AWAPUNI JOTTINGS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 416, 26 July 1928, Page 6

AWAPUNI JOTTINGS

PUWHERO SENT HOME

CHELONE AND WINTER CUP

(Special to THE SUN) PALMERSTON N., Wed. With A wap uni’s small contingent absent at Gisborne, and the Grand National meeting some weeks away, there was little of interest doing at the local centre yesterday morning. Puwhero, who went wrong on the Hawke’s Bay circuit, is still an absentee from the tracks. The old fellow is to be sent through to his owner’s property at Hunterville, but trainer L. Knapp is confident that his racing days are not yet over. Cold Air, a Warplane youngster who tarries the same colours as Puwhero, is showing the benefit of his recent outings, and he should be heard from ■when the scale of weights are lighter. Home Made, who claims engagements at the Grand National meeting next month, was sent a couple of strong rounds on the plough. The Thurnham gelding made a good showing at Trentham over the battens and he might pay his way at Riccarton. A former inmate of F. Tilley’s stable at Forriell has made his appearance locally as a member of L. Knapp’s string. By Kilbroney out of Kibble, Kilia is now approaching his seventh birthday, but his performances a couple of seasons ago indicate that a race may not prove beyond him. He is owned by a son of the wellknown owner, Mr. T. A. Duncan. Not In the Mood Atareria, who will probably accompany Cheione to the National fixture, was worked on the grass proper with the attractive Disrank. Atareria was not, however, in galloping mood, and the youngster drew away from him. The latter has been in work a considerable time without anything being asked of him, and he looks the part even though he may not be a good doer.

Cheione (Metcalf), who is Awapuni’s on© Winter Cup candidate, looks in excellent order, and is not without friends in his Southern mission. He scampered over six furlongs on the grass proper very freely. Incidentally, it is probable that Metcalf will not be in attendance at the Grand National meeting, the winter scale of weights being against his prospects of securing mounts. Redbank, who was expected to make a good showing over the battens at Trentham. only to disappoint, appears to have lightened up a little as the result of his outings. He does not figure at Riccarton. but he is being kept in active work, and should do better in the future. Recruit To Hurdling A prospective addition to the hurdling ranks is the Sarto—Blackada gelding Novar, who has proved to be a very fair stake-earner on the flat. The jumping art is not unknown to Novar, for he ran in a hurdle event at Ashhurst prior to his opening his maiden account. While he was not persevered with in that role, he was jumping cleanly and fairly fast in a solo effort yesterday morning. Those two old warriors, March On and Birkie, are also having their jumping education extended. In company with Skyrider (J. Blanche), and Rangi Sarto (H. Burt), March On went quite attractively. Skyrider acted as pacemaker, but her Jumping was somewhat erratic. March On jumped more cautiously, and made up his leeway bet ween the fences. Rangi Sarto allowed the two recruits to make the pace, but was well up in the run home. Birkie is essaying the big country,

and although the Birkenhead gelding, like his stable companion, is getting on in years, he appears to like his tasks. Associated -with both March On and Birkie in their essays is an enthusiastic amateur rider in Mr. S. McGreal, who is showing distinct aptitude for the game. It is his intention to apply for his gentleman rider's ticket. One For Riccarton Rangi Sarto still carries very evident signs of the mishap which befell him at Napier—an injury which his owner maintains was performed by the hand of man. While one wonders how he can jump with it, the Sarto gelding went quite well over the battens. H. Burt will ride him at the National fixture, while he will also pilot Passin* Through In his engagements. Bullford is continuing his slow but steady preparation, and although still robust, there is every indication that the Strowan gelding will yet be found out with the colours up. Trainer E. Watson is expending plenty of patience on the old fellow, and it would be pleasing to find his efforts rewarded. Kilmiss, who may be found in attendance at Riccarton, was given an easy task yesterday morning, while the Acre youngster, Patearoa, was not asked a great deal. Both, however, appear to be in good order, and, with a track to her liking, the Kilboy mare might race prominently in the South. Dobbin, who is another member of E. Watson’s string, is back in work following a lengthy spell. The Quin Abbey gelding has not put on a great deal of condition in the interim and carries the appearance of being in good order to enter upon a preparation for the spring. Keddar, who was accorded a let-up following the Otaki June fixture, had to be brought back into work earlier than had been intended, his activities in the paddock necessitating a little of his surplus energy being worked off. Inflame, who is likewise from J. Coyle’s stable, is rapidly attaining racing condition. Good Ones Back Crown Area, Blimp, Mooregas and Miss Field have rejoined the active ranks following a spell on the Kairanga grass. The quartette carry a very burly appearance as a result, and are in apple-pie order to commence their preparation. Trainer G. New has a big string now under his command, his boxes at present housing some 20 horses, with others waiting to be accommodated. To Go To Wanganui Mr. C. M. Emanuel, the owner of Royal Tea, will, as soon as definite arrangements can be made, send the brood mare Duchess Eudorus to Koatanui, Wanganui, where she will again make a visit to Limond. The Favourites

Interest in the Grand Nationals has quickened since the appearance of the first acceptances, says a Wellington writer. Beau Cavalier and Pouri are about equal favourites .for the Grand National Steeplechase, and though Beau Cavalier may be the totalisator favourite at the finish, there is every indication that the support for Pouri is going to be very strong. Wiltshire and Tuki are the next in favour, and the tendency to fancy Wiltshire is growing. In the Grand N srtional Hurdles, the principal public fancies are Red Fuchsia, Beau Cavalier, Nukumai and Gaze. Last year’s winner of the Winter Cup, Solferite, is among the early fancies for the big mile, 1 which is tc be run again on August 14, and among the others at present in favour are the North Islanders Kaiti and Panther.