WILLIE WIN IN FAVOUR

Southland Times, Issue 23693, 16 December 1938, Page 10

WILLIE WIN IN FAVOUR

WINNING rival out OF ACTION ARGENTIC MAY CONTEST AUCKLAND CUP (Special to The Times) CHRISTCHURCH, December 15. A strong north-west wind helped towards fast times at Riccarton today, especially over the last half-mile. The wind increased in force after the breakfast interval and in consequence some smart sprints home were recorded. The outside of the course proper was again available and there was a good amount of work on the .plough. Only reverse galloping was executed by Willie Win and Defaulter, who covered nine furlongs at a strong working pace, taking 2min 0 2-ssec for the journey and 52 3-ssec for the last half-mile. Both horses are in their best order for Ellerslie and Willie Win on his recent gallops is entitled to be one of the Auckland Cup favourites. . On the plough Counterblast reeled off five furlongs in lmin 2 l-ssec and Great Flight and In The Dark ran half a mile in 51 l-ssec. Great Baby ran five furlongs well in lmin 3 3-ssec. Prudent Prince, who has been suffering slightly from shin soreness, sprinted three furlongs in 38 4-ssec and his stablemate Lady Leigh covered six furlongs in lmin 18 4-ssec. Bit o’ Blue was going better than Metal Bird at the end of sig furlongs in lmin 20sec, Gayfire recording similar time. Wild Chase strode over six furlongs in lmin 17 3-ssec. Lady Rosette and Elegy took 53secs for half a-mile and Improvident and Happy Memory followed in 51 3-ssec. Sovereign Lady was sent nine furlongs, the last seven taking lmin 30sec. Rebel Star and Capricious left five furlong behind in lmin 3 2-ssec and. Night Hawk and Night Dress went over the same ground in lmin 4sec while Wine Card finished half a length in front of Phalanx in lmin 3sec.

ROYAL CHIEF SPRINTED Royal Chief was given his first sprint since returning from Melbourne, running an easy three furlongs with Moorsotis in 38 4-ssec. Kilrobe'led Argentic for a good portion of a seven-furlong journey but the latter was slightly in front at the post in lmin 30 l-ssec. Argentic again worked well and his o.wner has been inclined to send him to contest his fourth Auckland Cup. A definite decision will be arrived at tomorrow. The main difficulty now will be getting u suitable rider at Ellerslie, whereas A. E. Ellis will be available at Awapuni. Haughty Winner and Rabble wen. companions over a similar journey in Imn 32 3-ssec. The former has done well of late and should race prominently on his North Island trip. Avenal covered six furlongs in lmin 19 2-ssec. There were several half-mile gallops on the course proper after the interval, all assisted by a heavy following wind. The best of these was recorded _by Wardress, by Lord Warden from Clink, who beat Roro Hika and Pol Roger in 47 3-ssec; -Alby recorded 48sec, Miss Otis and Mondessa 49 3-ssec, Maka Ahi 50sec, and Not Out 50 3-ssec. Grampian and Plumage ran six fur-

longs in lmin 17 l-ssec and Maroha occupied lmin 18 2-ssec. Dranoel, one of Mr L. W. Storry’s team, was given some education over two hurdles acquitting himself exceptionally well. Top Rank jumped four hurdles at a strong pace.

FOR AUCKLAND The Chokebore representatives for the Auckland meeting, Trench Fight, Paper Slipper and Good Passage, were shipped north tonight in charge of H. Cutts. Winning Rival did not make the trip owing to straining a muscle earlier in the week and it was deemed advisable to ease her up. This was unfortunate as the Bulandshar filly was expected to make a bold showing against the best of the North Island youngsters, especially over six furlongs in the Great Northern Foal Stakes on opening day. Financiere ricked herself when galloping on the plough early this week and it is feared that she will miss the West Coast circuit. She has been unlucky this season having met with mishaps just as her form suggested successes for her.

Sovereign Lady was yesterday withdrawn from her engagements at the Dunedin meeting a few minutes after her owner was informed that she had received 9.8 in the Otago Handicap, on the first day. Later word was received that this weight was wrongly telegraphed and should have been 9.0. Today her owner received a telegram from Dunedin that the club had decided to allow the withdrawal to be cancelled so that Sovereign Lady will make the trip to Wingatui as well as to Waikouaiti and Oamaru.