THE RACING WORLD

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 60, 4 December 1926, Page 14

THE RACING WORLD

NOTES AND COMMENTS

(By

"The Watcher.”)

The annual meetings of the Taumarunui and Methven Racing Clubs will be held to-day. L. G. Morris will ride Tanadees in the Woodville Handicap next week. Girriebillie has been sold and sent to Australia. When at her best Gleutruin failed to win the Railway Handicap under 9.8, going down to Royal Blood Grand Knight is set a difficult task with 9.13, and will create a record if he is successful.

Glenross is a case of a horse reversing the usual order of things. When he commenced racing he could not begin. and was generally finishing on from the rear. For the past couple of seasons be has begun with his fields, and. as she showed at Treutham and Feilding, can win from the front. Horses usually lose brilliancy instead of gaining it as they reach the aged class. The Trentham-trained two-year-old Panther was well backed for his engagement at Feilding, but although he was a possibility in the first part of the race, he had no chance over the last two furlongs. Possibly he tnay do better on a firm track. Merle might have won at Feilding if voting Burgess had been able to put » iittle more stiength into the finish. The youngster bad a strenuous day, in addition to receiving a bad fall off Insulation, and under the circumstances was unable to ride bis mount out as well as he usually does. He is certainly one of the most promising young apprentices of the present time. Calluna, who has a second placing to Queen’s Choice to his credit, should, on bis Feilding form, win a race during the holidays, if not at Woodville. Ronogne improved a great deal between days at Feilding and his forward running against Monaghan and Peneus should not be forgotten during the holidays.

the Lamb looks well, but the track conditions at Feilding were all against him. When he strikes good going he should be in the fighting line. Betinanee is another who is likely to show his Feilding form all wrong when he gets on good going. A well-known Wellington sportsman, making inquiries re Monaghan,' found that he was not for sale.

the two-vear-old Ruanui, who is half-brother to The Thorn, looks like earning some money at Auckland, where he was successful at the spring meeting. He possesses plenty of speed, and to date has not been very seriously tried

Miss Mercia, an Australian-bred two-year-old, who runs in the same colours as Te Monanui, ran a fair race at Feilding, and should improve on that performance. Hipo bad every chance at Feilding, and it would appear that he is on the down grade. Indian Sage was well backed at Feilding, but he failed. On the second day he appeared to have a chance, judged oii his running in the Cup, but although he lost ground at the start, he could have been more prominent if good enough. Joy Bird lost just as much ground, and then ran second. There must be something wrong with Indian Sane at present, for when he has won the form was impressive. Glengariff was not good enough at Feilding, but he should win a race during the holidays. It is not much wonder that Santonio paid a big price when he won ‘his week. He had not been first past the post since he dead-heated with Mireusonta in the open sprint at the Marton meeting two years ago next January 1. Nor had he won anything to speak of in place money, and it savs a good deal for his connections that they persevered with him. At one period he was tried as a jumper, but did not show much aptitude at the game. The number of horses at present in training must be amazing. The Ashhurst acceptances were large, yet practically a new lot of horses competed at Feilding, and at Woodville next week there is another fresh batch of runners. The indifferent fortunes of the majority make it all the more puzzling how they manage to keep going. Hard as is the way of the “punter,” it must be a bed of roses to the lot of some horse owners and trainers.

Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., who lias just returned from a health recruiting trip to England and the Continent, saw some of the racing there, although not so much as he would have liked to witness. He attended an Epsom meeting, and by the courtesy of Mr. Vivian Riddiford, occupied a seat in a box. Lake all oversea visitors, Mr. Wilford was astounded at the primitive conditions on this historic course. He saw Warden of the Marches win the City and Suburban Handicap. This horse, raced by Lord Lonsdale, is regarded by some as equal to Solario, if not superior, and Lord Lonsdale expressed the opinion to Mr. Wilford that with his horse fit and well lie hoped for a meeting with Solario. However, after Solario’s defeat in the Jockey Club Stakes he was withdrawn from the Champion Stakes, which was won by Warden of the Marches. The latter, said Mr. Wilford, is a magnificent horse of a type rarely seen, standing fully 16| hands, and magnificently developed in proportion. The only other meeting lie attended was Royal Ascot, to which he made a special trip to see the Gold Cup After paying £1 admission to the course, and another 30s. to the saddling paddock, he jibbed at another £4 to get into the ring enclosure and contented himself with watching the parade of the horses and witnessing the contest for the Cup. In the parade it was clear to him that the auality of the English horse is superior to the colonial, and they are moreover produced in much better condition, generally speaking, which would indicate better methods of train-

