TURF NEWS AND NOTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1940, Page 3

TURF NEWS AND NOTES

Winning Rival had worked her way into seventh position at the straight entrance and came home exceptionally well for fourth. She will derive benefit from the run and now promises to play a leading part in the Winter Cup. Kilrobe was hurdled off at the start and began slowly, but moved up quickly into the lead only to stop disappointingly in the straight. Fifth was her place at the end. Noble Fox came from well back lo run into sixth place and is a likely-improver. The Raker began well, but gradually faded out of the picture. Lockit was prominent for a time. Strip was the early leader, but after being well placed to the straight eventually finished last. Nigger Boy, third to the straight, faded right out in the run home. Will be Absent from Riccarton. Royal Lancer will not fulfil any of his engagements at Riccarton. as F. W. Ellis's charge injured an eye while at Washdyke. Far East Turned Out. Far East, winner of three races last season, has developed lameness and has been turned out for a spell. Ripley Well Again. Ripley, which had been showing good form in track gallops, ran a nail through a hoof and had to miss the fast work necessary to fit him for a race at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting. He is all right again and should be ready to race at the Grand National meeting. About the Same Terms. In the Grand National Hurdles, Tidewaiter meets those he defeated in the Kj-jOngbeach Hurdles on much the same terms at half a stone lower scale. There is about seven furlongs more ground to cover in the Grand National Hurdles, and some fresh blood will come into the field, but Tidewaiter should improve with each race, as the Longbeach Hurdles is his third attempt over jumps.

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE Wilder Cup Trial (BY “THE GRAFTER.") Gray Honour did best of the Winter Cup horses in the Brabazon Handicap at the Christchurch Hunt Club’s meeting, winning easily from St Cloud and Black Thread, which had a hard tussle for the minor places. Grey Honour has shown in and out form this winter, but galloped up to his best on this occasion, though the extra furlong of the Winter Cup is likely to trouble him. St Cloud was not prominent early, but finished exceptionally well to beat Black Thread by a head, and will be hard to beat in sprint races. Black Thread made a bold showing, but more weight to carry and a furlong further to go will not help him in the Winter Cup.

Should Turn Out a Bargain. Theiomint, a well-turned two-year-old chestnut filly by Theio from Gaimint. a Catmint mare, has been brought to Riccarton from Waimate with Valens by their trainer, J. E. Shaw. Theiomint is well forward in her preparation and should turn out to be a bargain on the 85 guineas she cost Mr J. H. Mitchell, of Studholme, as a yearling at Trentham. Streamline. Streamline was given a fairly hard race in the Longbeach Hurdles, and more patiently handled might have put up a stronger finish. It is somewhat rare io see a top-weight out in front forcing the pace. It may be good tactics to test the hurdling of the rest <of the field. Riccarton Raspers. The Riccarton cross-country fences were once known as “the Riccarton Raspers.” It is stated that about 150 horses have failed to complete the course during the 64 times that the Grand National Steeplechase has been run. The stoutest fence is Cutts’s stout brush, which is 4ft lOjin high and 4ft 3in thick.

Only Three to Consider. The form displayed in the Homeby Steeples suggests that only Flashlight. Padishah, and Slayer can be taken into consideration for the Grand National Steeplechase. Flashlight meets Padishah on 101 b and Slayer on 11b better terms in the Grand National Steeples. Clarion Call and Erination come into the picture, but the rest of the field represent a long odds chance.

The Right and Wrong Way. The art of riding a distance on the flat or over jumps consists in balance and sitting still, as movement in the saddle eccentuates weight. Padishah was well handled in the'Homeby Steeples until his rider put him under pressure when coming to the last jump. Mr Beatson then commenced to ride a rough finish, swinging his legs from the hips, and this extravagant action in the saddle did not case the task of carrying 12.13 at the finish of a solidly-run race, states the sporting writer in the “Otago Daily Times.” One has 'to admire the good sporting spirit which gives a mount to an amateur against very capable professionals. but it certainly penalises the horse. Mr Beatson docs not hold the sole rights of the leg-swinging finish. It has been a handicap to professionals. but they grew out of it with experience. Mr Beatson rode in the same manner at Trentham instead of gripping and squeezing his mount and should drop the extravagant action which tends to increase a task.

Brilliant Display by Clarion Call. Riccarton tracks were kept very busy throughout training hours yesterday, but because most horses had racing on Saturday, serious galloping was restricted, most tasks being confined to half and three-quarter pace. The outside of the course proper was open, and all of the work was done on it. The main steeplechase fences were also available, but there was no jumping over them, much to the disappointment of a large assemblage of track watchers. •

However, Clarion Call, ridden by P. Jarvis, gave a brilliant display over eight of the inside fences, six brushes and the two sod walls. He showed his customary pace and took each fence in his stride, his effort over the double brush the second time providing a thrilling spectacle.

Winsome Lu Improving. A.l the Hawera racecourse yesterdav Winsome Lu (Reilly) and Tcasoft (Graham) were on terms at the close of a three furlongs gallop in 38. The former has freshened up nicely, and she looks certain to win a good handicap in the spring. She will reappear at New Plymouth. Tcasolf ran a good race in her initial start at Marton, and she seems to have benefited from that experience. She may soon iosc her maiden status.

Wanganui Meeting. The Minister of Internal Affairs has consented to the spring meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club next month being held on the Awapuni track.