Untitled

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 122, 26 May 1938, Page 4

ELLERSLIE DOUBLE POINTERS FROM TE RAPA (Special to “Chronicle") AUCKLAND, May 25. With the very satisfactory disposal of the Waikato meeting—and a grand fixture it was, too, in every respect—the position in connection with the “Great Northerns," Hurdles and Steeplechase, have certainly been clarified to a marked degree, more so in the case of the former contest. So far as the Great Northern Hurdles is concerned, that is just as difficult as ever, but one thing is certain; the field is not going to be very big. So it will be also, but in a more definite degree, with the Great Northern Steeplechase. Jolly Beggar was outstanding with his win under 12.0 on Monday. He had the two mile event won at any part, and when he came back he blew freely after scoring an easy win, an indication that he would be all the better for the run. With exactly another fortnight to go, the South Islander should be at his peak for the Great Northern Hurdles. Jolly Beggar failed in this event last June with 11.13, but with 12.0 he may be equal to doing better than his third of twelve months ago. Should the going be as good at Ellerslie a* if was at Te Rapa on Mon-

day, when it was ideal for jumping, a bit soft on top, then Jolly Beggar could be expected to give a good account of himself. But with the usual heavy ground and the formidable hurdles, then Jolly Beggar will need to be a better horse than he was last winter, giving it in that the opposition on this occasion will be just as strong.

Silk Sox spoiled his fine effort on Saturday by falling on Monday, and Donegal may be an absentee from Ellerslie. The latter gave a glimpse of his best form on Monday' and he was not too lucky in the final halfmile.

Celtic Lad disappointed very greatly in his one effort and it now remains to be seen if he will be stepped out at Ellerslie. Jddo ran well both days and the distance seemed to

bother him. so that it could scarcely be expected he would make sufficient improvement to win over two and ahalf miles of stiff hurdles and soft ground. Little can be said of the form of the other hurdlers seen out at Te Kapa, although Kilberis went a fairly good race on the second day. As Jolly Beggar was the outstanding hurdler at the meeting, it is possible that the danger to him will be forthcoming from something that did not oppose him last, week-end. and in this connection Huskie comes to mind once more. Over the Big Country. Although the Hurdles problem was not made much clearer by last weekend racing, the position in regard to the Steeplechase was much more satisfactory. Huskie, by his convincing win on Saturday must now take pride of place, for he not only jumps all right, but he can stay for ever, as they say, and it must not be overlooked that while he won on Saturday he covered a good deal of extra ground. Huskie beat al! but Sandy .Dix in the last Great Northern I Hurdles, so apart from his rare (chance in the big Steeplechase next i month he must be accepted as having la first-rate chance of capturing bolh (big jumping races. i Windsor Lad also enters the picture by virtue of his success on MonMaj'. In that race he fenced really ; badly, running down almost every I obstacle, not only losing ground but I also becoming unbalanced on several (occasions. He revealed a great deal of pace and his jumping improved towards the end, so with a handy impost he ought to make a show in the Great Northern Steeplechase. So 'Huskie. and then Windsor Lad. were 'the best ’chasers seen out at Te Rapa, i Clarion Call did not impress and it is (possible after his fall he may not go lon to Ellerslie. Riotous finished on splendidly on Saturday to get third, j while on Monday he was in front when he fell. His two efforts, how- [ ever, fell short of the requisite Great I Northern standard. All Irish would not lose any friends. Iby his fourth on Saturday. It was his I first outing over country since last winter and he revealed a great deal of pace, so it was not surprising that he weakened in the final stages. He should be a much better horse by 'Steeplechase day. Bryce Street is an outside prospect in this event, for he came from a long way back to get second on Saturday, his effort being (that of a stayer, and he will get plenty of chances to stay in the Great I Northern Steeplechase. So after Te Rapa, horses in the big cross-country (race at headquarters next month who ‘ enhanced their prospects bv last I week-end’s showings were Huskie. Windsor Lad, All Irish and Bryce ‘ Street. — RACING FIXTURES i May 26. 28-—South Canterbury Jockey Club, j May 28. —Foxton Racing Club. i June 6. 9. 11.—Auckland Racing Club. 'June 4. 6. 11.—Dunedin Jockey Club. ( June 4. 6.—Napier Park Racing Club. : June 4. 6.—Otaki Maori Racing Club. June 16. 18.—Hawke's Bay Jockey Club. Juße 18.—Greymouth Jockey Club. (June IS.—Bay of Plenty Racing Club. ■ June 25.—Waipa Racing Club (at Te Rapa). June 25.—Ashburton County Racing Club.. I June 25.—Dannevirke Hunt Club. ' July 2.—Marton Jockey Club. ■ July 2.—Oamaru Jockey Club. i July 5. 7. 9.—Wellington Racing Club. I July 16.—Hawke's Bay Hunt Club. July 16.—Waunate District Hunt. I July 23.—South Canterbury Hunt Club. 1 July 23.—Rangitikei Hunt Club, j July 30. Taranaki Jockey Club. July 28, 30.—Poverty Bav Turf Club. i ■