MUNICIPAL STAKES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2571, 24 April 1923, Page 2

MUNICIPAL STAKES.

[By Early Bird.]

The two events to be run on Thursday are creating both interest and speculation and there will be close finishes in each. It is six years since the Mayoral Flutter called for a contest, when Honest John (Spendthrift—Butter Fat) chased Admiral Togo to victory. Since then Honest John has been browsing in the* verdant fields of Moutoa as his three previous “walk overs” needed no active training. This year, however, he is to meet a galloper in Legality (Vision — Progress) and his trainers had to try him out with n petition powder before putting him on active work. He has the advantage of a knowledge of the local track, which is a bit tricky to a stranger. His trainer.- reckon if lie can be made to gallop with his head upward and forward instead of down, he may stall off defeat.

His opponent, Legality (Vision —- Progress) has won classical events and is a galloper, but his pace may not -nil tin* twists, turns and portions of unformed track, which he has to negotiate. Still he is game and possesses a big heart. The betting is even. MUNICIPAL STAKES.

This event has brought out sixteen starters —a record —and it would require a steel beak to pick tlm nine winners. Here are the competitors in their alphabetical order: Old Bill (Waterloo —Liberal), a line, upstanding, aged animal of good bone and sinew, great lung capacity, possesses tenacity of purpose and will gallop over or through all obstacles to victory. This i- his first appearance in a race of (his nature, although he has successfully paced competitors in similar events.

Addition (Slap-Dab—Oil and Varnish) a tractable and somewhat retiring animal, and excellent team worker. Somewhat lacking in initiative, but progressive. Has done useful work in Chamber of Commerce and Beautifying events. Should be well up.

Knight of the (leaver (Caution — Economy), a good alround, though somewhat conservative animal, with a steadying effect on rashness. A previous winner and should catch the judge’s eye. George the Growler (Old Identity --Grafter), is still as active in these events as he was twenty odd years ago. He has never failed to catch the judge’s eye. He keeps the team moving and periodically lashes out, but sees things through with a thoroughness that commands support. Tie should be among the three leaders at the finish.

The Juvenile (Moving PictureNative Born). The juvenile of the team, possesses initiative and common sense. Unsuccessfully traversed the track once previously and would make a useful team worker. Put up a fine record in war service and Fire Brigade (“vents.

Glory Hole (Sir Roger —Independent). This candidate is a dark horse atul a maiden starter. Tn ap-pen-ranee an«l temperament he is a likolv looking animal and should lie useful in team work.

Some Red (Unionist —Free Labour). Somewhat fractions at times and is liable to lash out on the slightest provocation. Watches out for crooked furrows and is not particular where he hoofs the spoil. Prefers an irritant to a sedative powder. On the whole he serves a useful purpose in keeping things moving. The Colonel (Whakapni —Optimist). A useful and good tempered animal with a clear vision of the obstacles which bar the way to the straight of prosperity and a willingness to overcome them. A previous winner and should run well up at Ibe finish. Suet (Docility—The Smiler), lias had previous experience oil the (rack and is very docile. Will always follow a good lead. Cave (Sane Labour —Toiler) is a u-ci'n! and progressive member of the present team. Can lie relied up,,n to conscientiously discharge his du! ies.

Samlv ( Phormium Tenax —Progress), one of the host and could have galloped in for the Mayoral Stakes had he been entered. Will be an easy winner in the Municipal Slakes.

Byko (The Bachelor —Fiddler), of somewhat nervous temperament, alert mentally, with high ideas and progressive. Has been over the course previously and put in useful work.

I,’ags (Enterprise —Sport), will one day win the Mayoral Stakes. He is the type of young blood which cannot he kept in the background. Possesses initiative, common sense and courage and should easily account for the distance on past performances.

Codlin Moth (Somnambulist —Lollv Pop), aged, slow hut sure, and is being paced by a galloping bedstead along the Avenue and is now well up to time. An nnobstrusive team worker and should keep with the ruck. The Grocer (Tasmania —Progress) a likely-looking colt, who with a little encouragement should make a lifting member of the team. Little Mat (Ardwick —White Leghorn), is an absolutely straight-go-er and a favourite with the team and public. Like his stable mates, George the Growler and Sandy, lie is fit at any time for the Mayoral Stakes, but prefers to work quietly. Your scribe picks him to be an easy winner.