WANGANUI.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1412, 17 May 1917, Page 12

WANGANUI.

Turangapito’s Pleasing Track Work— Sir Donald’s Century Hurdles Prospects—A Fancied Double —Interesting Schooling Bouts — Postillion’s Clever Jumping—Wanganui Handicaps Reviewed. WANGANUI, Monday. The two two-year-old fillies which W. Rayner has in his stable have thrown off the colds which kept them off the track for a couple of weeks, and are now in regular attendance on the track. The half sister (by Patronus) to Zola is a well grown youngster, and if looks go for anything she will turn out a good ’un. She is moving nicely. The Coriana filly, which is English-bred, does not look so forward and has a rather scratchy style of galloping. She will not be called upon to race until next season. Taking his best track work as a guide, Turangapito (by Prudent King) is probably the fastest horse in work here, but he has a “dicky” leg, which might prevent him doing himself justice on the race track. A. Hall has this four-year-old in good fettle just now, and if he can keep him going the gelding should pick up a race or two shortly.

One or two shrewd judges who have seen Turehau (the Multifid gelding which H. Rayner has in work) galloping recently have marked him down as one likely to be hard to beat in the hack hurdle races here. He has shown a good deal of pace on the flat, and he is also a fast and clever jumper.

If Sir Donald can show anything like a return to his best form his prospects in the Century Hurdles would be very rosy, as he has been let in at 9.4. Another gelding which would make things merry for his opponents if he could reproduce some of his old-time brilliancy is Tree Lucerne, with which Mr. H. Coyle appears to have taken a risk in letting him in at 6.12.

So far as the two big jumping events are . concerned Leonta and xviarton is a double much fancied here for the Century Hurdles and Steeplechase. The former is apparently in splendid fettle, and he has done a good deal of jumping lately. If ever ne is going to win a big hurdle race this would appear to De his chance, as he is nicely weighted, having been given only 10.0. Marton also is in capital fettle, and though he has evidently lost some of his pace he is still able to jump as well as ever, and there is no question about his staying ability. Both are trained by W. Rayner, and if he could land the double he would well deserve the success.

Marton and Grey Guard had a spin over the big fences on Saturday together, Coleman riding the former and E. Copestake being up on Grey Guard. Both gave a good display, Grey .Guard putting in some great jumping. At once fence he took off nearly a length behind Marton, but was well in front on landing. Marton was more careful and at the finish was going the stronger of the pair.

Leonta and Moulu had an interesting set-to over the little sticks, both jumping well. Leonta apparently held nis companion comfortably over the last bit.

It was intended to try Postillion over the high hurdles, out a r.der could not be found for him until the obstacles were lowered again. On Saturday the son of Advance went over five hurdles in fine style. His rider steadied him at each obstacle, instead of letting him go full tilt at them as he had been used to, and the result was that he jumped cleanly throughout. There xS'little doubt that he would get over the high hurdles just as well if kept in check; Record is looking as fit or fitter than ever he was and there are not wanting those who look to him to run a big race in the Century Hurdles. He can jump the big country well, and if taken to nfllerslie for the great Northern Steeplechase he might have to be reckoned with.

The weights as framed by Mr. H. Coyle for the winter meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club appear to have been well received. tie had some Dig fields to deal with, but m most of the events there are a number engaged which could have no chance even with only a postage stamp to carry. However, there are plenty of good ones engaged to provide some splendid racing, and Mr. Coyle appears to have brought these well together. There will be racing at Awapuni before the Wanganui meeting, and this may result in several horses which will be seen out here having their weight increased. As it is, those most fancied for the Borough Handicap include Bimeter, Chakwana, Miacara, Starengo and Tree Lucerne. Hereford, Collector, Grey Guard and Foul Lupin are nicely treated in the Hack Steeplechase, while Bon Reve, Record, Leonta and Sir Donald are likely to be well backed in the Century Hurdles. For the Connolly Handicap Toa Tere, Cleft, Multicipal and Gang Awa are voted well in. With all his weight Braeburn is sure to be well supported in the big steeplechase. Styrax is said to be jumping the country well, but it remains to be seen whether he can give weight and a beating to Marton over fences. Nita is sure to be well in it for the greater part of the journey, but the late half mile might find her out. It should provide one of the finest contests we have seen for a long time. The Kaitoke Hack Hurdles and the Purua Hack Flat will take a lot of picking. At present there are 38 in the former and 42 in the latter, but a number will doubtless drop out. Lady Middleton is in steady work, and will be a starter in the Connolly Handicap all going well in the interim. She does not look so bright just now as she was a couple of months ago, but might freshen up before the 24th.

T. Long intends to take Interlude to Awapuni this week. She looks well after her racing at Hawera, but she needs a firm track to do her best. With 7.3 in the Borough Handicap here she is not badly treated. Miacara ran two good races at Hawera being beaten a head only on the first day and scoring nicely on the second day. With a bit of luck she would have won on both days. The racing there ought to brighten her up, and she should be seen at her best here in the Borough Handicap, in which she has 8.9.

G. Chamberlain has the gelding Son under his charge now and the son of Stepson is looking really well. He is in the Hack Hurdles here at the

minimum and is likely to run a good race.

The Marble Arch —Cresson colt in H. Rayner’s stable has been named Marble Crest. He is making satisfactory progress, and the same can be said of the Maniapoto —Waddy filly which Rayner has in work. Intending visitors to the Wanganui Jockey Club’s winter meeting should note that the racing will start at 11.45 each day instead of 12 noon, the alteration having been made to fit in with train timetable.