THE BLUE RIBAND OF RACING

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 80, 13 March 1931, Page 7

THE BLUE RIBAND OF RACING

With all the leading performers in the land literally falling over one another, from a . purely racing viewpoint, the Trentham fixture to-morrow could scarcely be bettered. But it is the old, old story. The better the horses the worse it is for the speculator, and verily, the way of the poor old punter is certainly littered with thorns, instead of roses, as far as this “bumper” fixture is concerned. To say that in the majority of instances the most prominent runners look well concealed is putting it very mildly.

PROSPECTS FULLY DISCUSSED Rimu .High-weight Handicap, of £200; 1J miles.—Mister Gamp, 10.10; Mountain Heath, 10.6; Tunbridge, 10.6; Iloyal Acre, 10.2; Quinopal, 10.2; Goblin Market, 10.2; Air Laddie, 9.12; Aberfeldy, 9.9; Elicit, 9.9; Money Mint, 9.0; Hymgreat, 9.0; Pat’s Boy, 9.0. Several with chances are engaged in the Rimu High-weight Handicap, but on form the most dangerous promise to be Mountain Heath, Mister Gamp, Royal Acre, Elicit and Quinopal. Mountain Heath’s two Dannevirke winning gallops were both done in good time and under heavy imposts. In the past Mountain Heath has -vyon country cups against much better opposition than this lot. Mister Gamp won a similar event at Trentham in January, and is usually a tough nut to crack in these races. Royal Acre’s hurdle form has been most consistent, and the Hav/era representative has sufficient pace on the flat to be in at the death. Elicit was placed at Wanganui, and is the likely improver. Both Quinopal and Aberfeldy are capable of annexing the event for the ; South Island. The most likely appear to be Mountain Heath, Mister Gamp and Elicit. Lady Pam Stands Out New Zealand . St. Leger, of £750; 13 miles. —Fitzquex, 8.10; Hawkshaw, 8.10; Merry Cry, 8.10; Jayson, 8.10; Zephyrus, 8.7; Appledore, 8.7; Rosshire, 8.7; Arikira, 8.7; Pewa, 8.7; Ball Dress, 8.7; Lady Pam, 8.7; Chief Link, 8.7; King March, 8.7. Lady Pam scored a very comfortable win over- a strong field in her last start at Riccarton, and on form and performances, it is impossible to nominate me to beat her in the New Zealand St. Leger. Rosshire is the improver of the field and has come very solid, while Ball Dress raced very impressively at Trentham, and will not be troubled by the journey. Pewa and Arikira are good hacks, but a St. Leger looks much too rich for them. It will be most surprising if Lady Pam is beaten. Rosshire and Ball Dress appear the pick of the rest.

Fast Away and Soon Over Plunket Nursery Handicap, of £250; 5 fur. —Golden Wings, 9.8; Solvent, 9.4; Fair Weather, 8.12; Hampden, 8.11; High Comedy, 8.11; Columba, 8.5; Korokio, 8.4; Oratorian, 8.3; Richborough, 8.2; 'Curie, 7.5; Lotus Lily, 7.4; Bronze Eagle, 7.3; Chief Lino, 7.3; Cyprus, 7.3; Peter Jackson, 7.3; Trader Horn, 7.3; View Halloa, 7.3; Cricket Bat, 7.0; Foghorn, 7.0; Idolize, 7.0; Invite, 7.0: Lavington, 7.0; Moab Queen, 7.0; Movietone, 7.0; Psychologist, 7.0; Red Rufus, 7.0; Salt Spray, 7.0; Weatherset, 7.0. The usual tremendous field will contest the Plunket Nursery, Handicap. It. is a rare pujzle, but the best form seems that of High Comedy, Solvent, Golden Wings, Columba, Hampden and Fair Weather. That handsome youngster, Oratorian, may he the one to show most improved form. High Comedy’s victory at Te Aroha was an outstanding performance, a’ud there is no doubt that Pope’s charge is something well out of the ordinary. Solvent has not fared at all well at Trentham previously, but at Riccarton has flown over five in 59sec. Golden Wings has carried heavy imposts to victory on several occasions in

