LIKELY SOUTHERNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 119, 10 August 1927, Page 12

LIKELY SOUTHERNER

THE GRAND NATIONAL HURDLES WHARNCLIFFE AND PERLE DE LEON ONCE again the time has arrived to review finally the field for the Grand National Hurdles, which comes up for decision at Riccarton to-morrow. An even quality field is engaged, and the contest promises to be a most interesting one.

Let it be said at the outset that Aucklanders will not have such a rare performer to represent them as Beau Cavalier did in yesterday’s Grand National Steeplechase, but in Royal Form they will find one capable of putting 1 up a great fight against the favourite, Wharncliffe. There are other Aucklanders engaged, viz., Kawini, Beau Cavalier,

Peter Maxwell and Rangitahi. Incidentally, 12 out of the 14 final acceptors are North Island bred, leaving the South Island—who had every reason to crow when they filled the places in the Winter Cup yesterday—with two of its very own representatives. NOT A GOOD FIELD Compared with the fields of the past, that due to contest the Grand National Hurdles to-morrow afternoon is really weak. Kawini is at the top, and after his gruelling race in the National Steeplechase he may not be required to fulfil his engagement. Perle de Leon is one of the possibilities, and his success hi the Jumpers’ Flat yesterday, although anticipated, will do him no harm. A genuine stayer and a sluggard over the early stages, the two and a.-half mile journey to-morrow will be all in his favour. Royal Form, without a doubt, will be Auckland’s big hope, and should the favourite meet with any trouble then it. is quite within the bounds of possibility that the second big jumping stake will be brought to Auckland. On the score of weight the Northerner is not badly treated, and with the able assistance of W. J. Bowden he should be dangerous at the end. (Since this was written advice has been received from Christchurch that Royal Form was very lame after racing yesterday, and is an unlikely starter.) GOOD SECOND STRING Bracketed with Perle de Leon will be Gaze, who 15 months ago was hailed as another Nukumai, and would in all probability have proved it had he not gone wrong on the eve of the Great Northern Hurdles, after winning, very comfortably, the Century Hurdles, 21 miles, at Wanganui. Gaze has crashed a couple of times in his schooling, which suggests that he is not so good as he was. Back to form, Gaze would outclass the field. Next on the card comes the favourite, Wharncliffe, called the “Americano,” because, like the Yankee horses, he persists in running each furlong of a journey alike. His win in the Trentham Hurdles and second to Nukumai in the Winter Hurdles four days later shows of. what he is capable. The suspicion of lack of stamina is there, but 'Wharncliffe may

confound his critics. He certainly has every opportunity to do so with 10 stone. NOT AT HOME Although quite a useful proposition over hurdles, Peter Maxwell could not very well be fancied in this bunch, and similarly Beau Cavalier, both of whom can be classed as doubtful runners. Kaikahu showed pace on the flat yesterday, giving further evidence of his consistency. At Trentham a month ago he ran a first and two seconds in hack hurdle events, and will do better than that yet. He is one of the most impressive of those well down the card. Dubious is not noted for his remarkable consistency. Included in his list of successes is the Century Hurdles, but since then he has not proved even a near champion over the sticks. He is bred well enough to win almost any .race. Like another Southerner, Captain Sarto, Dubious appears to have lost a great deal of his earlier brilliancy. COULD IF HE WOULD The erratic langitahi figures on the minimum. His second on the flat yesterday was indeed surprising, especially in view of the fact* that he ran badly in the Longbeacli Hurdles last Saturday week. Caught in a chastened mood to-mor.row there are more unlikely things to happen than Rangitahi bobbing up serenely. However, he will not carry a great amount of Auckland money. There is a different story to tell of Bonena, a most promising acquisition to the ranks of hurdlers. A win at Trentham was followed by another at. Riccarton at the recent hunt gathering. Yes, if any of the greatly fancied trio—Wharncliffe, Royal Form and Perle de Leon—are to be upset, it will be by either Guncase or Kaikahu. This quintette appeal most of the 14 left in the race at present. THE PUBLIC FANCY With the field at starting time tomorrow reduced to about 10 runners.

ROYAL FORM it is not expected that betting operations will cover a particularly wide range. The following order will probably be found to coincide with the public's view of the contest as reflected by the totalisator: WHARNCLIFFE PERLE DE LEON KAIKAHU Later information may come to hand this afternoon from Riccarton headquarters, and should such be the case any readjustment, together with the complete list of acceptances for tomorrow, will be found under the late turf heading on another page

Taking it Easy J. Simkin, who was responsible f-' the forward condition of the Gok Bell —Franeienne gelding Hohon when the Mangere sport went clos* 1 effecting a surprise at Alexandra Pa: on the opening day of the winter titure, is according the pacer a holiaa The Advance —Wild Bell horse Roar:" Is now an inmate of the Simkin star but with Reremai and Hohora is ra* joying an easy time. A Useful Trio Golden Grattan, who won the furlong flutter at Cambridge in a roan* ner that suggested better things i&'-‘ on, is resting at his owner’s place a Mangere. W. N. Paul also has Ma- C « r Huia under his care and the big l®” 1 brother to Lady Dun more is tafcrthings quietly. In addition to this pW. N. has the Derby candidate ’ Peter Moko from Wild Pirate to tend to. The latter is a likely sort. o cannot be ready for the classic »£ October. On the Easy List C. F. Jones is another Mangere tor who is taking affairs quietly a-- - a fairly successful season. He useful pair in Mars and Tony vkand Jones was deserving of any cess that came his way. His cnaj? will soon be on the active list a* 6 ; and their careful mentor shoo*® able later on to add further to laurels. Young Nelson Fames A. Cameron, who also hangs o ul ; r sign at Mangere, is not doing j l -. strenuous work with his team, includes the speedy Jean Darling. Bell and the disappointing Gas**-t. latter, however, will probably /. by the spell and may make amena* season. The Mangere owner ai a couple of well-grown youngst the Auckland speed king, * Fame, running on his property. A Great Audubon Mare The Great Audubon mare TyP . which has wintered well un f er DOe a: Paul’s care, is a pacer that on v ances should be better than st* formances indicate. At titf was well in the picture durn». running of the mile heat : u belongs, but petered out, to n back. Perhaps the fact oi t for Great Audubon mare will ac her indifferent displays.