iug. He was greatly taken with the appearance of Prion 11., the French contender for Gold Cup honours. Not a big horse, said Mr. Wilford, but a very compact one, and in the primest of condition and greatly resembling Rapine. Had Solario not been such a hot order and been looked upon as unbeatable, Mr. Wilford said he would have backed the Frenchman, and he was sorely tempted to wager when the bookmakers despairing of doing business at the short odds oflered on bolario commenced laying against the first two past the post. It was Mr. Wilford’s impression that Priori 11. gave Solario the race of his life as against the English idea that be won easily, and this opinion has been fully confirmed by subsequent form of Solario and Foxlaw, who beat him in the Jockey Chib Stakes. Solario, he thought, as did Mr. Rainey Jackson, of Wanganui, resembled Sasamof. Other features to impress the . visitor were the amount of betting on selling races, the straight course the Jockey Club compels riders to steer in the straight, and the capable apprentices being turned out, especially by b. Wootton, which simply meant better education from their employer. Lord Lonsdale weighs his horses once a week, and this method of determining their condition must be an unheard of procedure with colonials. Mr. Wilford also witnessed some racing in France, seeing the principal steeplechase at Cannes and Auteuil. The French courses, are in marked contrast to those in England, being on the colonial scale of appointments and conveniences, while their horses are also magnificent speciments of the thoroughbred who jump fences as big and go as fast as do our own horses here in the jumping season. . „ Spoony is likely to contest the Taumarunui Cup to-day, in which the field is very weak. Spoony is not up to metropolitan company, but he need onlv run up to his showing at Takapuna last Saturday to give a good deal of trouble to-day. Amongst the maiden performers at Taumarunui is Abbess, a four-year-old sister to York Abbey. She has a great private reputation, and in her few public essays has certainly shown speed. Abbess appears in several races to-dav, but has only got to carry the. confidence of her connections to be very prominent. . . A lot of racegoers were waiting for Te Koroke at Feilding, but he was not at the meeting. His name appears amongst the acceptors at Taumarunui, and those who waited for him this week may have a chance of proving their judgment to-day It is understood that W. H. Jones has been engaged to ride him, which indicates that he will start in the race, where he has a light weight—the open sprint. Those who follow racing at all closely in these parts, or for that matter anywhere in the Dominion, will appreciate the following remarks, which were written by “Pilot” in th e last issue of the Sydney “Referee” to hand. As he is a writer well known for his unprejudiced and mature judgment one might almost be excused for thinking that he had witnessed recent events in New Zealand" Personal popularity with a certain'' section of racing men carries a few owners and trainers much further in some Australian States than it would in others. Tactics that should get them into' trouble are glossed over, and, though reversal of form is difficult to cope with anywhere, some ,of these favoured individuals seem immune from question no matter how erratic the doings of their horses. If horses run badly when practically unbacked, and tljeu come out and win under similar conditions in respect of betting, little 'exception can be taken; but when, at short notice, horses reverse their form in keeping with the way they travel in . the betting there is cause for murmuring. When these owners and trainers travel to other centres they do not leave their home tactics behind; in fact, they are inclined to take advantage of a certain amount of latitude generally permitted visitors. Therefore, the fact that Bill, Tom, Dick, or Harry is a popular trainer in his own State, and Mr. Blank is ‘a fine fellow,’ should never cause stewards to omit keeping watch on their horses any more than on those of the ordinary battling owners and trainers of their own centre.” One of the most important of the New Year meetings outside the metropolitan fixture at Auckland is the annual meeting of the Stratford Racing Club. Th e programme for January 1 and 2 next has been issued and good stakes are to be won. The principal event the Stratford Cup, carries a stake of 700 sovs., added to a gold cup, valued at 50 sovs., while the Douglas Handicap is worth 300 sovs. On the second dav the Malone Memorial. Handicap carries, 450 sovs. in stakes, and the sprint event 260 sovs. There is a two-vear-old handicap each day, and hacks are catered for in the remainder of the programme, including hurdles. Nominations will close on Thursday next at 9 p.m The Stratford telegraph office closes at 8 p.m. '

