DUNEDIN HANDICAPS UNDER SEARCHLIGHT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18467, 19 May 1928, Page 9

DUNEDIN HANDICAPS UNDER SEARCHLIGHT.

PROSPECTS IN STEEPLES AND HURDLE RACE. (BY “MARTIAN/*) The next big meeting in the South Island to attract attention will be the Dunedin Jockey Club winter meeting on June 2, 4 and 6. The publication of the handicaps has stimulated interest in the fixture, at which the Otago Steeplechase, Otago Hurdle Handicap and Birthday Handicap are the principal events to be decided.

Otago Steeplechase. Greenstone (11.4) has been awarded pride of place in the Otago Steeplechase Handicap, and his performances in the south fully justify him that position. He was very successful last season. That he had not lost the ability to jump during the seasons, he demonstrated by accounting for the Riverton Steeplechase last Easter with 10.7 on his back, and the Great Western Steeplechase, of three miles, with 9.5. The Pallas—Allstone gelding has now gone up considerably in the weights, but he will be one of the fancied ones on- the day. Wharncliffe, who follows with 21b less, made a good showing in his first public outing at Timaru by running third in the Wai-iti Steeplechase with 11.11 on his back, and his showing at Riccarton in his two schooling efforts-were full of promise. As he is a stayer of the first order he should make a great ’chaser, especially when his hurdling abilities are noted. Pamplona (10.13) has not had an outing for some time owing to unsoundness, but if he could be reproduced in his old form he would have to be seriously considered. Doubts are now expressed as to the probability of Pouri coming down and the chances are that he will be found tackling the Great Northern Hurdles at Auckland. Scamp (10.7) has-not been prominent in liis steeplechase races down south during the last few months, but he should be in great order after his outings at Riverton, where he was unplaced on two days. Dubious (10.6) hos not yet made a public appearance over country, but he proved himself a more than useful hurdler and should take well to the big fences. The Babe (10.2) is one of the. most promising ’chasers in the south and his recent success in the Wai-iti Steeplechase at the South Canterbury meeting, when he carried 10.11, points to his chance, after being third on the first day. Thistlecrown (9.10) has not done much this season, but Ranui (9.9) was third in the Great Western Steeplechase with 9.7 and ran a good race. Royal Fashion (9.7) was third in the Aparima Steeples at Riverton and won the Otipua Steeplechase at Timaru carrying 9.3. She is rather a promising sort. Royal Wink (9.0) made rather a favourable impression when he finished second in the Wai-iti Steeplechase after being in a similar position the first day in the Otipua Steeplechase, and expectations for his future are bright. He is a good jumper and looks as if he will stay. Mainspring does not appeal and probably the most discussed will be Wharncliffe, Greenstone, The Babe and Royal Wink. It was understood that Peter Maxwell was to be a starter in the Otago Steeplechase Handicap, but his handicap has not been sent through. If this is an accidental omission Peter Maxwell’s form in the past points to his taking a prominent part in the decision of the race. He won the Grand National Steeplechase two years ago, and his form at Wanganui points to him coming back to his best form.

Otago Hurdles. The Otago Hurdles Handicap will be the chief attraction on the second day and the field, although not strong, should provide a good contest. Pouri (11.5) has been placed at the top of the handicap, but as stated above, he is an unlikely starter. Kaikahu (11.2) comes next and he is fully entitled to his weight, his second to Wharncliffe in the last Grand National Hurdles alone entitling him to a solid weight in the class here engaged. He has a number of successes this • season to his credit and should strip in first-class order for the fray. Koauau (10.13) has a number of minor successes to his credit and is jumping well, but he is not a good stayer and a mile and a half race would be more to his liking. Oriflamb (10.5) must be considered one of the possibilities, He has not done much public jumping yet, but his schooling essays at Riccarton have been very encouraging and he looks like taking a high place amongst the jumpers. He has more than the average spee'd and his schooling has been clean and fast. Bonatic (10.3) has a chance in this event. The Boniform jumper recently accounted for the Tekapo Hurdles at Timaru with 10.1 and showed himself a very adept hurdler. Beauty Light (10.0) and Coastguard (10.0) are nicely handicapped, but probably the former will be the better. Of the light weights, Scion, Hustler and Royal Land are the pick, but Kaikahu, Oriflamb, Bonatic and Beauty Light will be most talked about until the day of the race.

Birthday Handicap. A disappointing field is entered for the Birthday Handicap, and it is no wonder that Celerity 11. has been awarded 9.6. The English-bred mare has proved herself a brilliant galloper and with all the weight she has only to start to give a good account of herself. Queen Balboa (8.8) is another mare, who has done things this season and she is not over-weighted in this race. Overhaul (8.5) has been a big disappointment recently, but he is always liable to turn up. Taboo (8.2) can be depended on for a good effort. lie proved at Timaru that he is not yet a back number and given heavy going, as is most likely, he will be one of the leaders all the way. Black Mint (7.12) favours the winter going, too, and if he is produced, should give a good account of himself. He has not had much racing of late, but at Wanganui, proved that one or two more efforts are required and he will be in form. Bilbo (7.11) and Fresco (7.9) are a pair of stayers with a chance,, while Apache (7.9) seems to be still capable of winning. Overdrawn (7.3) has a handy weight and may be the one to upset the top-weights. Celerity 11., Queen Balboa, Taboo, Overdrawn and Black Mint should provide the winner.