Training Notes.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 334, 17 December 1896, Page 8

Training Notes.

The tout requires to be up bright and early at this season of the year to see the work put in at Ellerslie, but it is all the same whether he is early or late, very little is to be gained by him for his watchfulness. The fact is that the summer has come upon us earlier than we expected, and the exceptionally dry weather has necessitated caution on the part of trainers who cannot afford to let their charges go as they please over the parched and dusty tracks. Lots of horses—quite fifty —put in an appearance at Ellerslie every morning, and the trainers like to get through the morning’s task as early as possible, and before Old Sol makes his rays unpleasantly strong. The gates are opened at half-past 4 o’clock, and for upwards of over an hour and a half the thud of horses feet on the plough track is heard, but nothing like time-trials are attempted. Good working gallops only are the order of the day, trainers preferring to keep their charges up to the form they are in rather than risking a break-down by sending them along as they do in the spring of the year. George Wright’s lot have been doing good work during the week, with the exception of Day Star and Armilia, both-of whom have done their excercise on the beach. On Tuesday morning, which is generally one of the liveliest mornings of the week, there was a large attendance of touts and horses; but the former had cause for disappointment, as during the earlier part of the work a heavy fog fairly obscured the horses. Mantle and Retaliation were the first to move quickly, and they were kept together for a mile, the little mare being anxious to go on. She has done good sound work, and, so far, is neither sick nor sorry, but she does not seem class enough for the Cup. When St. Paul skipped through the gate on to the plough the touts were all eyes. It had been said that a few days previously the son of St. Leger had shown signs of wear-and-tear when he pulled up, but, if that is so, he was in very different fettle on Tuesday morning. Pirate was sent along with him for one mile, and then Knight of Athol essayed to take him up, but was of no use to the little horse, who sailed away on his own, galloping with machine-like action, and in a style that indicated that he liked his work, despite the clouds of dust; and when he was pulled up he walked into the saddling paddock as sound as a bell. Mahaki came out soon afterwards, and of course the touts wanted to see him have a cut, but his trainer did not, and the consequence was that the son of Ingomar cantered only for four miles, which was his morning’s task. He moves nicely, and looks very well. Miss Rose and St. Evelyn were rattled along for five furlongs, while Woodstock and Wright’s two two-year-old fillys did serviceable work. Nestor did a good sound gallop of a couple of miles, he being assisted in the first part by St. Regel, and in the second by Miss Nelson. Pegasus put in a couple of miles at a fairly sound pace, but went a little gingerly. Coronet, who had St. Crispin and another as companions, strode along freely. Tire did slow work, and looked a little light. Haria bowled along as sound as a bell, with Lufra and Lady Marion. St. Simon/ looking in excellent buckle, did a good working gallop. This son of St. Leger so far has answered all questions asked of him satisfactorily, and has done some good schooling work over the steeplechase jumps. He should, therefore, be particularly hard to beat in all the jumping events at the meeting. Lady Marion, Joan of Arc, Aughadowey, and a whole host of horses too numerous to mention did useful exercise. Mr Stead’s horses, Uniform, Epaulet, and Gold Medallist, are expected to arrive at Ellerslie today. No mention being made of Multiform, it seems probable that he will stay at home. This will be a disappointment, as a meeting between Multiform, Coronet, and Sir Launcelot was hoped for. The Hon. J. D. Ormond’s horses, with St. Laura and Dummy, are expected to arrive in a few days.