WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1373, 17 August 1916, Page 13

WANGANUI.

Leonta’s G.N. Hurdles Engagement— Intrude Contracts a Cold—Miacara in Steady Work—lntending Competitors at Dannevirke and Marton— F. Tilley’s Imported Juveniles Doing Well —Marton Training on Nicely— Bright Prospects for Marton J.C.’s Spring Fixture—Wanganui J.C.’s Approaching Meeting. (From Our Wanganui Correspondent.) WANGANUI, Monday. Notwithstanding Leonta’s disappointing displays so far this season the gelding is much fancied in many quarters for the Grand National Hurdles. His connections say that if he ever had a chance of winning the big event at Riccarton he has one

now, as he is at his best, and, moreover, has done more schooling over the hurdles this time than ever before. Added to that, he will be ridden by “Bronco” Coleman, who thoroughly understands him, and the extra distance to be covered is held to be in his favour. The meny friends of Mr. T. S. Bristol, whc owns the gelding, are therefore verj hopeful that in this, hi's third try, he will land the bigstake.

Marton will be taken to Dannevirke for the steeplechase, in which he should run well, as he is in very good nick.

The three-year-old full-brother to Expect in Tilley’s stable, which has been named Intrude, has contracted a very bad cold, and consequently he will not be seen out at the Marton meeting. This gelding was hitting out well, and it was unfortunate that he should have gone amiss. He might be all right by the time the Wanganui meeting comes round. First Line, in the same stable, has also had a cold, but the ■ son of Advance —Ballarat is throwing off the effects, and it is thought that he will be able to race at Marten. He is a nice-looking sort, and bred as he is he should be able to gallop. Miacara is in steady work, and will probably race at Marton, where the going should be to her liking. The daughter of Bonitorm is not too sound but she is very speedy when properly well.

Another Fordell-trained one which will be seen in action at Marton is Perrier. The son of oG'lden Gate has wintered well, and should give a good account of himself during the season. The hurdler Austin has been turned out, and will not be raced for some time. ’Cello is also still enjoying a spell, and is not likely to race again until Labour Day.

The four youngsters which F. Tilley brought over from Sydney are all making good progress. The Cardinal —Beaufort colt has been broken in, and so has the Linacre colL Both have grown into fine-looking two-year-olds, and promise to do well. The Cooitnm gelding and the Cyrus colt have not yet been taken in hand, but are running in the paddock, and it will be some time before they are put into work. All who have seen the Australian-bred youngsters predict that they will, all going well, prove good stake winners. Quite a number of horses are now in work in view of the Marton and Wanganui meetings, but nothing of any importance is being done, most of the equines being restricted to easy tasks. Marton has been jumped once or twice, and got through his work well, his lepping being clean and attractive, though it remains to be seen whether he can muster up enough pace now to win. However, lie should be good enough yet to score m some of the minor steeplechase events.

The Marton meeting, to be held on the Bth September, will set the ball rolling in earnest on this coast for the new season, and some very good racing may be looked for. From all accounts several smart three-year-olds will be seen out at the meeting, and it will be very interesting to see how they shape alongside the older horses. The liberal prize money offered by the Wanganui Jockey Club for the spring meeting, to be held on the 21st and 23rd September, should attract good entries. The Guineas race is always looked forward to with keen interest, as it usually throws considerable light on the more important classic events to follow. Nominations for the meeting are due on the 28th inst.