RACING NOTES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 154, 1 May 1940, Page 8

RACING NOTES

(By Zetland) canterbury steeplechasers Two of Canterbury's leading crosscountry candidates, Flashlight and Streamline, who early in June will be seen out over the Ellerslic obstacles, are registering very fine work on the Riccarton tracks. They were taken in hand early, and should be among the high-lights at the Auckland Winter Meeting. COUNTRY WITHOUT GRASS' Many sportsmen in the Bay of Plenty will doubtless be interested in the following reference to New South Wales pasture lands. In announcing the retirement from the turf of the good performer, Gold Rod, Mr E. J. Watt said the horse would go up to his property at Molong, but at present the country is without grass. For many years Mr Watt owned and occupied "the Longlands Station in Hawke's Bay, and it would appear that his Molong run often presents a very strong contrast to that he owned in New Zealand. NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN 1 The name of Achilles, and the battle of River Plate, will go down in the history of the world as never to be forgotten exploit. The Dunedin Jockey Club is early among the many institutions of this Dominion to take steps to perpetuate the name, for it lias included in its winter programme the Achilles Plate for gentlemen riders. Naval men in New Zealand will accept this as a decided compliment to the gallantry of. this country's representatives of the Achilles. MIDDLE DISTANCES That once brilliant sprinter, Disdain, winner of the Auckland Railway Handicap, is now to be tried over a mile and a quarter distance. She has given evidence of possessing staying qualities, so is likely to add to her winning list before long. NOT YET A HUNTER About a year ago The Dozer owned by a New Plymouth sportsman, was sent to Hector Gray at lakanini to be prepared for hunters' events. He had previously been tried at hunt meets in Taranaki,, and slipwed some capability over the variety of obstacles he encountered. But Hector soon realised that The Dozer had pace, and just recently he asked him to register it with the colours up. The Dozer gallantly responded and quickly won three races on the flat. He is by Valette* by the Matamata sire, Valkyran, and before being relegated to the hunting field may win good raecs in open company.

FOR HURDLING At the 1939 summer meetings of the Te Arolia, Ohinemuri and Frank lin Clubs the Master ton owned Gay Chou y an Australian importation, was one of tlie visitors assessed rather highly, but only places went down to his credit on that particular tour. Since then he has not proved a brilliant success, and he will now be tried as a hurdler. With his undoubted pace he shou'd make good in this department. SET FOR THE DOUBLE The Hastings mare, Charade, is undergoing a strong preparation in view of contesting the Great Northern Steeplechase and Hurdles. This double has been previously won by one horse, and Charade will endeavour to cmplate such performance; (Continued foot previous column)