AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3250, 28 June 1916, Page 49

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By Taihoa

There is not a great deal to chronicle ibis week, matters on and about the training track being rather quieter than usual on account of the heavy rain which has fallen almost continually during the past week. There are plenty of horses in training, but most of them are on the easy list or have just been brought in after spelling since tho autumn.

With no race meetings on the horizon in the Auckland Province, those trainers with jumpers are the only ones at all busy, and these do not amount to more than half a dozen at the most.

El Gallo's withdrawal from the Melbourne National was quite expected, but the son of Spalpeen is doing well, and will in all probability bo sent to Kiccarton for the big winter meeting there. Auckland horses only caught two races at Gisborne, Marconi winning a hurdle race and Captain Lock a hack steeplechase. Soldier's two defeats were very costly to his admirers, who thought ho had only to run round the track to win.

Crispcon. who went wrong just before the Great Northern meeting, is now quite himself, and may bo taken south for some of the jumping meetings. No horse looks better than Te Onga, and, if when taken to Riccarton he jumps the big country, I know of no horse 1 would sooner select to win the big steeplechase.

' Tatterley, who is now a stable mate to El Gallo, has been receiving a lot of attention from P. Jones. It is understood Tattorley was purchased with the intention of racing him over hurdles, but he is not yet devoid of brilliancy, and probably he will he given ample opportunity to win on the tlut \ct. All going well and providing the weights suit, Waimai is a certain runner in the C.J.C. Steeplechase. Captain Jack and Tararu Jack were sent to Hastings during the week to fulfil engagements. Of the pair, I like the prospects of Tararu Jack best, as he is a bit above the av.crage. S Ncary hit out for Sydney on Tuesday with Try" Fluke. The Motiti gelding is not a real good one, but no doubt will be placed at places where he can win. C. Scott, who rode the double doublewinner El Gallo in all his fencing engagements, has given up the game, but will ride El Gallo at Riccarton if the gelding runs there. Scott has taken over a billiard room in the city. Returned Aucklanders are unanimous that, but for getting a bad run, Marconi would have won on the second day as well as the first day at Gisborne. The Soult gelding is right at the top of his form, and would "have a chance in any hurdle race.

Hqhungatahi, who one time very kindly did tho bookmakers a turn by winning the Railway Handicap, is again working at Ellcrslie. The son of Freedom is certainly no foal. Tho Val Rosa gelding Sir Rosa was tried over tho pony hurdles last week and shaped well.

If' anybody knows a horse sure to beat Tararu Jack in the Hawkc's Bay Hurdles, then there is no excuse for being short of cigar money. Dancastor, who brought off a, surprise in the Fitzroy Welter in Juno, is to bo tried over hurdles. There is plenty of him, and he may turn out good. Tho Century Hurdles winner, Master Regel, who is not overworked at any time, is getting plenty of trotting and steady exercise. He is booked to go to Ricoarton, all going well in the meantime.

EL GALL© SCRATCHED. MELBOURNE. Juno 20. El Gallo has been scratched for all his Grand National engagements. TIM DOOLAN INJURED. MELBOURNE.. June 21. Tim Doolan wrenched a joint in his foreleg while racing on Saturday, and is in the hands of a veterinary surgeon. Tho prospects of his starting in tho Grand National Steeplechase are not good. Juno 23. Tim Doolan has been scratched for tho Grand National Steeplechase.