ALL EYE S WILL BE ON TRENTHAM BEST IN THE LAND ENGAGED PUNTER’S PATH LOOKS THORNY (By “Sir Oracle,”)

time that was first-class. The remarkable track essays of Bronze Eagle are certain to bring this youngster into the limelight. On form the best prospects appear to be High Comedy, Solvent and Golden Wings. Leading Milers Contest Thompson Thompson Handicap, of £700; 1 mile. —Lkughing Prince, 9.11; Paganelli, 9.0; Historic, .8.13: Yertigern, 8.10; Silvermine, 8.6; Bright Glow, 8.6; Full Feather, 8.4; Eaglet, 8.3; : Havering, 8.3: Arrowlad, 8.0; Black Duke, 7.13; Mount Boa, 7.13; Royal Parade, 7.10; My Own, 7.7; Richfield, 7.3; Monolof, 7.0; Pakitere, 7.0; Refresher, 7.0. While the Thompson Handicap field is not. unduly large, most of the leading milers will he seen in action. Laughing Prince possesses the class and courage necessary to win, and really looks the one to he with. That the Fordell champion will go a great race seems certain. Yertigern has been spelled since his outstanding successes on the Taranaki circuit, and on that form should be ready to run the race of his career. Historic may not start unless it rains, in which case the Trentham representative will take beating. Eaglet was once a first-class miler, and has been in winning form recently. Silvermine should he Taranaki’s hope. If Paganelli starts in this event his New Plymouth running points to his being in the picture at the finish. The Southerner, Mount Boa, looks the pick of the lighter division, and may easily be the surprise packet. Full Feather in the mood would just about do it, but the field may he too large to suit the erratic Southerner. When the judge is reached it may be that Laughing Prince, Yertigern and Paganelli (if started) are most prominent;. Will Karapoti Prove Invincible? Challenge Stakes, of £1,000; 7 fur. —Nightmarch, 10.1; Hunting Cry, 10.0; Paganelli, 9.8; Lady Quex, 9.8; Karapoti, 9.6; _ Toxeuma, 9-6; Lord Argosy, 8.6; Cry, 8.6; Aspian, 6.12; Esteem. 6.12; Gallant Fox, 6.12; Gay Court, 6.12. The Challenge Stakes has attracted a really classy field, but few indeed will trouble to look beyond Karapoti and Nightmarch. When only half tunod-up, Karapoti strolled homo in the Jackson Stakes at Wanganui, and the extra furlong to-morrow will be all in his favour. Nightmarch promises to be a much stiffer proposition than he was at Ellerslie and Trentham in January. The champion’s iccent track gallop over four furlongs in 46 sec. will cause many to be with him to-morrow. Karapoti defeated Lady Quex too decisively at Wanganui to suggest that the Now Plymouth mare will avenge that defeat to-morrow. It may have been a wiser move to have placed Lady Quex in the Railway Sprint.field in preference. Hunting Cry and Toxeuma, tho latter fit and well after a let-up, both have tome show, but the one that just may go close to bringing about an upset is the feather-weighted Aspian. However, Karapoti, Nightmarch and Hunting Cry should light cut the finish. Takes An Optimist To Sort it Out! Silverstream Handicap, of £200; 1 mile. —Mount Shannon, 9.0; King March, 8.9; Chief Joy, 3.9; Hawkshaw, 8.5; Playground, 8.5; Lady Rena, 7.12; Saltpot, 7.11; Simba. 7.11; Arrow Zone, 7.7; Shatter, 7.7; Viscount, 7.5; Permed, 7.3; Appeal, 7.3; Cessation, 7.2; Joie de Val, 7,0; Miss Shef, 7.0; Parysia, 7.0; Sailor’s Love, 7.0; Spear Lad, 7.0; The Sun, 7.0; Zephyrus, 7.0. In the big field down to contest tho Silverstream Handicap, host recent form has been shown by Mount Shannon, Playground, Simba, King March, Ha wkshaw, Shatter and Lady Rene. Chief Joy would be one of the prime fancies, if started, but Jamieson’s charge looks to have a great show in the final event of the day. Playground is now right back to form, and a mile Is his pot distance. Mount Shannon’s winning performances, in open company, certainly point his way, hut‘the top-weight will have to

be caught in tbc mood, as he is not at all consistent. Simba scored an impressive victory at Daunovirke on Wednesday. King March, Hawkshow and the South Island hope, Shatter, are all likely. This is one of the hardest events on the card, but most, likely appear to be Playground, Simba and Mount Shannon.

Watched and Waited For Railway Handicap, of £400; 6 fur. —Paganelli, 9.3: Limerick, 9.0; Havering, 8.7; Cadland, 8.4; Autopay, 8.2; Hunting Day, 7.12; Staghunter, 7.8; True Shaft, 7.7; White Fang, 7.7; Rin Tin Tin, 7.5; Royal Routine, 7.2; Arikinui, 7.0: Blue Paper, Lineage, Mandy, Malayan, Tcnterden, 7.0. Although most of the top-flight sprinters are engaged either in the Challenge Stakes or the Thompson Handicap, class is not lacking in the Railway Handicap, (ho sprint “leg” of the big double. Those who saw Cadland swoop down at the business end at Rangitikei, ticked him off as being a second Laughing Prince. The Fordell representative promises to be very hard to stop over the final furlong. Autopay won at Trentham at his last start in January, and must again be greatly respected. White Fang came back to form at Wanganui, and, caught in the mood, is a hot proposition for even the best sprinters in Ihe land to tackle. Paganelli will be suited by (bo straight “six,” but will probably contest the Thompson mile. Staghunter is back to form, but on Dannevirke running, Hunting Day can hardly win. True Shaft has at times shown exceptional speod, while Mandy has a penchant for the course. Limerick has to be taken on trust. The vote goes to Cadland, Autopay and White Fang.

