Racing and Trotting.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18960, 6 January 1930, Page 14

Racing and Trotting.

(BY

“ARGUS.”)

RACING NOTES. Nominations for the Wellington Racing Club's summer meeting will close at nine o'clock to-night, when forfeits are also due for the Wellington Stakes. * * % * The Reef ton Jockey Club’s meeting will be commenced to-morrow and concluded on Wednesdav. * * * * The well-known ex-New Zealand trainer George Price is expected to arrive in the Dominion from Svdney this week. He is on a visit to’ relatives and friends, but will have an eye to business next week at the Trentham yearling sales.

It is probable that L. G. Morris has ridden in his last race, as he will succeed F. Tilley as trainer at the Fordell -table, taking over almost immediate[y.

H. Grav was the most successful rider at the Auckland meeting, where he piloted four winners—Hunting Cry, Duellona, Hyde Park and Pegawav. 11. Wiggins (Gesture, Knightlike ' and Royal Parade>, A. FI. Eastwood (Tenterden, Eager Rose and Taneriri) and J. Smith (a treble on King’s Guard) shared second position.

Toxeuma was one of the failures at the Auckland meeting, but he may make amends at Trentham.

Silver Paper is given credit for a good performance when he ran second at Marton last week. lie should be worth keeping in mind for his Trentham engagements.

Sansovino (by Swynford—Gondolette), who won the Derby in 1924, and who went to the stud at five years old, is evidently regarded as likely to prove a parent of important winners, as one of the first of his progeny submitted this year gave rise to very spirited bidding, and was sold for 5100 guineas.

Although Dunraven failed to earn any money in his races at the Auckland meeting, the two-3-ear-old brother to Limerick created a favourable impression, and he ma_v be seen to advantage among the crack juveniles in the autumn.

B. Brodie was riding in great form at the southern holiday meetings, during which he piloted eleven winners.

TcheJ<a was one of the disappointments of the southern holiday circuit. He looked well, but he failed to race up to expectations. * * * *

Black Duke failed to show any form at Wingatui or Invercargill. It is understood he is booked for a trip to Trentham, and if he is produced there southern backers will overlook his defeats in the south.

The improved form of Meadow Lark was one of the outstanding features of the holiday racing in the south. lie is a brilliant beginner and he ha? developed a good finish. B. Brodie thoroughK* understands the Songbird gelding, whose win on the second day at Invercargill, under 10.1, was an impressive performance, as he made an exhibition of his opponents.

The imported horse Dolomite created a good impression when he won a hack race at the New Zealand Cup meeting, but his recent racing suggests that the Riccarton performance was only a flash in the pan.

Caterpillar seems to have lost her form completed*, and her poor displays have been puzzling to her connections. She had every chance at Invercargill, but she faded out rapidly at the end of five furlongs. * * * *

Blue Metal has been racing very this season, and a good win may be expected very soon from this smart three-3-ear-old.

Jack-a-Dandy, a three->*ear-old by Some Boy 11., showed useful sprinting form at Invercargill, and he looks like going on to better things.

Night Lad ran a good race in the Invercargill Cup, in which he finished on well. He did not run so well on the second day and probably he was feeling the effects of some hard racing.

Inevitable, a well-grown three-year-old b>' Thurnham, showed excellent hack form at Invercargill. lie looks a great prospect for open company.

Bachelor Bo>', a three-\*ear-o!d bvTea Tra3 r , is a southern hack who can be ticked off for future reference, lie has a lot of speed and he will win good races later on.

The Trentham gelding Glare came through his southern trip with a record of three wins, while he was unlucky in his only other start, at Wingatui. His Invercargill Cup performance was good, while his second day win showed him up in even more favourable light, with C. Emerson handling him in masterly fashion. It is reported that Emerson may be associated with him in other events later on. Glare will have a lot of southern support if he is a starter in the Wellington Cup.

