap— Kevin, Ail Bunsby. Red Dash; 4.45, Farewell Handicap—lmperium, Pas de Cheval AUCKLAND STARTING TIMES At the Auckland meeting to-day win-and-place betting will be operated, and the starting times are:—l2.lo. 12.55. 1.35. 2.15, 3 p.m., 3.45, 4.25. 5.15.