OFFERING REAL TEST

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 119, 22 May 1941, Page 13

OFFERING REAL TEST

AWAPUNI'S COUNTRY

RECRUITS TO JUMPING

Catering as it does for a strong array of 'chasers, the need for a permanent steeplechase course has long been felt at Awapuni., Recognising that need the stewards of the Manawatu Racing Club undertook a programme of cutting . back the trees along the eastern boundary of the course and of enlarging the track at the points deemed necessary, and. the new track has been completed. . - Club^s Honour. To the Wanganui Jockey Club, which -will conduct its winter gathering _at Awapuni on Saturday week, will fall the honour of presenting the initial contest over the new testing ground. The widening of the track at certain , points, the increases ranging from 30 feet to 66 feet, now gives a circuit pf nine furlongs with eight obstacles to be encountered on the round. Stiff Obstacles. Two particularly formidable ob-j stacles are the post-and-rails and the sod-wall, which are positioned in the I region of the seven- and six-furlong ■posts on the course proper. The former is constructed of heavy solid j logs, bolted into position, and standing 3ft sin high with a big log on. the ground in front. The sod-wall is 3ft sin high with a base measuring 3ft 6in and fronted with a ditch. Further along are two brushes, then a board fence 3ft 6in high by 2ft wide, and a double brush fronting the stand. On the final round the competitors will negotiate a.brush hurdle next to the rails at the top of the straight on the run home. Maximum Imposed. For its own Winter Meeting the Manawatu Racing Club has introduced a maximum- poundage of 12.7 for the main steeplechase, -which should enr courage many of the top-class 'chasers to compete prior to coming on to the Wellington Meeting a fortnight later, Standing Up. The news that Clarion Call was none the worse after a couple of rounds of the steeplechase country at Awapuni on Tuesday morning will be welcomed by all lovers of : a good horse. His soundness had been under suspicion. Recruits. Two recruits to the hurdling ranks, Gay Fox and Ruatiti, should quickly make their presence felt in the role. The latter, who is now in L. Knapp's charge, should become more solid with the experience. New Material. Mr. H. Glazebrook, of Hastings, has purchased from Mr. T. H. Lowry the rising ,two-year-old colt by Foxbridge from Flying Juliet. ...When offered at the Trentham .Sales . this youngster went to Mr. Lowry at 500 guineas. Doing* Well. - The former North Island jumper Jewish Lad is to make the trip to the Great Northern Meeting, and he is reported to be doing well in his schooling. . _ --.-■ .. Lacks Stamina. Although he has -always shown plenty of speed and jumping ability as a hurdler, Roseman appears to be somewhat lacking in stamina. However, he may do well in the shorter steeplechase events, the role he is now essaying.. Sheer Speed.: W: Grindlay. of Hawera, has taken up a yearling? colt who is bred on speedy lines, the newcomer being by Theio from the Tea Tray mare Tea Doll, dam of that speed merchant of a season or two back, Hunting Spy. Fitting Substitute. Twelve months ago Game Pit won. his first steeplechase event >at Otaki when ridden by S. A. Wright, son of the trainer, A. M. Wright, formerly of Foxton and Woodville-but now stationed at Awapuni. On the occasion of his repeat win last Monday the Cockpit gelding was piloted by M. Wright, the latter's elder brother being overseas with the N.Z.E.F. On Same Course.

At the Levin Meeting last November Kincora ran third in the Manakau Hurdles when favourite. He had every chance that day but indifferent fencing told against him. He has not raced since, but •it would not be surprising to find him a better horse this year.

I Back in Stable. I Wings' of Song is again a member of L. G. Morris's stable, having benefited by his spell. Provided he stand? fup he should make his presence felt in town-hall company a little later on. Doubtful. Survoy is threatened with unsound ness, and as a result the 1939 winner of the G.N. Steeples will be missing from this year's field. His presence, fit and well, would have made things interesting. Restricted. The active career of the Paper Money mare Guilder has been very restricted, but based on her two efforts at Washdyke she has only to be kept going to win races. On Up Grade. In his recent efforts under silk Treasurer has registered sterling performances, and as he is likely to have been improved by his racing a winning turn should not be far off. Put Aside. Considered to be the best of the South Island two-year-olds of the current term, Palfrey has been put aside till the spring. This Man's Pal colt should go on to still greater heights. Doing Well.

The stablemates Royal Message and Golden Bonnet are reported to be doing everything required of them. Both these northerners are partial to soft going, so they should have opportunities to prove themselves.