Glenrowan was a starter at Invercargill after a short spell. He was in need of racing and he should soon win again. » * * 3r Red Sea, a four-year-old by Yalkyrian, in F. W. Ellis’s Invercargill stable, showed fair form at Invercargill and will do better very soon. * * * * Gayoraa created a very fa\ r ourable impression when he won over hurdles at Invercargill last week. His jumping was good and he stayed on well in the dead going. lie has had a long spell and has come back quite sound, with great prospects of winning in better company later in the season. * * * * The two-\'ear-old filly Charmaine, a sister to Rin Tin Tin, shaped well at Invercargill last week. She has the family speed and she may make a useful performer in sprint events next season. *l* * jje & Nincompoop gave an inglorious display in the first day’s hurdle race at Invercargill. He jumped five flights badly and fell at the last. He was not produced on the second day. Beaut>- Light broke down badly in the hurdle race on the first day of the Invercargill meeting. * * * * When Rosy Morn scored at Invercargill last week, she credited Mr J. M. Samson with his first win since he left early last year on his trip abroad. His horses have only recently resumed racing, and he should have a useful team in the autumn. Rosy Morn is only a pony but she is a speedy two-year-old. She is by Hunting Song from Sanguinaria, by Merry Moment from Sanguinar}', hy Sylvia Park from Sanguine.

A Sydney paper reports that J. Munro has been having a great innings in the saddle lately, and many punters are adopting the plan of “backing Munro,” instead of trying to pick winners on form. He scored four successes in the two days at Warwick Farm, and for the season has ridden 14 winners from 72 mounts in Sydney, an average of almost one winner in 5. It is better than that when his Melbourne victories on Amounis are taken into consideration. Munro has only a few weeks to go before leaving tor Germany, and no doubt he would like to win one or more of the big summer handicaps as a farewell to Randwick.

Breeding horses by theory is an easy matter (say's “Musket”), but in practice it causes many heartburnings, as breeders know to their cost. Because a really high-class horse has certain strains in his pedigree it by no means follows that his brother or sister will be of the same calibre. In Australia

we have had such champions as Poseidon, Biplane, Gloaming, Manfred. Heroic, and others whose full-blooded relatives were not in the same class, and this disparity in form knocks the bottom out of all theories. The cham pion thoroughbred just “ happens along ” at certain periods in a way no one can understand, and then there are hundreds of others bred on similar lines who never rise above the mediocre. Probably one of the greatest racehorses of all time is the American horse Man o’ War, who created several records during his turf career, and has now become a most successful sire This horse had four or five fully related brothers and sisters, and his owner was reported to have said that he would not give one of Man o’ War’s old shoes for the lot of them; and \’et all were bred as was the champion I

TROTTING NOTES. Acceptances for the Timaru Trotting Club's meeting, to be held on Saturday', will close at nine o’clock tonight. * * * * Nominations for the Wellington Trotting Club’s summer meeting will close on Wednesday. .-it * * # Nominations for the summer meeting of the Forbury Park Trotting Club will close on Thursday. * * * * Horses trained here cleaned up the programme on the first day at Greymouth, winning the eight events. C. S. Donald won two with Ulm and Brook Pointer, the other successful trainers being A. Davey, J. N. Clarke, D. Bennett, O. E. Hooper, J. Davidson and F. G. Holmes. ijs * * * Tot Logan, who won at Grey-mouth on Saturday', is one of the few- of the defunct stallion Logan Pointer’s progeny' who goes at the trotting gait. She is a useful sort, and is trained by' O. E. Hooper at Lauriston. * * 5f5 « After winning the Westport Cup with Royal Comrade, in which Kreisler finished second to his stable companion, D. Bennett won the chief event at Greymouth on Saturday with Kreisler. Kreisler is a very speedy pacer by Great Audubon, and when at his best he can go two miles. In the past he has not always been reliable at the barrier, and in addition he does not race generously at times. He has been doing good work in training, and he was expected to race well in his engagements on the West Coast.

Cushla d’Or won in decisive style at New Brighton early in the season, having a lot of speed over a mile and a half, and, although she failed at Addington a week later, she put up fast time over the same distance. She then appeared to train off slightly, but has evidently come back to form, as she won the Dash Handicap, the concluding event on the first day of the Greymouth Trotting Club’s meeting. Cushla d’Or is by Rev de Oro from Ma Cushla. She is four years old, and in the meantime speed is her best asset. She may show more stamina later.

Silver Sea and Loco, who finished second and third to Brook Pointer in the Grey' Yalley' Handicap at Greyrmouth on Saturday-, are both trained by Nelson Price at Rangiora.

