Heavy Footing Might Upset Calculations

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 803, 25 October 1929, Page 17

Heavy Footing Might Upset Calculations

Can Jean See It Out

For a considerable number of years the Spring Handicap, run on the opening day of the Auckland Trotting Club's October carnival, has provided patrons of Alexandra Park with a keen and spectacular contest. Judging by the high-grade performers engaged in the big heat tomorrow, the 1929 race will be no exception to the rule. Ten years ago the Spring Handicap i bad u 4.42 limit, but a reduction from time to time saw the 1927 contest for horses that could do 4.32 or better. Last October the end was clipped another second, but when the management of the club received the card for this year it was decided to lengthen the limit to 4.33. Some high-grade pacers have captured this early season popular event. I including Lord Rose (1919), Nita Bell (1921), Blue Mountain King (1922), Great Bingen (1923), Dean Dillon (1924), Imprint (1925), Sea Pearl (1926), Machine Gun (1927) and last, but not least, Kohara (1925). Reference to these past masters of the Spring Handicap will conjure up in the public mind some wonderful struggles at Epsom. Strange to say, the track has never been found fast at this period of the year and when Kohara, 12 months ago. registered 4.53 2-5. he put up the fastest time for the race. Tomorrow’s Contest While there are some candidates of wonderful physique and ability engaged in tomorrow’s hustle, the footing will not be conducive to a high rate of speed; nevertheless the contest will be most interesting and exciting. A round dozen colour tlie card, including some of the most improved and j consistent pacers in the land. In this category can be mentioned i Great Delight (4.27 4-5), Torpedo Huon (4.27 3-5), Gold Dial (4.27 4-5), Wrackler (4.29 1-5) and Linkman (4-25 2-5), while for general consistency, without any watch-winding. Jean McElwyn must attract attention. From the time point of view, each candidate alluded to is set to slower motion, and if any of them should repeat the effort it would be a. great struggle. Great Delight will appeal off the front and if the Ashliurst pacer reproduced his 4.27 4-5 go those behind him would be set a difficult task to head him off. Jean McElwyn and Wraekler are a nice pair on the 24vds mark, and they are going to bo troublesome all the way. Likely Quartet Jean McElwyn is a game little mare and as she is staying on better this s f son her prospects are very bright. Y\ ackler is a hardy customer that goes honestly under any conditions, and if anything in the event can get to the judge in front of the Wrack gelding they will deserve the prize. Of the 36yds lot Torpedo Huon appeals most, but it is doubtful if the footing will

suit him. and Dillon Huon maj .... in provide the fans with a surprise packet victory. Further back Linkman will find most friends. He is a rare type of stayer, is in the pink of condition, and if he is to get a place in

the New Zealand Cup he must have a great chance of success in tomorrow’s race. With Linkman, Wraekler, Jean McElwyn and Great Delight in form, backers should have a good guide toward a final selection.

AT GREYMOUTH

WEST COAST CARNIVAL N.Z. CUP HORSES ENGAGED The Greymouth Trotting Club's annual spring fixture opens tomorrow and as the West Coast body has a race on the card suitable for New Zealand Cup contestants, more than ordinary interest is taken in the meeting. The fields are large and the company to be seen out is, apart from the big guns, of a good class. Following may be well supported in their respective events: Introductory Handicap.—Grand Canyon, Reylet. Petrie Handicap.—Olive Nelson, Bon Jour. Mawhera Handicap.—Cyone, Bessie Dillon. Blaketown Handicap.—Flying Kate, Young Author. Royal Oak Handicap.—Great Way, Silurian. Greymouth Handicap.—Free Advice, Daphne de Oro. Diggers’ Handicap.—Ecstasy, Danny Boy. Aviation Handicap.—Royal Comrade. Ngingo Ngingo.