CANTERBURY DOINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 55

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

By

Observer.

After a short period of comparative quiet things are beginning -to liven up on the Riccarton tracks, as the trainers arc now getting their teams ready for autumn engagements, some of which are at meetings very near at hand. Next week, for instance, there will be a big exodus from Riccarton. Some horses will be leaving for Waimate, with Oamaru to follow.; others will go north to Trcn.tham, while a few are booked for

Sydney. F. D. Jones has arranged to leave for Sydney next week, and his team will number three horses. Until a few days ago. the only thing that , seemed certain was that he would take Limerick, but with a view to having a mate for .his ■. three-year-old Mr -H. A. Knight decided to send Calcite. Then Mr J. F.. Buchanan arranged that Battlement should make

the trip, Limerick has done well lately. He has not been seriously tried out yet, but he has got through his work in a manner which leaves little doubt that he will be in the best of order for his Australian engagements. Battlement, who won two good races at Randwick in the spring, has not raced up to that form since his return to the Dominion, but his Midsummer Handicap effort was encouraging, and he may do better in the autumn. Calcite will do some racing on the trip, and she may pay her way. Jones will leave Wellington on March 18, and he expects his horses to have at least two races before they take on the big meeting at Randwick. While on the subject of Sydney, it is possible that Count Cavour will make another trip to the Commonwealth. He has a nomination in the Sydney Cup, and the weight he receives in that event may be the deciding factor. I should say, however, that the trip is doubtful in the meantime; but if it takes place T. H. Gillett will go in charge of the chestnut. In this case Count Cavour will have to miss his Trentham Gold Cup engagement. H. Nurse is booked for Waimate next week with Rapier and Chickwheat, who are also likely to race at Oamaru. Both horses should benefit by the south trip, and they are likely to earn some distinction before the close of the season. Fresco is in preparation for the Waimate Cup. He has not struck his best form this season, but he may be worth keeping in mind during the autumn

meetings. Centrepiece is under orders for a trip to Trentham next week. He has been galloping well, but he will find it hard to win under the weights he will have to carry. Front Rank had to be eased up for a few days, as a result of being cast in her box. She is all right again, but she is not a certainty for Trentham. Countersign is training on well, and she should be at her best next week, if it is decided to send her to Trentham, which is the present programme. The Paper Money filly can run a good mile, and she will have to be given a chance in the Thompson Handicap. Footfall is bowling along freely in his work, arid he can be looked on as a sure visitor to Trentham. I doubt if Mr C. G. Dalgety is sanguine about his chance of beating Rapine in the Gold Cup, but he is a good sportsman who can be relied on whenever possible to support the best class races. Footfall will jo accompanied to Trentham by Amor, but this Archery—-Warlove two-year-old does not impress in the meantime. R. Emerson is keeping Assurance and Master Clarence busy, and they may ba sent to Trentham. Assurance would have a chance if he would show his best form, while Master Clarence is an improving hack, likely to be a good horse next season.

Bachelor is doing well, and ha has speed enough, though his stamina has to be proved yet. He is a possibility for Irentham. Nincompoop is being kept up to the collar, and he is likely to visit Trentham. His recent form lias been* good, and lie may soon win again. J. M’Cor be is devoting considerable attention to the Comedy King two-year-old Court Jester, <ne of the youngsters lie purchased in Sydney last Easter. He may havchis first race at Trentham, but 1 doubt it he is forward enough yet to show his real form. Thorndale may go to Trentham, where he should race well, as he is a useful horse at a mile.

G. J. Pine will probably take Paper Boy and Silver Coat to Trentham, and they are a likely pair. Precious had tc be eased up recently owing to a minor mishap. She is on the way to recovery, but the rest will interfere with her immediate engagements. Tiff has had a recurrence of his old leg troubles, and he has been thrown out of-work. It is doubtful if he will be further persevered with as a racing proposition. The two-year-old Broadmoor, by Panmure—Heatherbrae, met with a slight mishap recently. He will require a spell, and he may not be seen again until next season, when he may prove rather useful. Mr G. Gould suffered a heavy loss last Thursday morning, when his two-year-old colt Jericho met with an accident, which probably means the end of his racing career. He started off with Scrip and Bachelor for a six furlong gallop, but after going about a furlong he was pulled up very lame, and it was obvious that he was seriously amiss. The seat of the trouble was in the off fore fetlock, and the colt was in such a bad way that the horse ambulance had to be requisitioned to convey him to s box in W. G. Hobbs’s stable. Later examination showed that he had fractured nr displaced a small bone in the fetlock, which means that he is gone as far as racing is concerned, though he may be saved for the stud. His owner and trainer are to be sympathised with over the accident, the cause of which is difficult to account for. Jericho, who is by Archery from the mare, Judith, the dam of Palestma, Wink, and Jubilant, is a well-grown colt with perfect manners and high hopes were entertained concerning him. He won the Dunedin Champagne Stakes last month, and as he shaped like a stayer, his connections looked forward to him developing into a high-class three-year-old. Mi’ P. D. M‘Nab, caretaken of the Riccarton racecourse, has been confined to his bed for several days. The two-year old filly Eulalie has rejoined R. J. Mason’s team looking in good health after m few weeks’ rest. Sun Up has made his reappearance on the tracks as an inmate of T. H. Gilletts stable. He looks very light, and some time, will elapse before he is ready to race.

