FEW NATIONAL HOPES

Southland Times, Issue 23254, 17 July 1937, Page 10

FEW NATIONAL HOPES

’Chasers At Trentham BURGLAR AN IMPROVER (Special to The Times) WELLINGTON, July 16. With the approach of the Grand National meeting next month,, it was anticipated that last week’s Trentham meeting would throw some light on likely candidates for Grand National Steeplechase and Hurdle honours. From this point of view Trentham running flopped badly as the steeplechasers and hurdlers seen out were an average lot. Burglar was probably the best of the timber toppers, although Tudor and Santoft may enter into calculations later. The Winter Hurdles winner, John Charles, as well as Lord Vai are solid customers, but neither comes up to Clarion Call when it comes to spectacular leaping. The latter although not prominent last week may be the only one to enter into serious discussion when it comes to selecting one to beat Jolly Beggar. Signaller too is an improver, while Huskie is capable of anything if inclined. LIGHT COUNTRY Trentham form cannot be accepted as a true guide. To the writer’s mind, the steeplechase country is unusually light, and horses who mastered it may not fare as well at Riccarton. Two trainers pointed out that their horses jumped extravagantly during the meeting, and they contended that had the country been more formidable they would have done much better. This is a very important point, and one which leads to the opinion that horses unsuccessful last week may be seen to much better advantage at Riccarton. The Wellington Steeplechase winner, Santoft, fenced faultlessly throughout and as he outstayed the field over tne concluding stages of the three and aquarter mile journey, he is just the type to attract attention as a National horse. His steeplechasing career has been extremely brief, but Southlanders were convinced of his capabilities by the manner in which he won the Great Western at Easter. At the same time neither field was of really good class. GOOD STAYER Probably most improvement may be expected from Burglar. His July Steeplechase win on the final day, over three miles, was one of the most decisive victories of the meeting.. The Night Raid gelding only appeared on the scene over the concluding half-mile, and he left the opposition standing when he was asked for an effort. He has generally been regarded as more or less a mediocre hunter, but there was some merit in his last week’s successes, although it may be a different question over more difficult country. At’ the same time he is a really tough customer when it comes to staying ability, and is just the sort to go a long way. Tudor is a grand steeplechaser and many competent judges have been prepared to dub him the best in the land. He is certainly a fine jumper and an out-and-out stayer, but in recent starts has been crushed by big weights. In the Wellington Steeplechase he carried 12.0—three stone more than the winner Santoft—and finished a very creditable third. Not only were the conditions against him, but his weight was sufficient to stop any good horse in the circumstances. In the event of him stripping fit and well on National day, there is good reason to expect Tudor capable of a great race. He was not knocked about in any of his races last week. SPENT FORCE Pahu appears a light of other days. Although he finished second in the Wellington Steeplechase, when several more fancied candidates came to grief, he did not stand up in either of his later engagements. An improver, however, is Spearmarch who may develop useful form later on under D. O’Conner’s tuition.

The disappointment of the meeting was Streamline. Riccarton reports credited him with being a world beater and these were accepted at their worth. However, he has a lot to learn about the jumping game—although at the same time more formidable country may see him act. more solidly. The first day he ran off. On the second day he jumped two or three fences in rather brilliant style but his confidence landed him in trouble. He skimmed a couple of light brush obstacles but at the sod wall he went out. In appearance he is more like a cup horse than a steeplechaser, and while with experience he looks certain to go a long way, it is an old story of a green steeplechaser, who has schooled well, falling down on the job with the colours up. It is now reported that Streamline will not contest the Grand National but minor events at the August meeting. The Day Comet gelding will do much better as timber toppers aren’t made in a day. ON INJURED LIST Sky Pilot may not be seen out for some time as he injured a stifle on the opening day. He is one worth keeping in mind as no young steeplechaser seen out this winter is possessed of the possibilities of the Day Comet stallion. Black Marlin who had a useful record at further north meetings bled during his races and it may be some time before he is at his best again. Allegretto one of the best steeplechasers in the Auckland province is under a cloud, while Billy Boy may not line up in the National.

All Irish is a capable fencer but cannot be classed as a genuine stayer. Manawatu was a disappointment last week, but he has it in his favour that he has already mastered Riccarton country.

There has been a difference of opinion whether Valpeen will stage a comeback. Enjoying a considerable drop in the weights last week he was unable to show up, and was well beaten in each of his starts. His fencing was sound, but he appeared to be unable to stay on. Valpeen who has won two Nationals—the last occasion with 11.13—has now luxury weights compared with his early burdens. While he may yet be capable of getting on to the winning list, it is extremely doubtful if we will ever see the VaHeen of old. SOUTHERN STAYER Trisox’s prospects in a big steeplechase cannot be ignored as his credentials as a stayer will always be in his favour. Don Erma is useful, but a capable pair, who did not appear last week and who are expected to be on hand at the National, are Brigadore and the Great Northern Steeplechase winner, Irish Comet. The hurdlers raced at Trentham were not a particularly good lot, Red Sun was not suited by the conditions, but Huskie is one liable to win any class of race. His display in the Winter Hurdles was a terrible effort. He jumped at all angles but had no trouble in regaining this ground on the flat. He is a much better hurdler than this form would indicate, while he has sufficient speed to win a good flat race. Clarion Call is a really brilliant “batten-basher” and is being given plenty of time to freshen up before next month’s meeting. He has a fine record behind him and his Trentham form is likely to be overlooked when his National chances are being summed up. John Charles, Signaller and Collision are all possessed of prospects in leading events ahead.