Flattering Handicap In Principal Event

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 687, 12 June 1929, Page 12

Flattering Handicap In Principal Event

AUCKLAND TROTS Decidedly flattering sums up the adjustment made by Mr. G. Paul for the Prince of Wales Handicap which provides the chief attraction on the opening day of the Auckland Trotting Club’s winter fixture. rpHG half dozen on the limit a.re in that position either by virtue q£ previous performances which have entitled them to a 4.29 mark, or the decision of their owners to give away

a. second or two in order to have a chance of gaining a portion of the prize money on offer, while those at the rear of tin' adjustment are let up a second at the discretion of the handicapper. In a race of this description, horses with recent racing form will no doubt have the advantage over those who have been off the scene during the past few months, and are mainly dependant on their training energies to be ready for the tussle. Unfortunately, through the winter conditions obtaining at Auckland, the local candidates are being hampered in thei.r training operations and this will place them at a distinct disadvantage, when pitted against the strong Canterbury quota which has been favoured with a good deal of racing of late. Epsom is represented in the big event by Torpedo Tluon and The Abbey on the front, and Gold Jacket, who shares the back mark (48yds) with Kohara, another candidate that has not sported silk for some time. Fit and well, the Epsom-trained limit pair would give the visitors a tough fight, but in Dundas Boy and Vesuvius they will meet two pacers at the top of their form. Dundas Boy’s recent performances are very striking and he has seldom been out of a. place in recent essays. His victory in the two mile contest at Addington on June 3, when off a 4.31 mark he tramped a tick under 4.30, will entitle him to a lot of respect at Epsom. At the same fixture Vesuvius was placed third in both a two mile and ten furlong go, and Albion’s pacer is fast returning to the form that gained him distinction earlier in the season. Dalmeny has given away time to get in the event, but his ability to handle winter tracks will no doubt cause many to favour his prospects, while the trotter Young Blake will require to go right all the way if he is to have a chance. Logan Chief and Machine Cun on latest form are overshadowed by Silk Thread, on the 4.28 mark, and the latter has raced so consistently and successfully in his last few starts that R. Plaxico’s charge threatens to be the popular fancy. There may be a doubt about the American-bred pacer’s ability to handle soft going, but there is no mistaking the fact that he is now in great form. Padlock has not raced for some time, but should he return to his form of last season the Longburn-trained gelding would have a royal show off 4.27. Cardinal Logan, who is on the same peg, gave a glimpse of his better form at the Canterbury Park meeting this month, where he boat all in a mile and a-quarter heat except Silk Thread. Hendricksen’s pacer has never run a bad race at Epsom in June and this factor will not be lost sight of by backers. As already mentioned. Gold Jacket and Kohara have no cause for complaint on the score of handicap, and if both were dressed in their last Christmas regalia, those in front of them would have something to do to keep out of the road of the backmarkers. Kohara may be more advanced than his Auckland Cup sister for the coming struggle, but early selectors will probably favour those further out with recent form to recommend them. These include Silk Thread. Dundas Boy, and Vesuvius, while Torpedo Huon will also claim respect.