End of Perfect Day? Tinakori Handicap, of £200; 6 fur. —Tobaccoland, 9.0; Tea Queen, 8.12; Chief Joy, 8.10; Hunting Call, 8.6; Leisure, 8.6; Adelphi, 8.3; Pythia, 8.2; Henry of Navarre, 8.0; Glenrosrie, 8.0; Hot Tea, 7.12: Jenny Diver, 7.12; Rothon, 7.11; Merry Cry, 7.10: Coroner, 7.8; Kazan, 7.8; Winsome Hind, 7.6; Ephialtes, 7.3; Eminent, 7.2; Little Thrust, 7.2; Jason's Quest, 7.0; Martian Chief, 7.0; Royal Bengal, 7.0; Silver Salver, 7.0; Wee Lachie, 7,0; Winloch, 7.0. The , usual problem is presented in the Tinakori Handicap, the final event cf (he day. The record of this race is one of surprises, and once again anything might come to light. The form horses engaged are Chief Joy, Tea Queen, Leisure, Hot Tea, Adelphi. Coroner and Kazan. Pythia and Hunting Call have been off the scene for a HtMe time, but both are very fast over a six-furlong sprint. Chief Joy was second to Fitzquex even when conditions were unfavourable at Trentham in January. Since then Jamieson’s charge has proved to be one of the best hacks in the country, simply outclassing tho strong opposition at Te Aroha recently. Probably the fastest six ever recorded by a hack was put up by Hot Tea at Riccarton recently, when the clock showed 1.10 4-5 sec. That was Hot Tea's last, performance and a repetition of that gallop .to-morrow would win most open sprints, let alone hack events. Tea Queen’s form on the Taranaki circuit was a model of consistency. Most appeal is made by the Chief Joy-Pythia bracket, Hot Tea and Tea Queen.

NOT SO DIFFICULT THE OHINEMURI FIXTURE FORM FULLY EXPOSED (By “Sir Oracle.”) Following as it does on the heels of the Te Aroha and Franklin fixtures, form for the opening day of the Ohinemuri Jockey Club’s meeting at Paeroa to-mor-row, appears specially well exposed. REVIEW OF FIELDS Winning form in the Handicap Hurdles (one mile and a-half), is represented by Monetize and Quinsilia, but a couple of fresh hurdlers in Star Comet and Marble King, both make more appeal, while Cruachan is a likely improver. The vote goes to Monetize, Star Comet and Marble King. It is unlikely that (he major placings in the Karangahake Handicap (five and a-half furlongs) will go outside of the Fedora, Speedmint, Instalment and Roseric quartette. Speedmint won at the right end against this company at Te Aroha, and should bo motif, suited hy the slightly longer journey. Fedora begins very smartly, but seems to stop just as quickly. Instalment may be the improver, Roseric is very troublesome a* (he barrier, so is probably best left alone. Speedmint, Fedora and Instalment appeal most. They are mostly an unknown lot in the Novice Handicap (five furlongs and a-half), but Rangikaha, Wee Prince, Btohi Rangi, Camp Princess and Searcher have all gained minor placings. Rangikaha ran a promising second at Rotorua, and at Pukekohe last Saturady flow into third berth behind Vital and Waimuri. That form looks outstanding in this hunch, although Camp Princess is also very promising. Rangikaha, Camp Princess and Etehi Rangi are most likely.

May Be Franklin Over Again With Clopton in to set, a merry pace, (lie Ohinemnri Cup may easily prove to lie a repetition of the Franklin Handicap. Royal Doulton is in remarkable heart just at present, and must again be jusi about the most difficult to beat. But Eager Rose has only to improve the slightest shade to reverse placings. .Antique failed at Te Aroha over a slightly longer journey, but must have a show over his pot distance. Sir Mond looks the only other likely prospect, unless Clopton sees it out to the bitter end, Cnless a surprise is in store the battle should be between Royal Doulton, Eager Rose and Antique. Form horses in the Komata Handicap (about seven furlongs) are Puriri Park, Vital, Hiata, Indolent, Waimuri, Gay Idea, Master Armour (winner at Rotorua) and Royal Survey. Puriri Park won so decisively both days at Te Aroha that this exceptionally promising hack seems to have this event on a silver salver. Vital and Royal Survey both won creditably at Franklin, and on that form should at least get some place money. Hiata ako has speed enough to be dangerous The winner should come from Puriri Parkj Vital and Hiata.

