RACING ON AND OFF THE TRACK

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23372, 1 December 1945, Page 7

RACING ON AND OFF THE TRACK

Dec. I—Canterbury J.C. Dec. I—Auckland R.C. Dec. I—Rangitikei R.C. Dec. I—Woodville J.C. Dec. I—Poverty Bay T.C. Dec. I—Forbury Park T.C. Dec. I—Waikato T.C. First race at Riccarton at 11.0. Opening event at Forbury at 11.30. About 25 fresh horses are expected to fill the numerous vacancies in the fields at Riccarton to-day. The watercart has been in use at Riccarton, and some showers are predicted, but there is no reason to anticipate any material change in the going since Cup day. Avowal, who appears in the Forbury race-book as one of R. Townley’s team, is now trained by the owner, T. Bates. A. Melbourne man is said to have lost £4OOO on Typhoon in the Cantala Stakes and another £3OOO in the Final Handicap. W. J. Broughton expects to be able to ride Longsword, Al-Sirat, Bridge Acre, Swingalong and Omit to-day. These engagements indicate that it is intended to run Longsword in the Metropolitan. Heliopolis ran away from the opposition in the principal event at the Waikato Trotting Club’s meeting last Saturday, and should be prominent again this afternoon. Thornbridge’s third in the Derby was almost as expensive as Royal Chance’s placing in the Riccarton Handicap. It has elevated him to 201 b above the minimum in the Otaio Plate. Hormuz, who ran in the Riccarton Handicap last week returned home and is engaged in the Rangitikei Cup this afternoon.

Among the pacers in the Cup Trial at Claudelands is the Australian horse. Ribbon Again. Purchased by Newdick Bros, for a four.-flgure price, he is trained by F. J. Smith. Two seconds and three wins in six starts recommend Great Belwyn for the Ohaupa Handicap at the Waikato meeting. F. J. Smith is reputed to have a high opinion of tliis fpur-year-old pacer. Trevathan and Fancy Goods will be coupled in the December Handicap; and Netherby and Liberty Bond in both the Empire and December Handicaps, at Forbury. The stake for the Otaio Plate is more valuable than that for the Seymour Handicap, but in the last-named race. K. Hare can claim a 71b allowance, and this may influence D. J. McDonald to start Real Chase in the Seymour.

One of the most interesting competitors at Forbury will be the Southland trotter, Sure Harvest. Offers running well into four figures have been declined for the Quite Sure gelding, and it is predicted that he will develop into a high-grade performer. On two previous visits to Forbury he was beaten on the dirt track. The best composite performances by Metropolitan winners have been those of Rapine 9.7 in 2.31 3-5. Te Monanui 9.5 in'2.32 3-5, Concentrate 9.1 in 2.30 J-5 Vintage 9.0 in 2.30 3-5, and Royal Chief 9.12 in 2.31 1-5. Weight and time considered, the honours appear to rest with Royal Chief. The fastest time recorded in the race is 2.30 by Argentic 8.9. A year earlier Argentic won in 2.30 1-5 with 8.10. When the Victorian colt. Don Pedro, was being beaten into second places, some critics blamed the Sydney lightweight. W. Cook. It was claimed that Cook was not strong enough to hold the Don together. Since Cook returneel to Randwick. Don Pedro hqs won twice—the Fisher Plate and the Eclipse Stakes. He was ridden by H. Preston, just back after two months’ suspension. Metropolitan Day The C.J.C. Victory meeting Is to be continued to-day. There is no indication of any softening of the track, and horses which were unable to .hit out on Cun day will not be fancied. The following have form to commend them:— Suburban Handicap: Red Prize, Lunaria, Commemorate. Churchill Cup: Golden Souvenir, Al-Sirat, Master Robin. . Pioneer Handicap: Omit, Palm Bearer, Faithful Pal. Seymour Handicap: Double Cross, Rahiri, Bruce. ( New Zealand Oaks: Kashmiri, Lady Welbeck, Montezuma. Metropolitan Handicap: Authentic, Sir Bian, Longsword. Otaio Plate: Real Chase, Royal Victor, Falconbridge. Jockey Club Handicap: Irish Note, Benbecula, Master Dash. Forbury Prospects The Forbury Park Trotting Club will use one of its restored permits today. Only five runners are in sight for the President’s Handicap, but in other events fields will be of useful size. The undermentioned may be in favour:— St. Kilda Handicap: Mistydale, Rerewaka, Jack Daly. Otago Handicap: Direct Medium, Nelsonova, Ace of Diamonds. Forbury Handicap: Stirling Castle, Lucky Meg, Plunder Bar. President’s Handicap: In the Mood, Clockwork. Empire Handicap: Liberty Bond, Ingle Belmer, Elvo’s Pride. Spring Handicap: Freckles, Sure Harvest, Zona Grattan. Victory Handicap: Lord Peterson, Mandrake, Lucky Meg. December Handicap: Grattan Bells, Liberty Bond, Lanaco. RICCARTON NOTES (Special) CHRISTCHURCH. Nov. 30. The trial grass track and the plough were in use at Riccarton this morning. A few horses did short sprints but there were no serious trials. A very strong north-west wind was in evidence. Lord Elgin was kicked on the near foreleg yesterday but he worked freely this morning. The injury is not serious but G. Ridgway will not start him to-morrow unless he is all right. It is not certain that Tremello and Deprive will be starters to-morrow. Falconbridge bruised a stifle and also received a knock when he met interference in the Apprentices’ Handicap last Saturday. He is on the mend, but though there seems nothing to prevent him from starting in the Otaio Plate, C. B. Dawson is disappoint - ed to have tills check, as he has hopes of his horse staying well. D. J. McDonald stated this morning that he was not certain which of the hack races Real Chase would start in to-morrow. Additional riding engagements have been made as follows: G. R. Tattersail, Master Dash, Master Robin, Swift Jay; W. F. Ellis, Caithness, Naughty Lady, Loyal Lady, Theiolyn, Leighmond; A. C. Messervy. Broiefleld, Blue Tie; B. J. Langford, Pride o’ Mossburn, Riverview, Alcyone, Finalist; E. V. Dye, Faithful Pal, Fortune’s Smile, Gaystock. Foxella; G. Ridgway, Lord Elgin; R. Register Racket; J. McFarlane, Peculate; M. L. Edwards, Haughty Lad; H. Phillips, Atreus; N. Crombie, Honest Sal; C. Stokes, Baffling; C. A, Bowry, Beneve; M. McClintock, Olga’s Choice; A. Midwood, Lady Scholar; K. Hare, Real Chase; L. J. Ellis, Royal Rae; W. J. Broughton, Swingalong.