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Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 676, 30 May 1929, Page 12

Likely Maiden The Fordell stable usually produces a good maiden at Otaki, and interest will centre next Saturday in the first appearance of Trench Raid, a rising three-year-old colt by Night Raid from Petal Dust, for which F. Tilley bid 120 guineas at the Trentham sales. Petal Dust is a sister to Martarma (Martian —Per Arma), so Trench Raid has breeding in his favour, while from what was seen of him this month on the Wanganui tracks, he also possesses galloping ability.

More Bad Luck Albert Wood has not found training nearly as profitable as riding, says a Sydney scribe, and the ill-luck that has followed him ever since he transferred his attention to the preparation of horses stuck to him at Menangle Park last week. Gibsontea, whom ho is training for Mr. A. A. Marks, had been showing great speed at Warwick Farm, and the juvenile event provided an excellent opportunity to throw in for a good win. Few people had heard of Gibsontea, with the result that a long price was always on offer, and even after a good commission had been placed, eights were available. Gibsontea struck one too good in the Colugo gelding. Secureness, who cleared right away from the opposition, and left Gibsontea to gain £5 for second place. Gibsontea is a New Zealand-bred gelding by Tea Tray from Florita, and should soon make amends for his failure.

Holdfast’s Future Now that Holdfast has resumed acquaintance with the Rand wick tracks it is interesting to consider his future. It has been suggested that he will resolve himself into a sprinter only, but all sportsmen would like to see him capable of making the A.J.C. Derby finish interesting. Assuming that Holdfast proves himself up to a mile or nine furlongs, and no more, it is likely that his programme for the spring will include the Warwick Farm Hobartville Stakes (six furlongs), the Rosehill Guineas (nine furlongs) and Tattersail’s Chelmsford Stakes (nine furlongs). If it is considered that the Craven Plate (one mile and a quarter') is a bit far for Holdfast, it may be decided to take him to Melbourne for the Caulfield and Flemington attractions. On the other hand, it may be found that Holdfast is a six furlongs proposition, and nothing else, in which case it may be determined to concentrate on the Hobartville Stakes, and then put Holdfast away for a race like the V.R.C. Newmarket Handicap in the autumn of next year. Of course, everything depends upon the manner in which Holdfast progresses in his preparation.