J. B, Pearson has recommissioned Taboo, while he Las made a start to get Te Kawa and Blue Hall ready for the winter jumping campaign. Booster is going on quietly in his preparation for autumn engagements. He does not do much fast work, but he races well on the treatment. His stable mates include Paphian, Lord Leslie. Peho, and King Cheops, who will require more careful placing than is necessary for Booster. F. D. Jones has broken in the yearlings by Rossendale—Medley and Orby’s Pride —Comely, and they are regular visitors to the tracks. The two-year-old Arikiwai - has been blistered, anil he will be given a" spell until F. D. Jones returns from Australia,

after which he will be got ready for spring racing. The yearling brother to Count Cavour has been gelded, and after he has recovered from-the operation T. H. Gillett will break him. in. Gillett has handled, the yearling filly by Sblferino from Dame Straitlace, who is a very docile youngster. There has not been much doing on the local trotting tracks during the past week to provide interest. With the return of a big batch of horses from Wellington, however, the trainers will now be busy preparing for the New Brighton Trotting Club’s royal meeting to be held at Addington,. commencing on Saturday and concluding next Tuesday. Fields will be large, and the meeting should be a big success. ’1 he Ashburton Trotting Club has secured a nomination of 95 yearlings for the Sapling Stakes, to be decided at the end of next season. It is a fine list, with American sires responsible for most of the youngsters, a striking testimony to the trend of breeding in the Dominion. Sires who have not yet been represented in races include the Americans Wrack, Drusus, Worthy Bond, Travis Axworthy, Guy Parrish, Sonoma Harvester, The Triumph, and Real Guy, while young locally bred sires include Great Bingen, Prince Pointer, The Tiger, John Dillon, and Man o’ War. Bold Bill is pacing well at Addington, and gives promise of greatly improved form. Bell Harold, who has not been long in work, is bawling along freely in his tasks, and he may be a winner before the end of the season.

Holly Boy looks in good order, and he can be relied on to race in good stylo shortly. The Australian bred Margalong has been noticed lately in saddle, but he docs not seem to go well that way. Great Earl, who showed great speed in a race at Addington early in the year, will be seen at New Brighton. He can be marked off as an early winner, and he may reacn top class next season. Glenelg is training on nicely, and by Easter he may be back to his best form. The trotter Young Carbine looks in good order. It is unfortunate that he is not sound, but he has done well lately, and he may race prominently in early engagements. Countryman looks at his best, and this brilliant pacer will be worth keeping in mind the next time he starts.

The Banks Peninsula Racing Club’s meeting was held at Motukarara in ideal conditions. There was the customary large attendance, though the cricket match against Melbourne was a strong counter attraction. The course was in excellent order, and though fields were small in the galloping events there was some good sport. The totalisator investment showed a drop ot £1551. The club’s starter was confined to bed, and his assistant (Mr J. Bridges) made a satisfactory substitute. Racing opened inauspiciously with the Motukarara Handicap, a race for two and three-year-olds. There were seven starters. Royal Tractor was a bit better backed than Autobiography, these two monopolising the betting. The start was unfortunate, Royal Tractor whipping round and being left at the post. Autobiography jumped off in front followed by Queens Bounty, the Atom, and Arikiwai, with Greyfinch and Satrap a bit further back. When two furlongs had been covered Arikiwai moved up and at the home turn he was just behind Autobiography. Satrap and Greyfinch closed up on reaching the straight, and the six horses were going close order at the distance. Autobiography held his place and won easily by two lengths from Satrap, who finished fast and beat Arikiwai by a head, with Greyfinch close up, followed by Queens Bounty and the Atom. The winner was