NOTES FROM AUCKLAND Dominion Special. Auckland, December 3. Stormy, who has won four races out of four starts in the Newcastle district, is expected to leave Sydney to-dav for Auckland, arriving here on Tuesday. IT. Wiggins will ride Mundane in the Auckland Cup and Limited in the Rail way Handicap.

AUCKLAND FORFEITS Bt telegraph.—press association. Auckland, December 3. After the declaration of first forfeit the following remain in the THIRTY-SECOND ROYAL STAKES, of 1000 sovs.; for two and three-year-olds ; special weights. Six furlongs.— Marsurd, Paganelli, Lysander, Ruanui, Limited, Lorna Doone, Flying Tresses, Atumlad, High Finance, Seatown, Commendation, Chelone, Melissa, Agrion, Eulalie, Jazzy, Laughing Prince, King Emerald, Auratum, Gascony, Cimabue, Cosmetic, High Pitch, Atereria, Expense, Ti Tree, Talisker, b. f. Absurd— Hinepango, Royal Ceres. FIFTY-THIRD GREAT NORTHERN DERBY, of 3000 sovs.; for three-year-olds: special weights. One mile and a half.—Silver Tray, Battlement, Joy Germ, Lycandtr, Commendation, Resinous, Chamour, Scythia, Tinokoa, Phaola, Allowav, Loveband, Flying Juliet, True Blood, Atereria. GREAT NORTHERN FOAL STAKES, of 1500 sovs.; for two-year-olds; special weights. Six furlongs.— Marsurd, Thaw, Carinthia, Ruanui, Lorna Doone, Atumlad, High Finance, Agrion. Eulalie, Laughing Prince, Auratum, Gasconv, Talisker, Cimabue, Cosmetic, b. f.’ by Absurd—Hinepango, Roval Ceres.

WOODVILLE ACCEPTANCES By Telegraph.—press association. Woodville, Decen her 3. Following are the acceptances for the first day (December 8) of the Woodville meeting :—

In to-day's issue the Railway Department advertise special trains to Petone for the Trotting Club’s meeting on December 8. In addition to trains advertised, ordinary services run frequently.

TROTTING WELLINGTON SUMMER MEETING ACCEPTANCES FOR FIRST DAY Acceptances for the first day of til® summer meeting of the Wellington Trotting Club on December 8 are:—

NOVICE HANDICAP (harness), of 125 sovs.; 3AO class. One mile and a half. Zella — ecr. Amazon scr. Audubon Mac scr. Maud Logan - scr. Bara Gold scr. Cornelean .... scr. Jessie Huon .. scr Grace Logan . scr. Roma scr. Kawini Lass .. scr. Trespass scr Great Lari .... scr. Welcome Pearl scr. Grey oqean ... 24 Joe Log. 1 ...scr. Tui Wildwood 24 Logan Lily scr.

NAI NAI HANDICAP (harness of 150 sovs.; 3.52 class. One mile and a half. Great Elect ... scr. Tui Bells 36 Rebecca scr. Miss Leda 36 Bon Tapui ... scr. Tamerlane ... 48 Trampcrisp ... scr. Brian Bingen 60 Nelson Wood 12 Greywoid 72 Miss Native .. 24 Harry Grattan 72 Louisiana .... 36 Black Palm —B4 SHARPE HANDICAP (saddle of 150 sovs.; 2.24 class. One mile. Ena Black scr. Our Patch 12 All Fours scr. Kohara 12 Azelzion scr. Dramic 24 Miss Dorothy scr Cora Tacks .... 24 Beatty scr. Native Queen .. 24 Amaris scr. -Whakuku 36 Kyana scr. Bingen Lad 48

