TRACK WORK AT RICCARTON

Southland Times, Issue 23781, 31 March 1939, Page 10

TRACK WORK AT RICCARTON

TRENCH FIGHT IN FORM PROSPECTS OF SOVEREIGN LADY (Special to The Times) CHRISTCHURCH, March 30. A hard frost at Riccarton this morning was suggestive of winter conditions and made matters unpleasant for early workers, but there was a big improvement after the breakfast interval when the bulk of the galloping was executed. The outside of the course proper was thrown open but because of its hard surface very few trainers availed themselves of it and practically all of .the serious tasks were confined to the plough, which had been well watered overnight, but nevertheless provided fast going. Trench Fight took up his‘usual role of opening the proceedings by running six furlongs in Imin 15sec, the second three in 37 4-ssec. He did not appear to be going so fast and there is no doubt about his ability to get over the ground, but unfortunately of late he has not shaped very satisfactorily in his races. Counterblast followed her mate by reeling off five furlongs in' Imin 12-5 sec, the last three in 37, 2-ssec. This filly is very well and, like Trench Fight, can be expected to race better on her home track than at Trentham. Scold finished slightly in front of Great Flight at the end of three furlongs in 36 l-ssec, a smart sprint for the plough. Royal Chief and Settlement took 37 3-ssec and Moorsotis 40sec. The last-named suffered from slight soreness after racing on the firm ground at Trentham and softer tracks would be welcome in his case. PRUDENT PRINCE’S SPRINT Prudent Prince and Iceland Spar ran five furlongs in Imin 4sec, the last three in 37 3-ssec. Sovereign Lady strode over nine furlongs in Imin 57 4-ssec, the last three taking 37 3-ssec. She is entitled to serious consideration for both the Sockburn and Great Autumn Handica P s - . , . , Wild Chase drew attention to his advanced order by covering seven furlongs in Imin 28 3-ssec, the first four in 50 3-ssec. This horse has always been able to show his brilliance on a plough track and his form at Easter will depend on whether rain falls in the meantime or not. Haughty Winner, Fidelis, Rabble and Sky Pilot were given useful work over six furlongs in Imin 19sec. Wine Card was sprinted home three furlongs twice taking 37 2-ssec and 39sec. She was ridden by her former pilot, A. G. Parsons, who has been stationed in the Auckland district since the New Year, but has decided to settle in Riccarton again. In addition to Wine Card he will ride Second Innings at the coming meeting. Not Out, who did not suffer any ill-effects from his two hard races at Trentham, sprinted three furlongs freely in 38 3-ssec. SMART SPRINT EFFORTS There were several smart half-mile tasks. Cocksure and Phenomenal took 49 3-ssec, Treasurer and Nightcalm 49 3-ssec, Tantivy and Palmyra 49 4-ssec, Gay Hussar and Miss Tasta 49 4-ssec, and Swingtime and Gironde 49 4-ssec. Gironde is now being trained by M. B. Edwards. Rebellion and Dranoel were together throughout six furlongs in Imin 17 2-5 sec, the first three in 38 3-ssec. Waka and Parquet galloped seven furlongs in Imin 29sec, the first four in 51 3-ssec. Montessa drew away from Benevolent after taking 37 3-ssec for three furlongs. On the course proper Night Hawk and Shanghai Lily ran half a mile in 49 2-ssec; Dictate and Kilrobe reeled off five in Imin 1 3-ssec, the last half in 48 3-ssec. The former has made a good recovery from a recent mishap. Silver Sight jumped four hurdles without giving much trouble in being kept on his fences. Bright Prospect and Leopardstown each again shaped satisfactorily over four hurdles. The four-year-old gelding, Sportsman by Pink Coat from En Parole, dam of Nightbound, has entered D. O’Connor’s stable, to be trained for Mr H. Elworthy, owner of Nightbound. He is a well-grown chestnut and will no doubt be tried later as a jumper. Riding engagements made for the Westport meeting include: A. E. Ellis —Aggravate, Rebel Queen, Pladie; A. Stokes —Pladie (first engagement), Arrowrose ; A. Messervy—Comus; M. Caddy—-Mishna, Middle Watch, Gemara. CRICKET OTAGO AND TIMARU SCHOOLS MEET (United Press Association) TIMARU, March 30. The annual cricket match between the Otago and Timaru High Schools was begun today. Batting first Timaru made 76. Gough took five wickets for 19 runs and Partridge four for 22. Otago was dismissed for 130 (Somerville 31, Scott 28, Clarke 21). For Timaru Enting took five wickets for 50 runs. At stumps Timaru had lost one wicket for six runs. WOMEN’S CRICKET TEAM FOR TOMORROW Women's cricket team for tomorrow is as follows:— Southland.—A. Pittaway. E. Blackie. R. McKenzie. M. Maley, M. Webb, B. Ingram. J. Swale, H. Maley, M. Thomas, I. Dickson, J. Herbison.