NEW PLYMOUTH RACES,

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1924, Page 4

NEW PLYMOUTH RACES,

THE CHRISTMAS MEETING WEIGHTS DISCUSSED (By “Moturoa.”) Promptly to time 'H. Coyle’s weights for the first day of the Taranaki J.C. Christmas meeting made their appearance, and the more one looks at the lists the more one has to concede that he has made a good job of an arduous task. With horses from all parts engaged, many of which have never met, opinions are likely to differ somewhat, but the writer can see no strikingly outstanding horses in the principal handicaps, at least. In the Christmas Handicap Tinokaha fills the place of honour with 9st., and, judging by his recent form the Quin Abbey gelding is quite capable of running well forward under that impost. ’ Irapuka (8.11) has not done much this j season, and the top-weight should hold him safe at a difference of only 31bs. Euchre has a good load (8.9), but he ran a great race at Levin, and his condition should stand to him. Gleneairn (8.7) can run distance out, and is reported to be in good nick. Kahikatea has been off the scene for some time, and Black Cruiser’s running has been very disappointing. Possibly this pair may be set aside for the present. Esthonia and The Banker are both on the 8.5 mark, and of the pair The Banker reads best. Of those lower down, Abbey Bell, with three placed performances to her credit this season, may have to be given a chance. They are a good, even lot, only 71bs. separating top and bottom weights. The high scale will enable owners to get suitable jockeys, and Tinokaha, Euchre and The Banker should prove capable of carrying their weights well.

Rational (9.7) has not been let down very much for, his recent failures, and in the Flying Handicap the winner may come from lower down. Master Sandstone (8.10) is a good one, and Orchid (3.0) ran a rattling good race at Woodville to Peneus. Orchid was not nearly ready then, and will be a whole heap fitter on Boxing Day. Yoma (7.13) has failed recently, but is very nicely treated. Tinokaha (7.11) appears to be handicapped as a non-sprinter, but he won over six furlongs recently, though not in very select company. Big Push, on Waverley form, has earned every pound of 7.9, and Abbey Belt (7.5) is not overweighted either. On recent form Orchid, Master Sandstone, and Big Push appear to have nothing to complain of. In the minor events the fields appear to have been equitably treated. Solferange would be dangerous in the Juvenile Handicap with Ost. if started, but in his absence it might be hard to choose between Bonogne (8.8) and Area (8.1). The crowd engaged in th© Hack Hurdles are a good lot. Miss Mickey, who was regarded as unlucky at Feilding, is quite entitled to list., but Equitable (10.11) is better treated. Of Te Kawa as a hurdler we have heard a lot, but Mr. Coyle has taken no risks with him at 10.3. Nothing stands out amongst the light-weights. In the Stewards’ Hack Handicap, Rehutai (9.0) is entitled to her place. She has been unlucky in recent starts, and the best has not been seen of her recently. Muria (8.1) is consistent, and Papaponga (8.3), Wee Sandy (7.10), and Blue Peter (7.9) are all nicely treated The Lepperton Welter contains a mixed lot. Matin Bell (10.2), Merry Ann (9.6), and General Pryde (9.11) have raced successfully this season, and the best of the trio may keep till Taranaki brigade busy on the day. P. Raynor, the Wanganui jockey, who has not been riding for some time owing to liis weight, is again in form, and will ride at the forthcoming meetings at New Plymouth and Stratford. He lias taken up permanent residence in Hawera.