AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3987, 12 August 1930, Page 55

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By

Digger.

The two-year-old by Top Gallant— Princess Ilona has had the name Royal Gallant claimed for him. It is too early to form any definite opinion of the local juveniles, but Royal Gallant has shaped very pleasingly in his few sprints to date. King Swift has been undergoing regular schooling work at headquarters, and he is showing improved form. He is not, however, yet seasoned enough to be considered for any immediate racing. Royal Tea resumed work early in the week, after being operated upon for wind trouble. He looks a picture of robust health, and it is noticeable that while doing pace work he makes far less noise than previously. Until he gallops, however, no definite opinion can be formed about the success or otherwise of the operation. Royal Tea is a fine galloper still in his prime, and it will be gratifying if he has overcome his infirmity. H. Wiggins, H. Emery, H. Goldfinch, R. Syme, and H. Dulieu will be Auckland riders engaged at the Grand National meeting. The weights for Pakuranga were due on Monday, and with less than a fortnight to go matters will brighten up if only the tracks improve. Last week’s heavy rain prevented the performance of any but the most serviceable work. R. M'Tavish has made a complete recovery from his injury, and it is expected that he will be in the saddle at Pakuranga. Hannibal ran third at Waipa when making his first attempt in an open handicap. He is showing signs of improvement, and is being discussed in connection with the Jellicoe Handicap. This event looks like being a hard one to win with Eager Rose, True Blood, Paddon, Maori Boy, and several other good gallopers engaged. No serious attempt has been made to send The Fox along in earnest, but this smart galloper looks a better horse than ever previously. If he holds his present condition when asked to work seriously, he will be a good proposition, as he has undoubted speed. Lady’s Boy has dropped in the weights as a result of consistent failures. He is hitting out with more freedom than for some months past, and there is a possibility that he will soon show something in keeping with his previous best form. Marita has been schooling in dashing style, but. unfortunately, he is not free from a recurrence of his bleeding trouble. He has a rare chance among the maiden hunters at Ellerslie next week if he is not affected by his old trouble. Unless there is something that has come on rapidly, the Greenmount Steeplechase seems likely to be contested by an extremely moderate lot.