TROTTING AT HASTINGS

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1932, Page 4

TROTTING AT HASTINGS

A REVIEW OF THE FORM SMOOGER’S SMART PERFORMANCE. VERY PROMISING TWO-YEAR-OLD. (Special to News). The trotting at Hastings . last weekend was productive of exciting sport, the racing being highly spectacular and in many instances terminating with thrilling finishes. Considering the state of the big grass track, which was not by any means conducive to speed, some smart efforts were recorded. Of the more advanced horses Capilano and Luminate registered fine performances in winning the chief race each day, Capilano running the mile and five furlongs in 3.46 in the Cup and Luminate 3.47 the second day. time in the slow limit mile and a quarter was the gem of the meeting. The best horse in the novice classes was undoubtedly the Hawera trained Smooger, who not only won twice over u mile and a quarter, but ran the distance faster than any other winner at a similar journey, irrespective of class. J. E. “Sam” Smith had made wonderful progress with the Native King pacer since he raced at Hawera as a trotter, and it was a fine compliment to the Taranaki trainer, who had the novice in great condition, that Smooger was able to win a double so soon at the pacing gait in such attractive style. ... Everybody was prepared to- take his hat off to the Wanganui two-year-old Cimmaron, and had he struck a good track the youngster would have- been sure to win a heat. As it was he-ran two very solid races on a holding, heavy course, when one would have been sufficient for many a horse a year older. Cimarron is a half brother to Derby Lynn and Bingen Crest, two successful performers, and he promises to emulate the deeds of his high-class relatives with a little more age on his side. ■ ~ Two seasons back Lee Nelson looked like reaching the high class brigade, and after his two brilliaht victories at Hawera for W. Head an Auckland sportsman made a good offer for the son of Nelson Derby. No business resulted, C. Le Campione not being anxious to sell. For two years Lee Nelson failed to reproduce his good form, and recently he was secured 'by. Mr. J. R. Corrigan for a moderate figure. In his second essay in the Corrigan livery Lee Nelson showed a winning return, but he is still many removes from the horse he was in 1930. BREEDING ON BOTH SIDES. A very promising maiden trotter seen at Hastings was the four-year-old Townguard by Worthy Bingen from a Hal Zolock mare, and here is great breeding on both sides. The young square gaiter, who is owned by H. Jones and trained by W. Head, is a well actioned trotter, and displays rare solidness on the tracks. With a bit more racing experience Townguard will make good, and as next season progresses he should soon win his way out of the novice classes. Another likely maiden trotter in the same stable is Scrip, by Worthy Bond from a Huia Dillon mare, who is of the same age, but not so forward as Townguard. Winshow had. two starts for a win and a third placing, but when the handsome grey filly won the Whakatu Handicap, for which it was claimed she had not been originally entered, her price was decidedly short. The committee, with the aid of the stipendiary, Mr. A. E. Commons, and with the aid of Rule 198, put the O.K. seal on the entry, which allowed Winshow ,to be handicapped, to start and also to win. Mr. B. Sewell, owner of Arthur phimes, intends to further test the position, but on form at any rate Arthur Chimes had not a ghost of a show with Winshow. It has not been for want of trying that A. Corrigan has not won a race with the big raking Golden Oaks, who has now raced iu various parts of the North Island for two seasons for a small particle of place money. After Smooger .made Golden Oaks look particularly cheap in the Longlands Handicap on the second day it was decided not to waste any more time on the “Oaks” candidate and he was sold in the Bay for a tenner. He may prove useful at mustering. After competing on the, Auckland country circuit last month, Native Cole and Bonny Drift were taken to Hawera by R. J. Bryne, and he landed them at Hastings iu good ordeiv Native Cole in particular looked improved, and he raced accordingly at the first 'time of asking, winning the Novice Handicap in solid style. In three subsequent attempts, however, Native Colo refused to go away correctly and was evidently feeling the strain of the long campaign. Owiler Bryne took his horse' home to Hawera for a , well-earned spell, and next season Native Cole should be seen to further advantageTWO STRINGS TO THE BOW. The veteran trainer W. Orange had his two trotters, Summertime and Hardy Grattan, in excellent condition for the East Coast meeting, but while Summertime ran prominently each day for eleven furlongs, the heavy going found her wanting in the final pinch. But just as the mare would display signs of distress, J. Gerrard, who was driving the other part of the bracket, would dash up and Hardy Grattan, finishing stoutly and with good speed, succeeded in winning a race each day. The Hastings trainer J. A. Gerrard turned out the J. H. Lloyd team. in capital order and, driving them with fine skill, succeeded in winning a race each with Capilano, Luminate and Le Chenault, while Manco returned a second dividend. With the exception of Le Chenault, the other horses raced prominently on the Hawera-New PlymouthWanganui circuit, but next season. Le Chenault, who looks like developing into a very fine pacer, should be heard of on a similar trip. The Canadian-bred mare Miss Braeside ran two fair races but when the pressure was applied she soon faded out and does not appear, to be a good racing proposition. It is doubtful if Miss°Braeside will race again, as she will shortly be relegated to the matrons’ paddock at Hawera. Bolinde King looked a very fit horse at Hastings, but the sturdy black pacer did not produce his best form. Prior to the meeting he was working as-. well as anything on the dirt track, which was in fine order, and it is possible the condition of the grass track on race days did not suit him.