FIRST LORD AT EPSOM

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 81, Issue 7252, 15 September 1950, Page 5

FIRST LORD AT EPSOM

GREEK BRIGADE FOR STAKES > HANDY SIZED FIELDS ENGAGED (By “Old Rowley”) Although it seems certain that First Lord will be favourite for the September Handicap to-morrow, it should not be overlooked that his impressive victory at Addington, when he scored very easily, took 4.451 for the two miles, whereas the unpredictable Fortuna ran the same distance in 4.21 S a week later. During the past few days Caledonian Gold has been showing good form in trials and it is here that the upset may occur. Local representatives are in a position to earn some of the stake money, Greek Brigade and Black Storm standing out. The former claims an engagement in the Improvers. 1 ’ Handicap and later in the day in the Franklin Stakes. Black Storm is on the 12 yards mark in the United Handicap and except for Winston Hall and Our Bexley does not seem to be pitted against an overstrong field. Margaret Gaillard (Davies), Village Prince (Steward), Petite Raider, Gay Warrior, Mission King and Single Direct (Kennerley), State Control (Ferguson), Indian Triumph (Davies) and Margaret’s Own (Martin) are others who have gone north. E. E. Cressey holds a strong hand in both trotting events, the Sandyetta —Direct Earl bracket appealing very much. Latest information suggests that racing will take place on a fairly firm surface and times will be fast. The following selections are offered: Improvers’ Handicap, limit 4.45, 2 miles: Hillsborough, Attraction, Greek Brigade. Introductory Handicap, trotters, limit 4.50, 2 miles: Sandyetta—Direct Earl bracket, Worthy Triumph, Willonyx. Grey Lynn Handicap, limit 3.27, li miles: Petite Raider, State Control, Mission King. September Handicap, limit 4.28, 2 miles l : Caledonian Gold, Fortuna, First Lord. Royal Oak Handicap, trotters, limit 3.32, li miles: Signal Light, Sandyetta Cyone Man. Franklin Stakes, 4-year-olds, li miles: Greek Brigade, Yankiwi, Lady Joss. United Handicap, limit 4.38, 2 miles: Black Storm, Gay Warrior, Our Bexley. Takanini Handicap, limit 2.47, 11 miles: Parawa Derby, General Manager, Indian Game. SPRING RACING AT THAMES CHANCE FOR OZAMI With two division races on the PKpfgramme, the Trial Plate and the Ngatea Stakes, and capacity acceptances in other races, the Thames Jockey Club presents a full programme and a series of puzzles for punters to solve at Parawai to-morrow. This right-hand track of just over a mile in circumference, is a tricky one at this time of the year. It consists of a freely draining sandy subsoil and this often proves surprisingly fast when slow times are being recorded on other tracks. With a straight of 11 furlongs, there is not much opportunity for tardy beginners to make up ground in the run home, and although on occasions horses have come from the back to win, the well placed horse has a distihet advantage. Although on the surface the field for the Hikutaia Hack Hurdles seems to favour one or two, it should be remembered that Brer Acre was a little unlucky at Avondale and Mission School was rather fortunate to pccupy third place. Hormuz, who seems to be without early speed ran on very strongly at Avondale and in easier company he may be worth a second thought. The President’s Handicap, first leg of the double is very open, yet it' gives Ozami the chance to return to form. This Nizami galloper seems to have lost his pulling tendency and is< running on from the back. Being capable of gaining a good position early, he may be a danger. Dark Treasure, Manon and The Bat are showing ability, the latter, despite returning to the flat after a successful run over hurdles. Of the others Luminous looks the best. A rise of lllbs. and in a race where experienced horsemen will be riding, may find Gay Chance in trouble with 9.1, in the Thames Handicap, ten furlongs, second leg of the double. Lone Star, although up 5 lbs. on Avondale weights, looks to be the logical one to provide trouble to the topweight and had he not run wide at his last start would have been closer than fourth. There are several promising hacks engaged who have yet to be tested over the distance and one of them could upset calculations. A brilliant beginner, Cimtore looks one of the safest bets of the day, for he has drawn No. 6 at the barrier and the Thames course will suit him. Selections for the day are:— Hikutaia Hack Hurdles, 12 miles: Brer Acre, Hormuz, Boswell Hill. Trial Plate, 6 furlongs: First Division: Gay Sally, Chiarina, Sea Faun. Second Division: Becca Town, Nellie Kolle, Gallant Robin. Ngatea Stakes, 6 furlongs: First Division: Intrepid, Grand Fille, Ruling Credit. Second Division: Regoli, Nom de Plume, Glencrana. President’s Handicap, i| miles: Ozami, Manon, Dark Treasure. Borough Handicap, apprentice riders, 9 furlongs: Glamour Boy, Rongomai, Probation’s Pride. Thames Handicap, 1J miles: Lone Star, Gay Chance, Amiens. Stewards’ Handicap, 6 furlongs: Talisman, Driving Creek, Master Orelio. Hauraki Plains Handicap, 6 furlongs: Cimtore, Captain Kidd, Burma Raid.