ENGLISH RACING

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 72, 25 March 1931, Page 13

ENGLISH RACING

SEASON OPENS THIS WEEK. (Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, February 12. The bookmakers have so far failed to get any one to bet on the Lincolnshire Handicap, though the weights are out. Not only are even the stables uncertain as to the runners-—Midlothian was seized upon as possessing a specially favourable chance and three days later he was scratched—but the public are frightened of the race. This is hardly surprising, in view of the success of long-priced horses in recent years. Indeed, it is the view of many racegoers that it is easier to find the winner of the Grand National than the Lincolnshire. The Joels have usually specialised on the Lincolnshire, and Mr Solly Joel has won the race three times with Long Set, Soranus and Dark Warrior. Usually he has two or three horses in the race, and it is not always easy to discover the best. There is, however, no such difficulty on this occasion, his entry being confined to Fleeting Memory, and he is thought to have a chance. There is no possible doubt about his speed over six furlongs, but I think there is a good deal about his staying the Lincoln course. At the same time he covered nearly the same distance at Aston last season under very heavy conditions, and, though he did not win, he ran the race out to the end without weakening.

We shall know more, and be better able to judge the prospects, when the acceptances are announced in a few days. Meanwhile, the Grand National absorbs attention. In this case, however, it is mainly because of Easter Hero, who is believed to have the race at his mercy, with ordinary luck. He will be ridden at Aintree by Fred Rees, who holds the front rank among steeplechase jockeys, and Jack Anthony, his trainer, was never more confident about any horse. This is another case in which there has been little or no betting. No more than nine to one is offered about the Hero, and, as they suggest, the odds are no doubt intended to be prohibitive. They would, of course, be reasonable enough on the day of the race—provided all goes well with the favourite his price must inevitably shorten considerably—but the risk is not worth taking at the present time. J. Moloney has been engaged to ride Gregalach, the winner two years ago. On that occasion, however, he was on Easter Hero, who, it may be remembered, twisted a plate when appearing certain to finish in front. Gregalach was out at the last Lingfield meeting, and finished sixth. As a matter of fact, apart from that of Easter Hero, there has been nothing striking about the recent form of any of the National candidates. It is, of course, too early for them to be fit. By the way, the favourite is to have one more race before being sent to Aintree, and in all probability it will be for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.