RACING ON AND OFF THE TRACK

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 22968, 11 August 1944, Page 6

RACING ON AND OFF THE TRACK

First race at Riccarton to-morrow at 11.2. As Required is expected Io start in the Grand National Hurdles. Sal's Pal barked a shin in a collision in the Winter Cup, and is not to be regarded as a certain starter on Saturday. Benghazi, second in the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdles, and winner of the Australian Hurdle Race, is by Lo Zingari (Solario-Love in Idleness), a horse imported to Victoria by Mr S. Green and now owned by Mr A. Chisholm, of Otautau. From 1890 to 1914 the distance of the Grand National Hurdles was two miles. In 1915 it was 21 miles, and in 1916 there was a further increase to 24 miles. Then the starting point was taken back to the nine-furlongs barrier and the journey was described as “about 21 miles.” Actually it is 21 miles and 150 yards, and is so described nowadays in the conditions of the race. In the Hunt Cup the placegetters in the Enfield have gone up: Ballyaggan 111 b, Airdrie 41b, and Timber Topper 11b. La Boca (4th) has been left on 10.11, and Donadea (fell) raised 21b. Cold figures point to Airdrie, Timber Topper and Ballyaggan. A majority of the big field in the Summer Hack are weighted on 8.0, and not many of these have any credentials for a nine-furlongs contest. Lancewing, winner at the Hunt meeting, has been lifted 111 b. Honest Sal 41b and Salary 21b. With an additional furlong Salary should beat both. Stavros has gone up 101 b for his win, and will have to meet Ganges on 91b worse terms. Salary and Ganges are a likely pair. As Timber Topper, Ballyaggan and Donadea are in the Enfield, they are unlikely to run in the Lincoln. VAlantua is a doubtful starter and As Required has an attractive weight in the Hurdle Race, there is a probability of a small field in the Lincoln. On National form Noko could be discarded, but that was not his real form—he was at least a stone better horse at Riverton. Kanui te Pai has been raised 101 b and As Required 141 b. Noko and Dozie Boy have been dropped a pound, and will meet As Required 151 b and Kanui te Pai 111 b better than in the National. Noko is very favourably handicapped, but the favourite may be Kanui te Pai. Thirty-two hacks have survived the acceptance and ballot for the Woolston Hack to-morrow, but 26 are handicapped on the minimum, and these with two or three exceptions are all maidens. Pensacola was a useful two-year-old and may run well. None of the four which finished ahead of Kaitoa last week is engaged, and backers may select this Man's Pal gelding and Bowmore. Authoress, winner of the Sydenham, was unplaced in the Winter Hurdles with 10.4, and another five furlongs will not help her with 10.7. Nightcalm has not raced well lately and the distance will trouble him. Young Charles was a long way back for most of the way in the Sydenham, but he had a rough trip down and is capable of much better things. Boloyna has been disappointing as a hurdler. Borak, a fit stayer with the Winter Hurdles to his credit, is the potential favourite. Te Kawiti has been under a cloud and may stop at the end. Paladeo has crashed twice over the Riccarton hurdles, Knight Commander has a stayer’s chance, but Maggiore is unlikely to see out the distance. Flying Spy, second in the Sydenham with 10.0, drops 141 b and she is bred to stay. Invincible is the other lightweight attracting attention, and although a comparative novice he will be one of the favourites. Borak, Flying Spy, Invincible and As Required are likely to be supported. Lightfair was going well when he was put on to the rail in the Trial Hurdles, and with a pound off his back, he must be conceded a chance in the Spreydon. Albino, second, also encountered a bit of trouble, and 41b extra is not excessive for his second. Monmouth’s 121 b rise is warranted by his runaway win. Po-Huka and Waitoru were stopping in the Trial. Ivar hit his knees when he fell, and may be an absentee. Albino. Lightfair and Monmouth may be best backed.

Had Bashful Lady been favoured with a clear run in the Winter Cup she would now be on about 10.2 or 10.3 in the Islington Handicap instead of 8.10. She won last year with 10.0 and there is no evidence that she has deteriorated. On 101 b better terms she should hold Gulf Stream safe. Sal’s Pal fit and well with a strong rider also should beat the Winter’ Cup winner over the extra distance, but he may be reserved for the last race. Winter Cup runners which will be suited by the longer journey are Foxhaven, Platform and Tring, but the form horse is Bashful Lady. Royal Flight did not get an uninterrupted run in the Winter Cup, but she carried 10.1 into fifth place. Over a furlong less ground and on a bettertrack she might run into a place in the August Handicap, though a wrn seems beyond her: First day form drew attention to the prospects of Sal’s Pal, Royal Greek, Skyhawk and Poutatau, but it is not definite that Sal’s Pal will run.