TO RACE IN THE SOUTH

Southland Times, Issue 23389, 22 December 1937, Page 10

TO RACE IN THE SOUTH

Plans For Silver Streak

HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS Probably no horse’s holiday engagements have been causing more concern than those of Silver Streak. It was reported from Christchurch that L. J. Ellis had been definitely engaged to ride him in the Auckland Cup and although he does not figure as an acceptor for this race later reports credit him with having made the trip to Ellerslie. It was then considered that he would carry out the remainder of his Auckland engagements but the appearance of the Dunedin Jockey Club’s acceptances added further complications. Silver Streak held his place in the Otago Handicap and in spite of the report that he had gone to Auckland it appeared that he would race at Wingatui. The news now comes from Wellington that although: Silver Streak did not accept for the Auckland meeting there is nothing wrong with him. His trainer T. Hobbs stated that he was unable to take file horse to Ellerslie and his owner, Mr E. H. Aubrey, was unwilling to send him under any other conditions. Silver Streak would race, stated Hobbs, at Dunedin, Waikouaiti and Oamaru during the holidays. Thus the acceptance of Silver Streak in Dunedin may be accepted as correct. As to what mount L. J. Ellis will have in the Auckland Cup appears .-rather a problem. Ellis was engaged to ride Cuddle but when she was withdrawn immediately the handicaps appeared he was booked to ride Willie Win. Willie Win did not pay up and then Ellis was engaged for Silver Streak. Now Silver Streak will not be at Ellerslie.

RECENTLY IMPORTED THOROUGHBREDS MELFORT’S NEW ZEALAND DESCENDANTS (By SIR MODRED) When the imported sire Melfort, by Colorado, was recently sold in New South Wales at the high figure of 8700 guineas, interest was aroused in breeding circles in New Zealand, particularly as a New Zealand studmaster had been runner-up to an Australian studmaster in an endeavour to secure the horse from England for a Southland stud. The first of Melfort’s progeny to appear on the turf are competing as two-year-olds this season, and one of the number in Loombah won a race at Rosehill (Syd.) a few days ago by eight lengths and by the ease of his victory created something like a turf sensation in circles where the deeds of young gallopers are stored up for future reference.

It may not be generally known that there are two of Melfort’s progeny at present owned and trained in New Zealand. The youngsters referred to have been registered. One as a bay colt to be known as Colfort, by Melfort from Columbia (imp.), by Spearmint (son of Carbine) from Colonia, by Persimmon (son of St. Simon). Secured at 1000 guineas the yearling appears to have been purchased by a man understanding the worth of Mus-ket-St. Simon cross. The second yearling bought for this country will be known as Lady Melfort, by Melfort from Carmagnole, by Maltster (son of Bill of Portland, by St. Simon) . from Country Dance (imp.) by Cherry Tree. The future of the two-year-olds Colfort and Lady Melfort will undoubtedly provide racing interest in the Dominion and in the Commonwealth, particularly as they should inherit brilliant galloping ability from Melfort and his flying sire Colorado, one of the most speedy performers of his day and generation in England.