Bright Outlook For The Great Northerns.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19075, 21 May 1930, Page 14

Bright Outlook For The Great Northerns.

EGMONT AND WANGANUI FORM THREW LITTLE LIGHT ON THE PROSPECTS.

(Special to the “ Star.’ ) WELLINGTON, May 21. It cannot be said that the racing at the Egmont and Wanganui meetings threw a great deal of light on the two 1 "g jumping events to be decided at Ellerslie next month. Elicit, on his Wanganui form, can be quite counted out as a Northern hope, and Glenstar will have to improve in his fencing to get round over the formidable hurdles at Ellerslie. Horomea, Maunga, Whisogne and Calithe did not suggest any reason for enthusiasm by their exploits, and so Prince Lu, Mister Gamp, Poujoia. Matu. Aurora, Borealis and Airtight are left to be considered. Ponjola is a fine fencer and in good fettle. Both these advantages should stand hirn in good stead next month, and he is without doubt a Northern hope. It is not kown whether he is to essay the big double, but it looks likely, and his chances cannot be ignored. Matu is a steeplechase possibility, but he will require a good deal of work between now and June 5 for him to be fit to run out the three miles and three-quarters at Ellerslie. Aurora Borealis does not look a Northern horse, but she is as clever as a cat and a rare sticker. Airtight loses ground by running out at fence after fence. If he was lucky enough to race in company with a horse on the outside of him in the Ellerslie events, he might put up a decent showing, but most riders realise his weakness and give him a wide berth i in a race. Mister Gamp must have pleased his people at W anganui. for nothing finished better. With W. JBowden on him at Ellerslie he will have an experienced and accomplished

horseman. However, he has a good weight to carry round. The long journeys will be against Prince Lu. Ponjola and to a degree Mister Gamp and Aurora Borealis will be the only ones to come into the market of the Southerners. Of the remainder, good reports come to hand about Omeo. His Easter showing over the hill showed him to be an ideal Ellerslie ’chaser, and on the day he looks sure to be one of the favourites. Reverting to the hurdle race, Elysianor has a big weight, and some of the lesser lights are looked to in preference. Star Comet and Mangani are both good, and. have handy weights. King’s Jest is a novice jumper about whom there is an air of expectation. Against him will be his inexperience of the Ellerslie fences, and good novices have failed regularly on this score alone in the past. No mention has been made of a rider for him, but A. E. Ellis is usually associated with this stable. Had King’s Jest had a run in the Brighton Hurdles at Easter a number of good judges would have him on their side, but not now. Roman Abbey and Wedding March, as R. Hannon’s representatives, will have their following, and Roman Abbey’s seconds in each race last year are a solid recommendation. Kauri Park has a little following, and his form gives him a chance, -while those two battlers Pouri and Kawini are kept in mind just because of their ability to plug along. Track work for the next fortnight will have to be the real guide, and the efforts of the southern visitors over the hurdles and over the hill will be the fi?ain items of interest.