AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3347, 8 May 1918, Page 42

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By T/uhoa. Matters touching racing in Auckland arc distinctly on tho quiet side just at present, but the appearance of the -handicaps for the Groat Northern double, which are to appear on Monday next, should give followers of tho turf something to exorcise their thoughts upon. The absence of Munster’s name from the G.N. Hurdles was a surprise, as reports from Hamilton credit the Spalpeen gelding with doing well over tho..smail fences. However, it is a big question to ask a novice to win a Northern, and tho owner, R. M'Miken, evidently prefers to pursue tho go-slow policy and get his horse well seasoned by taking on the smaller fry first.

Last year's Grand National Hurdle Race winner, .Sleight of Hand, is evidently coming to Auckland, as Trainer Shcarsby has booked accommodation at Ellerslio for two horses. Tho two-year-olds Miss Ellice and Taiami, raced by the Ivlessrs Alison during tho season without success, have been leased, and their boxes will bo filled by a couple of rising* two-year-olds, one of the pair, by Marble Arch —Tiresome, being very highly thought of. Gold Fran succeeded in securing second money on the concluding day of the Hawke's Bay meeting in the Hack Hurdles, but 'the gelding brings about his own defeat by poor jumping. The well-known horseman, A. J. M'Flynn, was drawn in the latest ballot.

Nothing at Ellerslio is jumping better than Penniless, who can bo looked upon as a sure runner in the Great Northern Hurdles, in which he will bo ridden by T. Chaplin. Thrace, a winner over hurdles at the Avondalc meeting, is reported to be doing all required of him at Takapuna. Thrace is one of the most promising hurdlers in Auckland, and I shall be surprised if ho does not pick up a stake or two before tho season closes.

That usually safe conveyance, "Waimai, came down whilst negotiating tho big fences at Ellcrslie last week, but both horse and rider (G. Henderson) escaped injury. Tho nominations of Cadrona and Colonel Soult for the Great Northern Hurdles are not taken seriously, as so far neither of tho pair has been asked to jump a hurdle. Fisher, who has, perhaps, cost backers more money than any hurdler seen racing in Auckland for years, is looking a picture of health, and promises to be one of the early favourites for the Northern Hurdles. Soultane and Kauri continue to make satisfactory figures in their schooling, and another worth keeping in mind for a small race is Silver Pine. The latter is not very big, but he plods along and fences well.

Meltchikoff may be tried over, hurdles shortly. Another to join the ranks of hurdlers is Lady Paula. She has pace, but is inclined to bo mad-headed, but hurdle-racing should quieten her. Master Kegel, one of tho best hurdlers in the land, is in steady work. He has not been entered for the Great Northern, and perhaps his owner has the C.J.C. Grand National in view.