Poor Lot of Sprinters A very disappointing held is carded for the Paeroa Handicap (six furlongs). Lady’s Boy is the only one with recent winning form against fair open class company. Sir Russell ran a fair fourth the concluding day at To Aroha and the trio that finished ahead of him are all missing. Envoy, Billiicins and Kingfield have no recent form at all, hut each is likely on the Paeroa course, for all that. Tradesman is such a speedy beginner that he must lie greatly respected in this hunch. Ladys’ Boy, Tradesman and Sir Russell should have the best prospects. Pendavies and St. Warrigal are both proved fencers, so (hat they should fight out the finish of the McGuire Memorial Steeples. Foxhound and Lupin Abbey have shown sufficient form to have fair prospects. However, the honey should lie for St. Warrigal and Pendavies. Chance For Marjoram While nearly all of the eight carded for the Netherton High-weight (eight furlongs and a-half), must enter into calculations, the best prospects appear to ho held hy Marjoram, Lucky Alice, Trishna and Gay Idea. Marjoram extended High Faintin’ both days at Stratford, and High Faintin’ would make an awful mess of this field. Marjoram, Trirhna and Lucky Alice may fight it out, ACCEPTORS AND EVENTS Handicap Hurdles, 11 miles. —Star Comet, 10.13; Monetize, 10.11; Quinsilia, 10.1; Cruachan, 0.12; Marble King, 9.12; High Pitch, 9.10; Respirator, 9.10; Arch Eagle, 9.0; Cristobel, 9.0; Lost Comet, 9.0; Glen Maree, 9,0. I Karangahake Handicap, about 5? ; ( fur. —Fedora, 8.3; Speedmint, 7.12; i Roseric, 7.4; Laval, 7,3; Instalment, 7.3; Sweet Vision, 7.3; London, 7.3; 1 Queen Appa, 7.0; Dark Marble, 7.0; Don’t Laf, 7.0; Golden Sceptre, 7.0; Reclaimed, 7.0; Brazanna, 70. Novice Handicap, about 51 fur. — < Searcher, 9.0; Wee Prince, S.ttT Rangi-'

kaha, 8.0; Marechal, 8.0; Dainty Manners, 7.12; Camp Princess, 7.10; Etehi Rangi, 7.10; Abbey Dream, 7.0; Valley King, 7.8; Matanga, 7.8; Snow Lap, 7.8; Walkaway, 7.8; Silvertown, 7.8; Gay Cavalier, 7.8; Golden Arch, 7.8; King Leslie, 7.8; Production, 7.8; Magic Mint, 7.8; Drome Tray, 7.8; British Princess, 7.8; Lord Snow, 7.8; Lineroo, 7.8. Ohinemuri Cup Handicap, 1?, miles and 20yds.—Royal Doulton, 8.0; Antique, 8.5; Eager Rose, 8.2; Sir Mond, 7.11; Maori Boy, 7.11; Lucy Rose, 7.2; Brampton, 7.0; Patutahi, 7.0; Clopton, 7.0. Komata Handicap, about 7 fur. — Werata, 8.7; Gay Idea, 8.5; Hiata, 8.1; Puriri Park, 8.1; Mauriaena, S.l; Valreina, 8.0; Vital, 7.13; Indolent, 7.13; Waimuri, 7.12; Land Measure, 7.0; Snow Prince, 7.9; Welcome Boy, 7.8; Royal Survey, 7.0; Crimestor,

7.4; Camp Prince, 7.3; Master Armour, 7.3; Liona, 7.3; Joy Girl, 7.0. Paeroa Handicap, 6 fur.—Sir Russell, 8.3; Lady’s Boy, 7.13; Haviland, 7.1; Kingfield, 7.0; Envoy, 7.0; British King, 7.0; Hampton Park, 7.0; Tradesman, 7.0; Billikins, 7.0; Hiata, 7.0; Ruffles, 7.0. McGuire Memorial Steeples, about 21 miles. —Pendavies, 10.5; St. Warngal, 10.0; Foxhound, 9.0; Lupin Abbey, 0.0; Slump, 9.0; Dark Prince, 9.0. Netherton High-weight.' —B3 fur. — Marjoram, 9.6; Lucky Alice, 8.0; Claremore, 8.0; Prince Lu, 8.0; Gay Idea, 8.0; Trishna, 8.0; Palmares, 8.0;' Loving Cup, 8.0.