Racing and Trotting

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16906, 4 December 1922, Page 2

Racing and Trotting

Notes by

“Argus.”

FIXTURES. December 6, 7—Woodvill© District Jockey Club. December 9—Waikato Trotting Club. December 14. 16—New Brighton Trotting Club. December 26—Ashburton Tr.ot.ting Club. December 26—Gore Trotting Club. Deoember 26, 27—Westport Trotting Club. December 36. 27—Taranaki Jockey Chib. December 26, 27—DmneCin Jockey Club. December 26. 27—Westland Racing Club. Deoember 26. 27. 20—Mscawatu Racing dub. December 26 . 28, January 1, 2—Auckland Racing Club. Decern her HO. January 2—Greymouth Trotting Club. January 1., ?—Carrterbury Park Trotting Club. January 1, 2—fVirton Jockey Club. January 1. 2—Stratford Jockey Club. January j. *>—HurvVe's Hay Jockey Oluh January 13—Wellington Trotting Club. NOMINATIONS. December 4—Taranaki Jockey Club. December s—Grey rooutli Trotting dub. December B—Westland Racing Club. December B—Gore Trotting Club. December B—Hawke’s Bay Joclrey Club. Deoember S—Dunedin Jockey Club. December 9—Stratford Raciug Club. December 11—Marton Jockey Club. December 12—Canterbury Park Trotting Club. December 2D—Wellington Trotting Club. HANDICAPS. December 6—New Briehton Trotting Club. December 9—Manawatu Racing Club. December 11—Taranaki Jockey Club. December 11—Westport Trotting dub. December I*2^—'Westland Racing Club. December 12—Gore Trotting Club. December 13—Dunedin Jockey Club. December 13—Greymouth Trotting dub. December 13—Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club December 16—Marton Jockey Club. December 18—Canterbury Park Trotting Club. December 18—Stratford Racing Club. January 3—Wellington Trotting dub. ACCEPTANCES. December 11—New Brighton Trotting Club. December 15— Manawatu Racing Club. Handicaps for the first dav of the j New Brighton Trot-ting Club’s meeting are due on "Wednesday. Tho Methven course was not in good order for Saturday’s meeting. The race track had been badly cut up by the trotting horses that train on it. and the heavy ram left it very slippery. At the Methven meeting on Saturday, there was an inquiry after the Electric Hack Handicap. A. G. Weaver, the rider of Brown Willie, was cautioned for interfering with Petunia about half a mile from home. "Liqueur, who has been trained in the past by P. T. Hogan at Washdyke. lias gone into F. Christmas’s stable at Riccarton. S. Trilford took ohorge of Mythology and Agnola after they raced at Methven on Saturday and they will be train ed at Riccarton for tbeir engagements later on this season. Merry Day gave further evidence of her usefulness r>n Saturday, by winning the chief event on the second day of the Feilding meeting. Her form last week makes her look a good prosper 1 for another big stake at one of the holiday meetings. After his easy win in the Feilding Stakes, it was no surprise to find only two opponents for Rational in the Oroua Stakes on Saturday. These two races ore so similar in character that the second day’s event cannot be expected to arouse much interest. The high-priced three-year-old Acron was taken to Dunedin for the For bury Park Trotting Club’s meeting last week. In view of the heavy track, however, it was decided not to start him on the first day. That- evening he was worked and struck himself, and though he was an acceptor on Saturday, ho was unable to start. After the Empire Handicap, at the Forbury Park Trotting Club's meeting on Saturday. A. M’T-ellan. the driver o* Downcast, was suspended for three j months for crossing and was also can- J tioned for trying to anticipate the. i start. 1 METHVEN RACES. UNPLEASANT CONDITIONS. The Methven Racing Club whs unlucky in the conditions experienced for the annual race meeting on Satur- j day. Heavy rain fell overnight and though the morning was fine, rain seb in again before the first race, there being frequent heavy showers during the afternoon. The attendance appeared to be below the usual standard. The track was soft and very badly cut up, as a result of a large number of trotting horses being trained on it. If the club desires to retain the support ot owners of good gallopers, it will be well advised to cee that the laoe track is kept in better order. The tobalisator investments showed a decided drop, which was to bo expected and the meeting is not likely to prove great financial success. There is however, the enusaiation that the rain which fell at the end ot last week will be of great benefit to the district. The opening event, the Mount Harding Hurdle Handicap, drew a field of nine. Stray shot was a warm favourite, but Af&zania, All Serene an 1 Golden Prince were also backed. Vice Regal and Strayshot showed the way to Golden Prince and Mirimar in the early stages but at the end of half a mile Vice Regal and Golden Prince went on together. Golden Prince fell half a mile from home leaving Mirimar in second place. A little further on All Serene moved up. heading Vice Rega at the entrance o the straight. Then Max am a came on the scene, and wearing down a lot of tired opponents, he won easily from All Serene, while Mirimar just beat Vice Regal for third place. The winner, though owned in Southland. is trained at Riccarton by S. Trilford', who had high hopes at one stage regarding his prospects. Then the King’s Guest gelding took a. disRke to the schooling hurdles and hhs chance of winning appeared to be hopeless. Lately, however, he has shown great improvement and now he shapes as if he micht make a useful hurdler. There was, of course, no special merit about Saturday’s performance. as the field he beat was very moderate, but he stuck to his task, finishing on well, after a narrov escape from falling half a mile from he me. All Serene raced up to the form he ■bowed when he won at South Canterbury and he is likely to win again when the opposition is not select.

