AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3899, 4 December 1928, Page 57

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By

Digger.

Bayly Damon, a six-year-old gelding by Polydamon, has been added to XX 7 . Gall’s team. He looks a likely sort for a jumper. Stormy cut up badly in the hurdle races at Te Kuiti, where he appeared to have completely lost confidence at his fences. He may require freshening up before fulfilling the promise he showed at Te Rapa. While galloping last week Lunette struck herself, and that caused her defection from the Takapuna Plate. The sister to White Comet is expected to break her maidetn status before very long. Beau Cavalier, who claims engagements in hurdle races at Christmas, has resumed work on the tracks. He has not been let up altogether, as he has been doiijg light exercises on the roads. Since being narrowly beaten at Avondale, Hyde Park has been working splendidly, and a handicap event should shortly be w’ithin his compass, as he can run a middle distance in fine style. Two failures went down against Abbot’s Delight at Te Kuiti, but the Quin Abbey gelding raced well as far as his condition lasted. A hack hurdle race will be within his powers as soon as he gains a little more experience. The two-year-old Supremacy was not produced at Takapuna, but he is reported to be doing splendidly at Te Awamutu, and from all accounts his connections are confident that he will hold his own w’ith the best, at the A.R.C. summer meeting. A. Driscoll, who has been riding in Melbourne for the past six months, returned to Auckland last week. He is a capable rider whose services will be in demand, but his weight is likely to curtail his opportunities.

The Dargaville winner Fernden is not being hurried, but he is doing plenty of solid work, ajid is building up in condition. The Redfern gelding has a fine burst of speed, and should be a good horse in the autumn.

One of the local fancies for the Auckland Cup is Corinax. whose running at Takapuna may be illuminating. In all

his races he has promised to stay, and it is pretty certain that he has yet to reveal his best. Bulalo won at Te Kuiti and was unlucky when he ran third on the second day. His stable mate Monetize ran badly, and it was found tliat after the meeting he had developed boils in the mouth, which would very likely account for his poor displays. 1 idal’s running at Takapuna would be very interesting in view of his Auckland Cup engagement. He is one of the most promising stayers seen out this season, and is a magnificent type of horse. Alei'A'ette struck form with a vengeance at Je Kuiti, where she won three times in as many starts. The Lucullus mare may never reach the best company, but she should prove extremely useful in second-class handicaps.