CONFIDENCE LACKING

NZ Truth, Issue 1201, 6 December 1928, Page 11

CONFIDENCE LACKING

Reason For Poor Riding Seen At North Shore

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Representative.) It was once good policy for the punter brave enough to risk his coin at Takapuna to go for something drawn near the inner.

'THESE days, however; there appears 1 to be a change from the old order of things, if results during the Alison Cup meeting can be taken as a criterion. A review of the position over Friday and Saturday last shows that no fewer than eight of the sixteen winners were drawn out on double-figure alleys at the starting pegs— l 2, 11, 10, 11, 14, 14. 10, and 13. Only two from No. 1 and two from No. 3 were successful, the others being drawn 9, 8, 8 and 5. The whole theory that -it pays to lean' towards horses drawing the inner at Takapuna — except m the case of a speedy beginner m a short distance event — needs revision. The reason is not hard to find. The fact is, the jockeys themselves have no complete confidence on the semi- saucer track, and they will hail the day when Takapuna is made to race on a more roomy track. The fear of trouble In packed fields, round the edging track, has created a

tendency with most horsemen to rush for clear ground as soon as possible if they have not already drawn somewhere on the outer. This is the season why more bad riding is witnessed at Takapuna than on any track m the Dominion. It is also the reason why previous form is repeatedly completely upset; why owners fail to get a fair run for their money;' why the punting public of Auckland province have no real confidence m their doings across the harbor, and why bo many favorites failed to enter into the picture at the right end of contests last week-end. Some horses were shockingly handled at last week's gathering, but there is really some excuse for the boys. Takapuna can hardly go ahead until those m chavga realize that they must go elsewhere to race. There is no justification for expending the proposed vast amount' of money on the present site. It would be a better plan to race at either Avondale or Takanini.