The others were stopping badly at the finish, the effort ot Strayshot being very disappointing. Masterhand fell at the second hurdle. A field of thirteen took part in the Springfield Trial Plate. Dame Fortune and Valdamo divided favouritism uith Trevella and the bracketed pair (•'"arette and Sharp Brust) best backed among the others. When the field settled down. Pro--1? liman was showing the way to Ferino and Balefire. At the entrance to the straight Proliliman was still bowling along in front but he tired over the last furlong, leaving Ferino to win easiiv from Valdamo, with Dame Fortune" Balefire. Trevella and Barmaid following in a bunch. Ferino, who hails from Orari, had the reputation of being a smart gal* loper prior to the South Canterbury meeting and under the circumstances sh«- did not get the support on Saturday that might have been expected. Valdamo was noi prominent early and though he was in second place a furlong from home, he never looked like catching the leader. Dame Fortune ran one of her usual races and she must be written off as not much good Balefire showed up early but he does nGt appear to have any fancy for a herd contest. Trevella and Barmaid were prominent at the end but never as possible winners. Several of tho competitors appeared tj be troubled by the soft ground. There were twenty-two starters for the Drayton Trot Handicap, Dolly Doyle and Lucy Pointer being the popular picks, with the King Sandy mid Percy Dillon bracket a little better fancied than Locanda Mac. It was a very interesting race all the way between Locanda Mac. King Sandy. Lauriston and Bower Dillon, with Lady Freda anti Dolly Dillon coming on the scene later. Locanda Mac took charge half a mile from home and eventually won with a bit to ape re, while King Sandy stayed on better than Lauriston to get second money. Bower Dillon, Dolly Doyle and Lady Freda were close up. in that order. Locanda Mac, who won bis first race at Ashburton in June, is a very attractive young pacer, with prospects of taking much higher honours. j King Sandy is a useful sort, likely to do better before long. Lauriston paced soundly, but he has not realised early expectations. A field of six lined up for the Methven Oup. Red Gown was just n. little better fancied than Boadicea, but all the others were well backed. Boadicea and Red Gown were in front early, being joined by Royal Mac at the end of half a. mile. Royal Mac could not hold his place, however, and turning for home V hipping Boy went after the other pair. He headed Red Gown, but had no chance with Boadicea, who won with ridiculous ease. Boadicea, who carried s|lb overweight to secure the services of C. Emerson, emphasised. the opinions formed earlier in the season that she is a mare likely to develop into a really good performer. She has not done much racing and she can be improved yet. One thing in her favour is that she appears to stay well. Whipping Boy ran a decent race and his winning turn may come shortly. Red Gown went all right to the home turn, where she faded out in disappointing fashion. Royal Mac was a moderate fourth, just in front of Kilmoon. who may win a race during the holidays if ho remains sound. Some Kid finished last, it being the worst race he has run this season. in a field of nine for the Electric Hack Handicap, Lovesign and Sweetwater were best backed, but support also came for First Aid and several others.

