CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1500, 23 January 1919, Page 11

CANTERBURY.

Biplane Indulging in Sprinting Tasks — Kimbolton Recommissioned — —Royal Stag and Counterscarp Rejoin Active Brigade.

CHRISTCHURCH, Monday.

The well-known starter Mr. R. E. Harley has acquired a sheep station in the Gisborne district. This will not interfere with his engagements by his several North and South Island clubs.

Punka, who is take her place in the Wellington Cup field, was to have been given a gallop at Riccarton by herself the morning before she went north. For some reason the Oaks winner absolutely refused to shift until joined by her usual working companion, Winter Cherry. With the latter’s assistance Punka registered an attractive effort over six furlongs. At time of writing Biplane is still at Riccarton bfing given sprinting tasks. As Desert Gold is on her way back to New Zealand there is little likelihood of the pair ever measuring strides.

Before leaving for Wellington Koesian got through several smart gallops, but he may hardly be forward enough to win the Telegraph Handicap even though favourably weighted.

After being off the tracks for some time Kimbolton has been recommissioned by P. McGrath. Had Bondage not won the Maiden Plate at Timaru her owner intended to retire her from the tracks.

Jockey C. Emerson is making good progress from his recent mishap, and expects to be riding at the Trentham meeting. Two of his 'first day mounts will be Kilmoon in the Cup and Moorable in the Ruapehu Handicap. Two recent additions to the Chokebore active brigade are the juveniles Royal Stag and Counterscarp, both of whom look all the better for their spells. On his return from Auckland Glendower was given a let up, but he is again in active preparation with a view to early autumn engagements. F. Christmas is also slipping the work into Fiery Cross. Though still backward the consistent son of Gienapp should be at his best by the time the C.J.C. Great Autumn Handicap comes round.

Trainer R. Emerson had th e bad luck to see three of his team placed second at the South Canterbury meeting. Had C. Emerson’s services been available th e result may have been different in at least two of the events.

Of the three Canterbury representatives likely to contest the Wellington Cup Kilmoon finds most favour locally. Punka can gallop fast and is improving in stamina, but sh e is one of the sort that will not always do her best with the colours up.