Eugene de Oro won the Dash Handicap at the New Brighton Trotting Club’s meeting last month, and raced consistently at Greymouth last Saturday. After finishing second to Kreisler in the chief event, he was third to Cushla d’Or and Glenrowan the Dash Handicap. Eugene de Oro is by Rev de Oro, and is trained by F. Holmes. He is a speedy pacer, who is improving fast with this season’s racing. WAIRARAPA NOTES. (Special to the “Star.”) MASTERTON, January 4. Piuthair showed splendid form on both days at Tauherenikau. There were some of the opinion that the Kilbroney mare’s win in the Wairarapa Cup was somewhat lucky, but she demonstrated in the big money on the second day that such was not the case. Mr M’Kenzie’s mare is in good fettle just now, and the races at Tauherenikau have undoubtedly benefited her; in fact, it is quite possible that she has not shown her best form yet. Stanchion ran very nicely over the last couple of furlongs in the Wairarapa Cup, coming with a good burst of speed. Finishing fourth, about three lengths behind the winner Stanchion showed improved form on the second day, and galloped into second place in a manner which suggested that the Limond gelding will soon lead the field past the winning post. Atholspear went well at Tauherenikau, getting into the money each day. In the Cup the Greyspear gelding probably made his final effort just a little late, as he was running stronger than anything else at the finish. Waterspear, another of the Greyrspears, displayed good form at Tauherenikau, and should more than pay' his way this season. Mr C. A. Cameron has, undoubtedly, got hold of a very useful performer. Ben Hur is rapidly coming into top form, and his second on the first day at the Wairarapa Racing Club’s meeting was a particularly good effort. The Hymestra gelding came with a splendid run down the straight, and Mandy just lasted long enough to beat Mr B. Burgess’s representative by a short head. Projection pleased very much at Tauherenikau, and the Kilbroney gelding’s second to Rational II in the Novice Stakes was a creditable effort. Fie ran a better race even than those who have been closely following his form In Lady Pam Mr W. R. Kemball will probably have the best paying proposition since Nanna and Hynanna. Her recent form demonstrates that the Limond filly is a really good two-year-old and it will take some weight to steady her. Lady Pam is now trained along with some of Mr Kemball’s other horses at Trentham by T. J. Daly, all his team formerly for many y'ears having been trained at Masterton. Comparatively recently Mr Kemball moved finally to Wellington to live after having been successfully identified with various projects in Masterton over a long period of years. Yeronese is not yet up to her true form, judging by her Tauherenikau efforts. She ran disapopintingly on both clays, though the gallops should do her the world of good. Masterton ran two fair races at Tauherenikau, and is showing improved form, though far from the best he should be capable of. CONDITIONS OF GRAND NATIONAL. (Special to the “ Star.”) LONDON, November 21. The chief topic of conversation since the end of the flat racing season has been Mr E. A. C. Topham’s revised rules regarding the Grand National, and the general opinion is that he has not been drastic enough in outlining the new conditions. Many suggestions have been put forward, but I came upon the best one in a Sunda3' journal recently, and as the writer is m3' personal friend he will not mind me making an extract from his weekly notes. Here it is:— “ The race suffers simply from excessive popularit\\ and it thus has to be saved from being pantomimic. The ‘chorus’ is too strong and it overwhelms the chief actors. It looks as though a very simple solution has been found—one which was suggested in these columns after the race last March. If a more drastic measure is ever adopted, I seriously suggest to the Aintree official that he may in time drop the idea of the race being a handicap. What is there to be said against such simple conditions as these: Horses of five years list, oyrs and upwards list 71b, previous winners of the Grand National 12st 31b? I honestly think the popularity of the race would be no less than it has been for so many \'ears. M3' conditions would, I am told, de-

lllllll[||lilllllllli!llillllllll!llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!l)lllllll stroy the chances of the romantic winner of that glorious ‘surprise packet* that has been served up so repeatedly. I think the Turf world is a bit weary of having to accept these totally un-looked-for winners. There is such a thing as designing a race to be too sporting. That is how the National developed so alarminglj*.” These ideas tally with my own, as so often expressed in these notes, and the point which my friend makes about the race becoming a travesty is one on which I have been insistent for three years. The spectacle of last March is one that I shall remember for all time—and I ventured to say so to more than one person on the grandstand at Aintree. As a spectacle it was charming: as a race it was dreadful. One wonders how Easter Fl£ro managed to do so well, and to steer a clear course under his big impost. The advertising bookmakers are alread3' putting out their Lincolnshire and Grand National prices, and I notice that the popular horses are well trimmed down. There is Easter Hero at 16 to 1, for instance, and Sandy Hook, Crackle, Koko and a few others all pretty cramped. Not many backers will want to trade on such terms more than three months before the race.