Brown Willie, Sweetwater, Petunia and Lovesign were always prominent. Before reaching the straight Sweetwater was out clear and she won very easily from Lovesign, who just beat Petunia. Then came Wartune, Brown Willie and First Aid. Sweetwater’s success was freely anticipated by many of those who recalled her decisive win at South Canterbury. She is a useful galloper, not yet at her best. Lovesign ran a sound race, but she is not quite so good as was supposed. Petunia, was unlucky, as he met with serious interferenceWartune failed to show up early and though she finished on well, she never looked like a winner. First Aid came from Ashburton with a big reputation, but she was never dangerous. The Viewmount Welter Handicap attracted a field of six. Dame Straitlace was a strong favourite, with Happy Warrior and Kilada best backed among the others. Balefire and Happy Warrior drew out smartly, but the latter failed to i hold his place and Balefire was soon | well clear. Galloping very freely in j front. Balefire made an exhibition ol | his opponents, winning by half a dozen j lengths from Happy Warrior, who beat j Vice-Regal by a head, with Dame ■ Straitlace next. ! Balefire has frequently demonstrated that he can go fast, but be seems t< require the conditions all in his favoui before lie will race genuinely. He i: a brother to Fiery Cross, but neve likely to reach the same class. WhcT in the humour, however, he is goo< enougli to win plenty of races. Scratchings reduced the field for th< Farmers’ Trot Handicap to sixteen Royal Locanda and Wild Heb monopolised the betting. Percy Dillon was out in front early followed by Eliza Dalton, Princ Swithin and Lady Freda, who wer soon joined by Prince Burlington anWild Hebe. Half a mile from hom Percy Dillon broke. Prince Swithi looked a winner at the entrance to th straight, but Locanda Mac fimshe with a great run and won by a narrow margin, with Prince Burlington, Gran dee, Lady Freda, Eliza Dalton an Percy Dillon close up. , Locanda Mao was penalised 48yds to his earlier success, and there was lot of merit in his performance. H began slowly, but he showed grea I speed over the last half-mile. Prince Swithin might have done bet ter if he had been nursed for a latrun. «■ r Prince Burlington went off very fas but did not stay so well as usual. Wild Hebe trotted a sound rac

most of the way, but Royal Locanda failed to leave the mark. The meeting was brought to a close with tjie Mount Hutt Handicap, and though there were only four starters, it was the biggest betting race of the day. Battle Scene was a warm favourite, with The Reaver second choice. Backers were sadly astray in their judgment, as the two outsiders had the finish to themselves. Petunia- and Pottle Scene led for two furlongs, when they were headed by Mythology, who went on to win decisively from Petunia, with Battle Scene next. Mythology had not raced previously this season, but he has now joined S. Trilford’s stable at Riccarton. A year ago he ran two seconds at Motlivon. and afterwards registered some solid performances in good company. He should be worth keeping in mind again this season. Battle Scene got out well but she failed to reproduce her best form, while The Reaver was last all the way.

FORBURY TROTS.