fixtures. December 4—Methven R.C. necember 4— Taumarunui R.C. December 8. 11-W. llington Trotting Club December 8. 9—Woodville District J C December 10, 11—South Canterbury J.C. December 11— Waipa R.C. December 10. 18—Dargaville R.C. December 27-Walpukurau J C. December 27. 28—Westland R.C. December 27 28—Taranaki J.C. December 27. 28—Du din J C. December 27. 28. 30— Manawatu R C. December 27. 29. January 1. i- Auckland December 31. January 4—Greymoutb JO. „ 1927. January l-Waikouaiti RO. January I Wyndham It.O. January I. 3. Hawke's Bay J.C. January I. e- Stratford R.O. January I. A Marton J.C. January 1. 5 Wairarapa R.O. January 3. 4—Southland R.O. January 7. 8 Reefton J.C January 8 or 15-Wai papa kaari E-. 0. January 8. 10 Vincent JOJanuarv 15 Wamo J O January t 8 20 Wairoa R.O. January 20 -22 24 Wellington R.O. January 2t 22 Foxjon R.C January 26 27 Pabtatua R.O. January 29 31 Takapuna R.C. January 22 Bay of Islands R.C.

NOTES. The acceptances received for the first day's events at the Wellington Trotting Club's summer meeting, to be held at the Hutt Park, Petone, on Wednesday and Saturday of next week, are, with the exception of the Speedaway Handicap, well above tlie average. A field of eleven will contest the New Zealand Trotting Gold Cup, and, although Tom Thumb may be the early favourite there will be plenty of support for the locally-owned Holly Boy among the front markers, while Peter Bingen has proved himself such an improved horse of late that Kennerley’s charge may carry the public confidence on the day. Billy Sea has been behaving better of late, and when he settles down it takes a good one to beat him. The speed of Taurekareka and Brentloc, and the staying powers of Countryman, will assist to provide a'sterling contest. Onlv one, Money Spider, has dropped out of the Higl class Trotters’ Handicap, leaving a field of eleven. Local trotting enthusiasts will remember the great run made by Bonny Spec at the last Wellington meeting, when she defeated Bettv Moko by a head. It is difficult to understand why so few owners have neglected the good stake attached to the Speedaway Handicap. The class, 2.51 for a mile and a ouarter, is a very reasonable one, and the handicap was most carefully and evenly compiled by Mr. Brinkman. The mile saddle event, the Sharpe Handicap (limit 2.24), has proved one of the most popular races on the programme, and the field set down to compete in this will be one of the largest of the day. The Novice Handicap has drawn seventeen acceptors, of which eight hail from Canterbury stables. All but three have accepted in the Nai Nai Handicap, an event for straight-out trotters that can go 3.52 or better for a mile and a half. Louisiana, in L. Birkett’s stable, made hack# of a field at Nelson a week ago, while the appearance of the American importation, Trampcrisp, will create added interest. The latter has been accorded nomination for much better classes at the Auckland summer meeting. The response of owners in both the square-eaited events is one of the most pleasing features of tlie acceptance list. In the Electric Handicap, Pnnce Pointer, Onvx, Waifaki Girl, Logan Chief, and others will measure, strides over a mile and a ouarter. This event should be worth going a long way to see.

