ON WOODVILLE TRACKS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 280, 25 November 1937, Page 4

ON WOODVILLE TRACKS

COURTCRAFT AND FRANCIS DRAKE YESTERDAY'S GALLOPS (Special to “Chronicle.”) PALMERSTON N., Nov. 23. With a dozen visiting horses quartered at Woodville until Christmas time, and F. W. Davis and H. E. Russell back from Australia, increasing interest will be taken in the track work it that centre. There was not much fast work yesterday but the course proper, with the trestles about 12 feet out, was available. The going was very fast without being hard and the few that were sent along against the watch hit out with absolute confidence. Among the lirst out were four ot J. Lorigan's string, Mata Hari, with M. Gilmour up, slipping over five furlongs on the plough in 1.4 3-5. She did her work nicely and she looks well. Mahaia, Perfect Lady and Gold Ballad were given pace work, Perfect Lady’s last two furlongs being a shade better than even time. B. Goodman is training a live-year-old Psychology—Lady Ainslie gelding for Mr. Jack McCormick. He has not raced yet but he is coming to hand steadily. A. C. Plummer has Aube and a two-year-old gelding by Beau Pere out of Cherry Pie. He is a three-months-late loal and he has just turned two but he is one of the biggest youngsters ever seen at Woodville. He is a half-brother to Cherry King and he is owned by Mr. Frank Armstrong, Plummer having him on lease. The youngster has been called Cherry Plum and it is not expected that he will race until the autumn. Son and Heir, Whistle Pinkie and Brown Oak were restricted to easy exercise, but a pair from Russell’s stable were sprinted half a mile on the course proper. They were Sports Coat —Jarretiere) ridden by GilCoat (Finkcoat—Jarretiere) ridden by Gilmour, and Lucky Charm (Laskham—Lucky Bag), with V. Harold up. They were away to an even start and after a comparatively slow beginning they finished together in 53. Sports. Coat is a nice-looking colt but a lazy worker. He will be laken to Australia next year and he has been entered for all the classics.

Courtcraft’s task was a couple of rounds of solid pace-work on the plough. Mr. Gaisford's fine-looking colt does not appear to have suffered as a result of his Australian racing and he should be in great heart for his Auckland engagements. Francis Drake was out doing useful pace-work during which he showed no signs of soreness. Mr. Armstrong's colt appears to have grown a bit since last season and he looks very well.

Maestro (Gilmour) was galloped half a mile with a Thomend gelding from J. Sullivan’s stable and he hit out well and finished-strongly two or three lengths ahead, taking 50sec. for the journey.

Gaelic Song, the daughter of Piuthair, has improved in looks since last season when she was rather on the small side. With Gilmour in the saddle she was sprinted three furlongs on the plough, cutting the distance out in 37 2-5.

Chris McGovern did not waste any time getting back from Te Rapa where, on Monday, he rode Blue Tiger to victory in the hurdles. He was back in Woodville before 6 a.m. yesterday and up al the course to ride work.

Homily has not rejoined the active brigade since her return from Australia. She is still enjoying a wellearned spell in the paddock. Mr. Gaisford’s Jewel of Asia colt, Coronation, is expected in from Oringi any day now.