ATTRACTIVE MILE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 172, 23 July 1942, Page 7

ATTRACTIVE MILE

Sonja Henie Pleases At Epsom

AUCKLAND PATRIOTIC TROTS

The titbit of the work at Epsom this morning was a mile run by Sonja Henie. Working alone, the six-year-old daughter of Great Parrish developed speed very smartly, and Wilfred Fleming had her on a tight rein at the end of the journey, clocked in 2.13 2-5.

Sonja Heme Is engaged in the Victorv Handicap at the Auckland Trotting s Patriotic meeting at Alexandra Park on Saturday, and she is called upon to give away 12 yards to two smart performers in High Play and Josette, both of "which showed considerable improvement while racing on the country circuit earlier in the season.

Josette, driven by M. Stewart, was under restraint over two miles, really dawdling along, the first mile taking 2.47 the mile and a half 4.10, and the full distance 5.30. There is nothing wrong with Josette's condition. Both Cavalryman and Hillcrest worked unhoppled, the first-named going a slow two miles, while Hillcrest had a couple of sprints, one in 1.1 l and the other 1.7. These two horses are frequently mentioned m discussions on the Churchill and United Nations Handicaps. Cavalryman is favourite from Princess Linnett in the Churchill, and Hillcrest, Our Peggy, Double Peter and Cyone Girl all have admirers for the United Nations Handicap, for which the champion, Josedale Grattan, is a pronounced favourite. True Guide, which is a bit on the Jolly side, was sent over a mile and a half, sprinting the final half-mile ill! 1.9. Cyone Girl, Royal Palm, Narbada, Might Surprise, Bon Haven and Parrish Boy also got through useful tasks, all of which wore on the cinders track.

The Te Rapa trainer M. Stewart will drive Rockfel, Cyone Girl, Narbada, Gallant Navy and Josette in their engagements. while it is reported that C. Smith will hold the reins over Sonja Henie in the Victory. NOT STARTING Mr. P. V. Flexman, owner of the trotter Jimmy Drusus, one of the favourites for the Churchill Handicap, has received advice from his trainer, L. O. Thomas, of Addington. that he is unable to arrange shipping accommodation for the horse, which therefore will be withdrawn from his engagements on Saturday. WELLINGTON CLUB The extra meeting of the Wellington Trotting Club will be held on September 12. The ordinary meeting is on September 19. The officials, Mr. A. J. Hastings, Christchurch, starter, and Mr. U. Shannon. Auckland, judge, have been reappointed for the year. 25 YEARS' SERVICE When Mr. Ulic Shannon officiated as clerk of scales and timekeeper at the recent meeting of the Wellington Racing Club, he completed 2.) years' continuous service in that dual capacity, and he received many congratulations from the club's president and others. Mr. Shannon has been widely known as a sporting journalist since the beginning of the century, and being recognised as a sound judge of horseflesh, his services are frequently invoked by Australian buyers who cannot find time to attend yearling sales in the Dominion.