making his second appeaiance. ire is owned by Mr G. D. Greenwood, and is a smart galloper by Sutala from Egotism. Satrap only gained second money through the rider of Arikiwai being over confident. All the interest was gone when Royal Tractor failed to jump out. Six scratchings reduced the field tor the Wairewa Trot to 19. Bonalena was a pronounced favourite, while after a long gap Audrey Dillon, Electric Huon, and Marlindo were evenly fancied. It was a bad race for the public, as these four were all well backed, three outsiders filling the places. Peter White led Audahon in the early stages, the pair having a long lead from Cobra. Mailindo, Trespass, Surfboard, and Sylvie Logan, who were joined at the end of half a mile by Logan Maid. Five furlongs from home this lot were in close order. A furlong further on Copra was in charge, while Audalion dropped out. Copra led a bunch to the straight, but Surfboard then ran past him and won easily by a length from Logan Maid, who beat Copra by a length, with Peter White, Mailindo, Sylvie Logan, and Trespass close up. Several of the competitors failed to go off right, some being left altogether, Mac De Oro, Pointerwood, Fifinella, and Audrey Dillon being among those who suffered this way. The winner has a good turn of speed, but he is far from reliable in his races, though a useful customer when he goes right. The reins of Mac De Oro broke at the start, two horses being interfered with. His rider (F. Holmes) was fined £2 for using perished gear. The four "acceptors lined up for the Terawera Handicap, a highweight event, Jolly Glad had a slight call over Sayonara and Watcrlow, with Flaming Ray the outsider. In spite of her good form at Wingatui Flaming Ray showed the way for three furlongs, when Watcrlow headed her, the other pair being several lengths away. Half a mile from home Watcrlow was two lengths clear of Flaming Ray, with Sayonara and Jolly Glad handy. Flaming Ray retired a little further on, and Sayonara- moved up at the turn, getting a run on the rails. Sayonara was. with Watcrlow a furlong from the post. Waterlow had a bit in reserve, however, and she won decisively by nearly a length. Jolly Glad was four lengths away, with Flaming Ray several lengths .further back. An inquiry was held after the race into the running of Flaming Ray and Jolly Glad. After hearing evidence, the stewards decided that they were not altogether satisfied with the riding of G. Salt (Flaming Ray) and A. E. Wormaid (Jolly Glad), but the evidence did not warrant any action beyond cautioning both riders as to their future tactics. The scratching, of left five runners , for the Peninsula Cup. Haze was a proi. nounced. favourite, while after a long interval Calcite and Ophir were -evenly backed. Haze was first to show out, but [ Margaret Birney soon headed him, and at the end of three furlongs "she "was

three lengths in front. A little further on Calcite joined Haze two lengths behind the leader. Then Calcite gained a slight advantage over Haze. These two were just behind Margaret Birney at the home turn. Once in the straight Calcite challenged, while Ophir and Gay Queen also joined in. _ There seemed a prospect of a good finish when the distance was reached, but Margaret Birney hung on well to beat Calcite by a length, with Haze a length away third, just clear of Ophir, while Gay Queen was two lengths further back. Margaret Birney has a liking for the Motukarara course, where she won over the same distance in the spring. Ophir was unlucky, as he had to be pulled up twice to avoid some sheep which had got on to the race track.

Sagittarius and Ma Mie were withdrawn from the Ahuriri Handicap. In a field of five Royal Tractor- had a slight call over Master Clarence and Moratorium was the only other fancied. Motor Smash was smartest out, but Ortego joined him at the end of a furlong, and they led Royal Tractor and Master Clarence to the home turn, where Ortego was beaten. Royal Tractor ran to the front on reaching the straight and appeared to interfere, with Master Clarence, who was chopped out. Royal Tractor was in charge at tho distance, but he tired, and in a good finish Moratorium won by half a length from Master Clarence, who beat Royal Tractor by half a length. . Motor Smash was three lengths away fourth. With a clear run in the straight Master Clarence could not have lost. The six acceptors lined up for the Kinloch Handicap. - Sir Roy was favourite most of the time, but the final adjustment, saw Thorndale head him by three tickets. Chickwheat was first out, but at the end of a furlong Will Oakland was showing the way to Thorndale. A little further on Jarretierfe rushed through to second place. She had-got off Daily, but made up the ground very. fast. W'll Oakland and Jarretierre led Thorndale and Sir Roy to the straight, but tho leading pair then.retired,, while Ma Mie made a forward move. An interesting struggle over the last furlong saw Thorndalevbeat Sir Roy by a head.. Ma Mie was two lengths away, while four lengths further back. Chickwheat headed .the .others. Tlrcrndalc "was always going weU,.- and he is not nearly done-winning. A protest was entered against Thorndale getting,the Stakes, the ground being wrongful descrip-

lion. He was described as an aged geb.bag by Antagonist, whereas the Stud Book gives his breeding as by Sanquhar or Antagonist, and his age as six years. After ■ lengthy hearing the protest was dismissed. Vccto and Audubon were scratched fertile Waihova Park Trot Handicap, leaving a field of 15. Thraneen was a strong favourite, with Routine easily second choice. Peter White went out in front with Audubon Lad-handy, while at the end of half a mile Routine, Bingen Patch, Pointerwood, and Copra also joined in with Thraneen closing up. Audubon Lad was done with six furlongs from home. Then Routine and Bingen Patch drew away, while two furlongs further on Thraneen took third place. She was close behind the two leaders 100 yards from the post, when Bingen Patch broke. Routine held his place and beat Thraneen comfortably by a length, while Bingen Patch, finishing fast, was only half a length away. Peter White was a moderate fourth, with Copra a long way back heading the others. Routine is a trifle uncertain at the barrier, but once on the way he is a good pacer. Thraneen is a four-year-old half-sister to Talaro, and she is going to be useful.

The racing was concluded with the Forsyth Flying Handicap. There . wei;e • only four starters, and Young Lochinvar was a pronounced favourite, with Finora second choice. Finora was soon in front and led to the straight, where" Young Lochinvar drew out to win easily. Rapier was a long way back in the early stages, but he beat, the tiring Scrip on the post for third place. Young Lochinvar looks a good prospect for the" autumn meetings.