SECOND DAY. The chances of fine weather for the last day’s racing at Forbury Park on Saturday were very remote. The conditions did not look at all favourable at the conclusion of Friday's racing and heavy rain feli during the night and i early morning. The weather remained J unsettled till mid-day, when it improv j ed. and the racing nas held under j good conditions. The track was wonderfully good, con ! sideriDg the rain that had fallen. Naturally it was not fast but it was almost dry and afforded excellent going. It being the local half-holiday, there was a very large attendance. but Southland and Canterbury patrons were not so prominent as usual. The general conduct of the meeting was good, the starting being quite satisfactory all through. Air W. Rudkin made his first ap pearance as judge for the club and got through his work verv well for a beginner. On the first day it looked as if Star Queen finished in front of Childe Pointer for fourth place in tli ? chief event, but the judge decided otherwise. In the chief et-ent on the last day Pedro Pronto led throughout and won easily. He was followed all through the journey by Logan wood, who failed to beat Star Queen’s fast dash at the end, the latter getting second money. Emperor waa further back, followed bv Jack Arrah and Tatsy Dillon. In his placings Mr Rudkin quite lost Loganwood and did not place Air Dransfield’s horse in the first four. In view of the prominent position held by Loganwood throughout the race, it is difficult to understand how the judge missed him at the finish. The fields in most of the events were of a size that- conduced to good racing and this was emphasised by the keen contests and close finishes, whilst the totalisator showed once more that it is not necessary to have* large fields to get big investments. In a field of eight for the Brighton Handicap, the Christchurch owned but Oamani trained Guv Fawkes was mad:> favourite but although he won tho margin was not a. big one. Gu y Fawkes is owned by Air T. G. Fox ; who bred him. and is by Harold Dillou from Rose Gauntlet, a mare who was raced by Air Fox for several seasons. Guy Fawkes is a commanding looking pacer, who evidently possesses spee ! and stamina and he may earn further successes for his popular owner. Lucky Dillon somewhat belied bis name, as he was not successful, though he paid a dividend almost equal to that of the winner. He is by Harold Dillon from Vera Mauritius, and was bred at Gore, where at the October meeting be raced well but unsuccessfully. Cottage Girl paced another consist tent, race and got third place. She ! seems at. present to be just good enough to be beaten. Prestissimo did not leave tho mark, and Rotbmoor, after pacing well for a mile and a quarter, gradually faded out. Prospect was well backed and looked Like a -winner at the end of half a mii< but she broke up and lost, a lot of ground. Later, when going well, she again broke and altogether paced a very indifferent race. Friendship went very badly all through the race. There was a large field tor the Advance Handicap, of a mile and five furlongs, in saddle, and Change was made favourite. It looked at one stage as though Koniniwood would win easilv, as she was a long way in the lead and there did not appear to be any chance of the rest of the field catching tho leader. Brown Chequer | went steadily, however, and finally won easily. The winner is a four-year-old by Loga.n Pointer from that good mare The Bronzewing, and was bred by his owner, Mr VT. Crossan. who is an old patron of the sport. Brown Chequer is a good gaited pacer and was ex- ! cellentiy handled by F. E. Jones, who j was seen to advantage in the saddle, j Koniniwood paced a solid race all the wav and the Gamaru-trained pacer was a trifle unlucky in meeting such a good one as the winner. Locanda Jack paced another solid race and although beaten showed he had a fair turn of speed. Not Out went a good deal better than on the first day. Oliffeton Chimes was solidly backed but was never prominent. Houdini did not go as well as on the first day. ) Lady Embrace paced, very badly all ( the way and was a great disappointj ment. Echo was again favourite, this time : for the Suburban Handicap, of a mile and five furlongs, in harness, for trot- . ters only. On the first day the son of El Carbine and Wood Nymph failed to strike his gait and was neverj prominent, but in Saturday’s race he > went off smartly and established a long [ lead. Trotting solidly it looked as n though he would not be beaten, but j ! Peter Swift, who was second favourite, > was kept going and just beat the l favourite on the post. It looked as . though J. Bryce was caught napping _ with Echo, as he did not seem to l persevere with his horse over the last couple of furlongs. p Peter Swift is a rare good trotter i but few drivers would have persevered * to catch the leader. Once he was l put hard to it he finished well and just won. He is owned in Dunedin and . is by Petereta from Swift, a mare that k was bred some good trotters. Echo went a fair-race and she would have won had her driver been more energetic over the latter part of the > race.

