VINTAGE WITH APPEAL

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1935, Page 4

VINTAGE WITH APPEAL

CHANCES OF GRAND JURY DIATOMOUS COMES BACK TO FORM. AUTOPAY AND WHERIKO FANCIED.

(By

“Hurry On.”)

After Vintage’s two impressive wins at Ellerslie there was no question about the top weight for the Wellington Cup. Nevertheless, Mr. Coyle has not been unduly harsh with this fine son of Shambles and with only three more pounds to carry than the weight under which he won the A.R.C. Handicap he looks sure to start as favourite. However, there appears to be a shade of doubt whether he will start. It is reported from Riccarton that his connections have an Australian trip in view and are somewhat afraid that should Vintage win the Wellington Cup he will ae weighted out of any event across he Tasman. Still he has been paid up lor Tuesday’s race, showing an intenion to allow him to take his place in he field. Despite her failure in the Grandstand Handicap on the final day at Ellerslie, Say Marigold has been accepted for in preference to her stable mate King March. It can be said in her favour that In the Duke of Gloucester Cup at Trentham in December she accounted for Vintage at a difference of 121 b. In the Wellington Cup she is in receipt of 18 lb. from the top weight. .Grand Jury was the unlucky horse of the Auckland Cup race and, though „ soundly beaten by Vintage in the A.R.C. ’ Handicap, he is expected to display im- ' proved form on the Trentham track, for which he has shown a partiality in the past. Red Manfred ran a splendid race in the Grandstand Handicap at ' Ellerslie but he appears just good v enough to get beaten. Apart from. his ' win on this course in October, Spirals form this season has been quite ordinary and Cuddle, with two pounds less, makes more appeal. This aptly named daughter of Caress has made a wonderful improvement during the last two months and she fairly ambled home in the cup at Marton on New Year’s Day. She will be up against better company at Trentham but will not be disgraced. Tout le Monde’s form at Awapuni suggested that this disappointing southerner might yet make good. Caliente’s great second to Cricket Bat in the Duke of Gloucester Cup in December will not be forgotten, especially as this mare was a good fourth in the Auckland Cup event. Red Sun is not reliable, while Rocket docs not appear to be the horse ' he was a year ago. Royal Artist won : the race two years ago but his form since then has been only moderate. Silver Sight has fair form to his credit in the south. . It seems likely that the top weights will dominate the situation and though the race has not been a particularly lucky one for the favourite, the public are likely to pin their faith to VINTAGE, GRAND JURY. GAY MARIGOLD. The Telegraph Handicap. His solid displays at Ellerslie demonstrate that Diatomous is back to his best form. As he is a classy sprinter who has shown that the long Trentham six furlongs track has no terrors for him, he is assured of a big following in the Telegraph Handicap. Nevertheless, he

is rather close to that great little horse Autopay, who by winning the Fitzherbert Handicap at Awapuni on Boxing Day showed that he has not forgotten the way to gallop. Silver Streak gave signs during the holidays of returning to his form of 12 months ago • but he has his full share of weight. Rereatu is coming down in the weights and a repetition of his spring form should see him handy at the finish. Her latest trainer, T. R. George, appears to have made a big improvement in Princess Doreen, who raced most consistently at Ellerslie. Though a longer distance might suit her better, the straight six furlongs in the Telegraph will give her a chance. As a three-year-old at Melbourne Wheriko showed himself to be a classy galloper and A. D. Webster has him very well at present. He played with the opposition on the final day at Awapuni and he should not be neglected at Trentham. Cranford, though disappointing at times, has run some good races at Trentham in the past. Lucidus made the sprinters on the Taranaki circuit look very cheap during the holidays and though the opposition in the Telegraph is much stronger, his victory at Stratford was impressive. Star Artist does not appear ■to be able to strike form this season, even though she gallops well on the track. The class may prove too strong for Namakia, while Guarantee would appreciate a longer journey. The Telegraph Handicap bears an open appearance with six or more with good winning prospects, but the main fancies majj prove to be DIATOMOUS, AUTOPAY, WHERIKO. NEW PLYMOUTH TRACK YESTERDAY MORNING'S WORK. LITTLE GALLOPING DONE. There wets very little activity on the New Plymouth tracks yesterday morning. nearly all the horses being restricted to pace work on the plough. The only gallop of the morning was one over five furlongs by Glenvane and Merry Way, who ran the distance in Im. 41s. Bonny Glow was allowed to go once round at a good half pace. Both Amyril and Golden Rill appeared anxious to go faster when covering a circuit at an easy three-quarter pace. Golden Rill is looking well. Davistock, Lalla Quex, Aussie Ra and Courtega all worked separately on the plough. R, Johnson has this quartette in splendid order. R. Barlow has recommissioned Refresher. This son of Tea Tray has put. on a good deal of condition during his spell and it will be some time before he is ready to race again. General Quex and Red 'Fox hit out freely over a round at an easy half pace.