OTHER JUMPING RACES

Taranaki Daily News, 8 May 1930, Page 5

OTHER JUMPING RACES

THE POSITION APPEARS OPEN

GLENSTAR IN TONGAHOE HURDLES

AUCKLANDER’S CONSISTENT FORM

DEMOCRATIC HEADS HACK ’CHASE.

'With a dozen carded in the Tongahoe Hurdles and a field of eight in the Hack -Steeplechase, the public will be provided with further thrills than those, connected with the- Egmont Steeplechase, and the' candidates in these two events represent class enough to provide two keen races. Fine Acre and Glenstar, who have been allotted’ 10.5 in the Tongahoe Hurdles, are proved solid performers and are entitled to their weight. AIL Wright has a promising sort in Fine Acre who has won on the flat and over 'battens this season, and this capable mentor knows all there is to know about preparing hurdlers for races,

At the Waikato meeting, Glenstar carried 10.7 in the Frankton Hurdles and scored decisively from Grand Arch, Glena Bay, Mangani and a fair field and, as the time—amin. 42 3 s'sec.— indicates, there was no- loafing on the journey. Glenstar has not started since, but he is a fit horse, Whenuanui failed badly, at Manawatu and at Feilding after his four successive victories, but he has now recovered from the bad leg that troubled him at Feilding. He may. never be a good class hurdler, but when in form he is more than useful. Vivo is coming down in the weights again, but Royal Acre is more consistent and will be preferred.. I-loromea has not raced for a while and, for the time being, tho majority will let her run against them. But ■later bn—Tiega. promised- much .last season, 'but has not fulnlled that promise yet. Nevertheless, he has more pace than the average hurdler and has only to learn to compass tho obstacles adroitly to be returned a winner. Whisogne goes well when he is allowed to make his own pace out in front, but he is not a good class. hurdler and, like Captain Gazeley and Calithe, will not trouble the public ninth, The issue appears to lie between Fine Acre, Glenstar, Whenuanui and Royal Acre, but there is little likelihood of GLENSTAR being displaced from the position of prime fancy.

'With Democratic in the Hack Steeplechase, the, handicapper did not have far to look for a top-weight, and the versatile Thurnham gelding has been a good winner this season. Though most of his victories have been scored over smaller fences, Democratic qualified as a hunter last.season, and country should not seriously cramp his style. He is one of the most promising ’chasers at Hawera and, in view of his more important engagements later on, his running will be watched with interest.

Diana’s Lad stays on well aiid has been winning good hurdle races. •Schooled" at Trentham last week he showed promise, and a successful debut over country may not be beyond him. Maidos has won several steeplechases, but is unsound and, as he has not raced since last season, his condition will be against him. Waitaunaha has been seen lately at the hunts, and judging by the way he is revelling in the game, he will not be long in contributing towards his upkeep. He 'has a fair amount of pace and has run well at Hawera before. Double 'Sbult won a steeplechase at the IRiver ton Easter meeting ■ and ■ls reported to have shaped promisingly. Of the others, Kowhatu, who has been jumping well at Wanganui,’ looks the most likely to break the ice today.

Weighing the pros and cons carefully, it is hard to see the winner come from outside of Democratic, Diana's Lad, Waitaunaha and. Kowhatu, but class must appeal to the public and for that reason DEMOCRATIC appears the best proposition.