WEEK-END TROTTING.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 256, 28 October 1931, Page 10

WEEK-END TROTTING.

Cup Candidates Seen in Action. SOME INTERESTING FORM. (By OBSERVER.) With meetings at Oamaru, Greymouth and Auckland—making five complete days—and odd trotting events included on the programmes of some of the racing clubs, the week-end racing provided the trotting enthusiast with a full course of form for digestion. With the important meetings so close at hand, the running, in manv cases, w’as of particular interest. At Oamaru. The popular Oamaru fixture attracted more enthusiasts than ever. The programme provided splendid sport, and Harold Logan’s great win in the fast mile and a quarter provided a fitting finale. The Cup favourite commenced very smartly and paced freely over the first furlong. The second quarter was done at a very fast rate, although the horse appeared to be travelling easily, and he was soon within two or three lengths of the leaders. From this stage the interest in the first prize vanished, the only question being how soon Harold Logan would be taken to the front. His time —2.39—has been beaten only once, and as a Trotting Cup trial his effort was incapable of improvement. Not only does the premier event appear at his mercy, but so also does the mile and a quarter record the first time this fellow gets the track to suit and the company to send him along. Other Cup Horses. Of the other Trotting Cup candidates, Terence Dillon pleased most in running third to the coupled pair. Harold Logan and Pageant. Terence Dillon is in great heart and may be found taking a prominent part in his heat of the Cup race. It will be remembered that last year he was narrowly beaten by Kohara in the first heat, his time being 4.20 1-5, the fastest in the Cup series for that season. The hard race may have prejudiced the chances of both Terence Dillon and Kohara in the final, for Kohara’s fourth placing was the best they could manage between them. On Oamaru form it seems safe to say that Terence Dillon should be capable of again running out a fast two miles. Wrackler and Carmel finished some distance behind Terence Dillon, but Wrackler was battling on in very resolute style. He will be a tougher proposition over the two miles of the Cup journey, especially on the second day, if all the finalists have been called upon to survive a gruelling test in the heats. Carmel is not greatly in favour, but some, remembering his Auckland Cup defeat of Harold Logan, are prepared to see him repeat the dose. On form and fitness he should be a Cup finalist. Dundas Boy did not attract particular notice, but he is well. King Pointer did not gain a place in the chief two-mile event at Oamaru, but he finished with a rattle, not so very far from the placed trio. His old trick of a slow beginning was again in evidence, but once under way he showed that he is in good order. When in the mood he can go fast enough to upset the best, as he demonstrated in last year’s Free-for-All. The Smaller Fry. Dillon Logan again showed that his best race is run first time up. His August form suggested that his winning turn was not far off, and he appears a likely one to earn some more at Addington. Arethusa was beaten in a driving finish. Her last trip to headquarters was expensive to the punters, but she may make amends next time up. Since dead-heating with Great Way in the Sires’ Produce Trotting Stakes of 1929, Great Nelson has been a disappointment. On Monday, however, he showed himself a much improved trot-

ter, and there was also evidence of staying ability. Those he met were a very ordinary lot, but he may show at Wellington on Saturday that his Oamaru performance was no flash in the pan. If he can then hold off such as King’s Guard and Mr Penalty, his season should be a profitable one. Pageant d’Or is another Oamaru runner accepted for at Wellington. He will have to give up his habit of pulling so hard if he is to have a winning chance in the two-mile event, although there is nothing much for him to beat. The mile and a quarter looks a trifle too rich for him. Surprise Journey and Festival appearing likely to have his measure. Greymouth. Red Shadow won in very attractive style on the first day, but was soundly beaten on the second day, when his form said he should again be very hard to beat. It must be remembered that the Greymouth track has tricked older and more experienced ones than he. There should be more money waiting for him at Addington. Muriel de Oro also pleased, and looks in fine order for events near at hand. Arikitoa is one of the wet day champions, but he showed on the Coast that he can turn the pace on under any conditions. His form was worth remembering for the near future, and if he happens to get a wet track to race on the odds will be very much in his favThe Cup horses, Dilworth and Imprint. looked well and hearty, but were unable to concede the handicaps asked. Cardinal Logan has been across the ranges for so many years that one imagines he could find his way home from Greymouth without much trouble. Contrary to his usual custom, he returned without anything towards the expenses. Vesuvius did not show anything like his best form, and he will require to improve a lot to threaten danger in the big event next month. For Wellington.

First Prince ran well enough to suggest that he would keep the majority busy in the Novice Handicap at Wellington on Saturday, while Avernus and Ulm were two winners also with engagements at this meeting. Chenaway and Effigy are Auckland winners included in the Wellington card. Chenaway won very convincingly and should be w’ell fancied if he starts.