RACING NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25385, 17 November 1943, Page 4

RACING NEWS

By Sentinel ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

“ D. L. L.,’’ Dunedin. —Atawhero did not start in any race at the meeting. “ R. M. W.,” Dunedin.—Gladynev, ridden by N. Selwood, finished second to Beaulivre'in the Caulfield Cup. He did not start in the Melbourne Cup. “ Query,” Dunedin. —Battledress was unplaced in his seven starts last season.

The Stewards' Handicap candidate Fleet Street is shaping well in his work at Invercargill. Moneybird is firming up into racing shape. He is still on the big side in condition, but in excellent condition to be wound up for a race. Silver Lily has quietened down a good deal, and after her gallop yesterday morning did not display the nervousness formerly shown after fast work. 1 Compeer looks bright and well at present. He shows a fair amount of condition, but his final gallops should fine him down for the New Zealand Cup meeting. S. M. Bell, who won the Great Easter Handicap on Scottish Dale, is now attached to J. Wilson’s stable at Wingatui, and will be riding at the Invercargill meeting. Bell can ride 7.4. The following riding engagements have been made for the Southland meeting on Saturday:—W. F. Ellis, Grilse, Southern Wave, Nigger Lad, Royal Lancer and Royal Brief; W. J. Hillis, Filibuster and Branxholme; L. J. Ellis, Royal Chorus; W. J. Thomson, Gnohill. Riders announced to date for the New Zealand Cup are: Royal Lancer, W. F. Ellis; Rakanui, A. Midwood; Representative, H. Wiggins; The Monarch, W. Broughton; Piastre, J. Garth; Classform, N. Holland; Palfrey, A. Messervy; Foxhaven, N. Vaughan; Night Pal, C. Mackie; Kevin, C. Wilson. Rakanui is said to be a better horse now than when he ran third in the New Zealand Cup with 8.12 to Royal Lancer 8.11 and Gladynev 8.12. In this year's race Rakanui 8.13 meets Royal Lancer on 91b better terms and Gladynev on 51b worse terms.

The death has occurred of Janet Gaynor, who was on a visit to Cricket Bat. Her foal by Wild Chase was brought home to Wingatui by D. J. McDonald in the back of his car. Luckily, a foster mother was found for the foal, and it is now doing well. In sorhe quarters The Joker is held to be deficient in speed. Before he achieved his present reputation as a stayer he ran a good five furlongs with Lord Nuffield at Wingatui in smart time. The gallop did not show any deficiency in speed by either horse

The Wild Chase —Counterblast two-year-old colt rapped a hock when working a day or two ago and suffered a slight lameness. The trouble should soon disappear. The youngster is a shapely sort and should prove more than useful. Counterblast was got by Jericho, a son of Archery.

A few years ago the Racing Conference considered the question of having a uniform day for the closing of nominations, acceptances, etc., and it was generally agreed that Friday should be selected. Some country cjubs objected because, in their opinion, it would not suit them: This very good idea was dropped, and while some clubs adhere to Friday, others still use different days of the week. Clubs have everything to gain by closing nominations on a uniform day because it reduces the risk of those concerned missing nominations and other payments for a meeting. Clubs should as far as possible close nominations and acceptances and declare handicaps on dates that will ensure their publication in the Official Calendar for the information of all concerned. If the acceptances for the Southland Racing Club’s meeting had closed a day or two sooner than six days after the declaration of the weights they would have appeared in this week's Calendar. The acceptances do not atmear until to-day, and this does not suit Riccarton trainers. It should be noted that a copy of the Racing Calendar is posted to each trainer every week.