Yet one must admit that these future event lists are well compiled, in that they show some knowledge of the game, and demonstrate the views of the bookmakers who, besides knowing the sport well, have “inside” information to guide their adjustments. It is the classic races which will puzzle the la>*ers during the winter. At this moment we can write down Press Gang as the nominal favourite for the Two Thousand Guineas, but there is no ante-post speculation on that race, and none on the One Thousand Guineas, whereas lots of backers would like to support their first opinion regarding the Derby. To me the classic situation is an enigma, and for that reason I intend to maintain an open mind until the spring of the year. Somehow or other I fancy a lot of the best two-year-olds have not yet seen the racecourse at all, and the Jockey Club may have similar ideas, seeing that it has recommended the inclusion of plenty of maiden three-3'ear-old races in the early flat race programmes of 1930.

GIRL MOUNTS RIDERLESS HORSE.

TRAINER’S DAUGHTER TAKES PART IN RACE. (United Press Assn.—By Electiio Telegraph—Copy right.) I-ONDON, January 4. Two horses competed ip the White Lodge Steeplechase at Haydock Park to-day, Sardonyx and The Breezer. The former fell at the second fence, but was remounted, and the jockey started in pursuit. The Breezer was still leading, but fell at the last fence. Miss Jean Sandav, daughter of The Breeder's trainer rushed on to the course, mounted the horse and tried to catch Sardonyx, amid wild cheering, but she failed. The stewards, being uncertain if The Breezer was entitled to second place, referred the matter to the National Hunt Committee. HANDICAPS. VINCENT JOCKEY CLUB. Per Press Association. INVERCARGILL, January 4. The following handicaps have been declared for the first day of the Vincent Jockey Club’s meeting, tp be held on January 11 and 13:— OPHIR HACK HANDICAP, of 55 so vs.

Six furlongs. Lady Lizzie 9 0 Glass Jug 7 10 Gay Fashion 8 5 Wild Berry 7 7 Malolo 8 0 Silver Thread 7 7 Joybridge 7 10 MATAKANUI HANDICAP, of 75 sovs. Six furlongs. Wingatui 0 6 Wig Wag 7 0 Attract 8 1 Nanette 7 0 Martis 8 0 Miss Marco 7 0 Dry Area 7 12 NEW YEAR HARNESS TROT, of 70 sovs. Two miles. Marvin Patch scr Waitaki Boy scr Schrisken scr Black Raven scr Thelma Wilkes scr Gold Thread scr Silver Jack scr Lucky Star 3 2 Erin’s King Step Along 24 filly scr Trevillian 36 Amy Logan scr Radio 48 Irdale scr Erin’s Own 48 CLARE MEMORIAL GOLD CEP HANDICAP, of mo sovs. One mile. Impertinence 9 7 Gay Fashion. 7 10 Town Major 8 11 Battle Screen 7 9 High Speed 8 6 Crossbow 7 3 Meitui 7 12 Glass Jug 7 3 Insolence 7 12 Felony 7 2 Battle Maid 7 12 Captain’s Gift 7 0 Green Cloth 7 10 Wild Berry 7 0 Miss Marco 7 10 Pink Sunrise 7 0 Royal Flower 7 10 SPOTTIS HACK HANDICAP, of 55 sovs. Six furlongs. High Speed 9 4 Crossbow 7 9 Lady Lizzie 9 0 Nonchalant 7 7 Wise Choice 8 5 Strongbow 7 7 Gay Fashion 8 5 Captain’s Gift 7 7 Captivate 8 4 Sea Gay 7 7 Malolo 8 0 Dark Sfiot 7 7 Broad field 7 13 Silver Thread 7 7 Glass Jug 7 10 VINCENT TROTTING STAKES, of 55 sovs. One mile and a quarter. Marvin Patch scr D’Este scr Bina Logan scr Trevillian 12 Arrow scr Sunranes 12 Edith Dillon scr Radio 24 Laracor scr Knowledge 24 Free Pointer scr West Star 24 Sedate scr Erin’s Dawn 24 Black Raven scr Overture 36 OMAKAU HACK HANDICAP, of 70 sovs. Six furlongs. Impertinence 9 12 Nanette 8 2 Lady Lizzie 9 0 Miss Marco 8 1 Dry Area 8 9 Broadfield 7 13 Wig Wag S 7 Court Jester 7 13 Meitui S 5 Battle Screen 7 13 Insolence 8 5 Strongbow 7 7 Wise Choice 8 5 Sea Gay 7 7 Captivate 3 4 Felony 7 7 Royal Flower s 3 Nonchalant 7 7 Battle Maid 8 2