TRIAL PLATE, of 100 sovs. Six furlongs. Tan Colarina Kalos Truney Comedic Aston Kindle Lady Cynthia Desert King Doe Waramau Vexatious Taranto Unreasonable ■ MANGA ; ATUA HURDLES, ot t3ii sovs. One mile and a half. Revel 10 9 Gurnicn 9 0 Peneus 10 6 Boy ,9 0 Santonio 9 11 Nicullus 9 0 Gold Peak ... 9 10 Risk 9 0 Axle 9 3 Rapiti — 9 0 Good Mark ... 9 3 WOODVILLE HANDICAP, of 300 sovs. One mile an< a quarter. Star Stranger 10 4 Novar 7 9 Tanadees 9 1 Opa ■ 7 8 Merry '»ay .. 8 11 Perle (Ip Leon 7 5 Nukumai 7 13 Little River 7 3 Kilfaire 7 13 Misgover n ... 7 0 FLYING HACK HANDICAP, of 125 sovs Six furlongs. Magna Charts Lin Arlington 8 0 Mene .. — 7 5 8 6 Addlepate ... 7 5 Pop Off Kilmezzo 8 6 8 5 Hypnotic ... 7 5 Lady (deal ... 7 4 Wilderness ... 7 9 Hymestrason . 7 2 Polonaise 7 9 Roval Time . 7 1 Gar lant 7 8 Bent 7 0 Riverna 7 8 Call ana 7 0 Bank Draft 7 5 Hymill 7 0 OETE HANDICAP of 200 sovs Six furlongs. Cla'lu la 8 9 Startle 7 5 Royal Damon 8 3 Lady Fingers 7 5 Epist'e 7 7 Boni ieer ..7 4 Gold Box ...... 7 7 Willow Wai. 7 0 Penman 7 7 Plain Bailing 7 0 NURSERY HANDICAP, of 130 ovs Five furlongs. Chelone 8 3 Expense 7 7 Wreath of Insulation -.7 7 Myrtle 7 9 Mandy 7 7 Golden Shadow 7 9 Silver Grev _ 7 7 Absurd—HineAuratum .... 7 7 pango f. ... 7 7 Grey Mist .... 7 7 BOROUGH HANDICAP, of 150 sova Seven furlongs. Tiega —....... 9 8 Wristlet 7 12 Killocra 9 3 Newbury King 7 11 Royal Damon 9 2 Tongatotoa .... 7 11 Vertigern ... 7 11 Deoov Bird 9 ’2 Polar - — 8 '8 Stream —... 7 11 Morose 8 1 Aeriform .... 7 11 Blondo .« 7 13 Aston 7 11 Birkie ......... 7 13 WHARITI HACK, of '25 sovs. One mile an a distance. ArdBnnan 8 10 Volhynia ..... 7 13 Asleep 8 9 ArronghoU ... 7 11 No Favours 8 8 Inoe 7 U Sir Moment 8 4 Mountain Star 7 11 Panart — 8 4 Ladykiller ... 7 11 General Wai 8 3 Gordon Swift 7 11 Polyastra 7 13 Mint Julep ... 711

NEW ZEALAND GOLD OUP HANDICAP (harness), of 600 sova.; 4.35 class. Two miles. Tom Thumb . ... ecr. Bine Boy Brentloc —. ... 12 Taurekareka - 43 Holly Boy .... Young Blake .. 12 . 12 Billy Sea W Peter Bingen • 72 Menember ... 36 Sea Pearl 73 Countryman ... -73 MIDDLE CLASS HANDICAP (harness), of 175 bovs.; 4.50 class. Two miles. Jingal .. ecr. Meb High Sea .... ... scr. Master Cute .. Jo Jolly Roger . ... scr. Van Rich 48 Lady uallin ... ecr Zoloch Palm ... 48 d'Artagnan . ... scr Black Cloud ... 48 Lady Cio ... ecr. Peter Swift — Abundance ... 24 ELECTRIC HANDICAP (harness of 2» . suvs.; 2.46 class. One mile and a quarter. Black Admiral scr. Waitaki Girl . 48 Willie Logan .. 24 Logan Chief . 49 Onyx .... 48 Prince Pointer 60 HIGH-CLASS TBOTTEES’ HANDICAP (harness), of 350. sovs.; 4.40 class. Two miles. Bundaberg ... scr. Bonny Spec — 24 Charles Pixie . scr. Bed Oak — 56 Peter Swift ... ecr. Young B'ake . 48 Pete Peter ... ... ecr. W hispering Le Todd 12 Willie 60 Master Audo . 24 John Mauritius 60 SPEEDAWAY HANDICAP (harness), of 2M sovs.; 2.51 class. One mile and a quarter. Logan Holm ... ecr. Bing Boy —... 43 Holly Boy .. ....■ 24