Wonder Why went another good race and is at her best at present. Kelnaan was solidly backed, but he had not sufficient pace to carry him nearer the front at the end of the contest. Burnie trotted better than on the first day, but at present he is not ; good enough. Avalanche went more steapilv than on the first day, but this fine throe-year-old wants a lot more race education. Le Todd is trotting a long way below his best form. Pedro Pronto was made favourite for the Forbury Cup Handicap and ho won easily. The contest was a really good one, although the favourite was | in front all the way. There were | few changes in the order throughout the journey and the Australian pacer stayed better than he has done in previous races. Pedro Pronto has been a good stake earner for his owner, despite the fact that he has been beaten iu a few races. He is quite a young pacer and is evidently staying better with racing and age. His performance in this race was a meritorious one, as ho made all his own running and won easily at the finish. Star Queen was on her best behaviour a.nd paced a resolute race all the journey, finishing strongly in second place. It was a capital performance. Emperor got third money, but it was quite obvious that the judge overlooked Loganwood. Don Wild paced a fine race until the final stages of the contest, when he tired badly. Grand Denver bad every chance, but could not stay at the speed. Jack Arrah showed that the racing was improving him. as be went better than on the first day. Trix Pointer met with a lot of interference with a round to go. and she was eased up over the concluding stages. Peter Mac began badly, but when he got into his gait he paced fast for a mile. With a round to go he broke badly and caused a lot of interference. Trix Pointer Tatsy Dillon and Wild Thyme getting the worst of it. Wild Thyme got free and went after the field, but could not stay. Lady Swithin did not pace at all well, and at no part did she appear to have a chance. Tatey Dillon paced about the same race as she did on the first day, anil it is quite evident that she is feeling the effects of her racing. She goes into retirement for a lengthy spell. The Tainui Handicap had a fi%ed of eight. Dalnahine- was made a hot favourite, but he did not begin too well, and even when into his gait paced very indifferently until the last half-mile.

Littlefield looked to be beaten half a mile from home, but he came home fast and won rather easily. The winner is owned in Dunedin and is trained by C. R. Hadfield, who drove him. but up to this race he had not been seen to advantage over two-mile courses. He is a useful sort, but never likely to enter the best company. Fashion Queen went a sound race, but for the second time at the meeting had to be content with second place. Glen Farg proved that the racing on the first day had improved him, as he went soundly all the way. Passing Shadow looked to possess a chance till a furlong from home, when lie stopped very quickly. Honest Ned went a bad race. Pessimist did not pace as was expected, and up to the present this bro ther to Albert Cling has been a great disappointment. Mammon went very badly all the. Randolph and Clonmel were scratched for the two-mile trotters’ race, iu harness. and Peter M’Kinney, who looked to be well handicapped on his showing on the first day., was made favourite. It was a really interesting race, but the favourite went well all the journey and won decisively. The winner is in fine form at present, and was responsible for two good races last week. The Squire has never trotted better, and this somewhat unsound horse is right at his best at present. The Dunedin owned horse trotted a fine race all the way, but had no chance with the winner. Xighborn only confirmed the opinion that he is a greatly improved horse. He put in a bad break and then finished up in third place. Lee Norris was fourth, but the American horse is not at present gaited to be successful at two miles. Claude Alto went well for a mile and a half and gave his best showing to date. Tiny Moon did not go as well as at Addington early last month. Merry Bingen went solidly all the way, but he did not exhibit much speed. In a field of six Latona was made favourite for the mile and three furlongs event, but the Ashburton representative did not get too good a passage and finished third. Going out of the straight Downcast cut right across Mr Nicoll’s mare, arid this cost her several lengths. In the last furlong Ben Mac, who had raced consistently at the meeting, just drew clear of the leaders and won by a narrow margin. He is a gooa pacer over short courses. Adair went away badly, and the ground he lost at the start cost him the race. | Latona, after her interference, was j in a bad position in the straight, but she got third. She paced badly comJ pared with her best showing. | Downcast had every chance, but he finished fourth, and is evidently a long way below his best form. Soil and Legacy paced badly all the journey, All started for the mile saddle event, and Bon Wilkes was made a hot favourite. He began quickly, but Lady Wildwood beat him by a narrow margin at the finish. Lady Wildwood has a fine turn of speed/ but she is a most unreliable mare, rarely going through a race without a mistake. She paced most solidly in this event, and stayed well. The favourite was unlucky in meeting the winner in her best mood. Stockade showed that the racing on the first day was beneficial, as this fine pacer went a. really good race. If he remains sound he should soon be rac r ing with the best company over two miles. Dolly Dillon did not get out too well at the start, but when stye got going she paced a fair race. Downcast went fairly well, but the previous race had evidently taken some of the dash out of him. Ben Mac did not begin right, and was pulled up. Dandy Chimes broke up after beginning well.