RACING BITS AND TURF TATTLE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 29, 26 September 1931, Page 6

RACING BITS AND TURF TATTLE

the "Judge").

AVONDALE PROSPECTS TO-DAY

(Specially written for the "Post" by

This week the Avondale course was in very fine order, the traeks showing little indication of the very wet weather experienced in the north, and with a eontinuation of the good weather the going promises to be of the best. The fields are excellent all round, and there ought to be some wonderful racing on this fine roomy course. In a way it is a pity that the mile and five furlongs events have drawn I such big fields, for these barriers are : awkwardly situated, the longer jour- , ney being started in the middle of the j hend leading into the back, while the ! five furlongs has a straight run of little more than a quarter of a furlong to the top bend. The latter barrier is where the Avondale Stakes field will line up. Nine Races. There are nine races on Saturday, the Maiden Plate having to be divided, as usual, for there were 38 acceptors. Although these divided races are not appreciated by backers, it is better than seeing more than half the field shut off from any chance of winning right at the outset. In the opening event, the first division of the Maiden, there is a little form to go upon. For instance, Haulbowline finished well just behind the place-getters in a similar class at Wanganui, and Tarporley has been working very well indeed at Ellers- 1 lie. Whakapara is fast, if he can stay, and Lucidus' track work at Te Awamutu indicates that he is a possibility. Mareshal, Acaeon and Gra- i nado also have chances, but the three i best supported in the first division may be Haulbowline, Tarporley and I Marechal. Second Division. A good opinion is held of Hereniia, who looks like being dangerous in the second division. This one has been working with Bronze Eagle, and while naturally he has been getting beaten eonsistently, nevertheless his times have been good. Lady Musk showed a lot of pace over a mile at Ellerslie last month, and this event will suit her. Exaggeration and Arnber Link can both go fast, and others that will probably make it interesting are Desert St&r, Kingsway, United and Tourjours. Favourites may be Iferemia, Lady Musk and Exaggeration. Kingsland Hurdles. Scratchings may reduce the number engaged in the Kingsland Hurdles, for Simeon and Kouranui are both doubtful runners. Land Measure wron so well at the Pakuranga fixture that she is going tu take some heading off, always provided that these stiff hurdles do not bring about her downfall. Monetize and Patutahi head the list, the latter being preferred. St. Ames is a plodder, and Unoco has not so far filled early promise. Nassoclc will go well, and Neil

and Russet Moor are promising recruits. Whakama was leading in a similar event at Pukekohe last May when she fell, so that she has an outside chance here. Land ' Measure, Nassock and Whakama will be in the limelight. Champion Hack Plate. The field for the Champion Hack Plate has been reduced considerably, i but' it is quite large enough now. Catoma has improved in his sprinting ability, and for this reason is likely to be a nuisance. His reeent form has been good. Gay Lap has not been seen since the Great Northern meeting, when he was one of the best hacks seen out at Ellerslie. Karangapai is fast coming to hand, and he is working well at headquarters. Blddy's Boy has won two open sprints and been placed in others over the last six months, so that he is the logical favourite here. His easy win in the Pakuranga sprint indicates that the extra furlong may not come amiss to him. Full ' Measure, too, is coming to hand, but this class perhaps reads a bit too good for him, fast and all that he is. Bronze Tray, Beverage and Speedmint may find this class a bit beyond them. Jalldy Karo, too, has won in open eompany, and he may be a trouble to the favourites, Biddy's Boy and Catoma. Valueless has won his last three starts, but this event may find him out. Curie will go a good race probably, and Aspian, if he strilces a dry itrack, may be the surprise element. Gibraltar is just the type for this event. However, Catoma, Biddy's Boy and Jalldy Karo are the trio that will take heading off. Avondale Cup. There are seventeen in the Avondale Cup, headed by Historic, winner of this race two years ago. The big chestnut is very well just now, and the big track will suit him. Lady Pam will have to improve on Wanganui running to have a chance, hut this smart filly ought to he nearing her best after her recent outings. Taneriri will be the hope of Aucklanders, for he is thoroughly seasoned with winter racing. Valroe has been a bit sore lately, and a hard track will find him out, apart from this he would be a good outsider. Motere is a stayer only and is working nicely. True Blood and Maori Boy like the track heavy. With their light imposts Gay Cockade and Standfast should go a merry ten furlongs, especially the former. Te Hoia would have a chance if a strong boy was available at the weight, for he takes driving. Malabar has a much stronger field to meet than that he beat at Ellerslie last month, and now he has all the worst of the weights. Autumn Sun looks well, and Cessation was in rare form

at Wanganui. She may be the pick of those under eight stone. Little Doubt has a chance, and of the others Air Laddie is the pick. To sum the Cup up, Taneriri, Historic and Lady Pam will be looked to to fight out the issue. Avondale Stakes. A problem is presented in the Avondale Stakes, where condition, a small marble, and beginning ability, mean so much. On what has been seen of the youngsters to date, Sea Ruler, the Tea Trader-Lady Whirlwind bracket, Bell Topper, March Alone, the lVlusketoon-Lady Ridieule filly, the Glow Light-Merry Way bracket, the Rulanut-Posy bracket, Rippling Waters, Sastrugi and Te Waipu can be recommended. It is hard to sort out three from this bunch, but the Tea Trader-Jbady Whirlwind bracket, Bell Topper and Sastrugi should give their supporters a good run for their money. Flying Stakes. There is a galaxy of sprinting talent in the Flying Stakes, in which there are some notable three-year-olds to make it more interesting — and difficult. Of those near the top Supremacy and Orapai are preferred, and Silvermine should be handy, especially if he gets a soft track, for he loves the Avondale mud. High Comedy and Croupier promise to be the best of the three-year-olds, and Golden Wings will be in the picture if he has developed any since last term. Of the remainder, Manawhenua and Refresher are forward enough to run well. High Comedy, Croupier and Supremacy should get in the money. Swanson Handicap. Barrier positions will be closely scanned in the Swanson Handicap, and if favourably treated in this respect there will be big support for Ldrd Yal, Taurua, Wild Country, Landmark, Ganpat, Tambourine, Peter Jackson, Union, Gibraltar and Gay Court. The field is altogether too big, but the trio that are fancied comprise Wild Country, Taurua and Landmark. Henderson Handicap. Yet another large field will be seen in the concluding contest, the Henderson Handicap, and on his winter form Prince Yal rather stands out, and in addition he is not badly treated. Royal Artist went well to secure second money behind Biddy's Boy at Ellerslie last month, and Pewa was consistent at Wanganui. Of course, if Croupier starts here in preference to the sprint there would be no need to look farther for the potential winner. Royal Finance, Flying Prince, Chief Link, Puriri Park, and Clopton read best of those lower down. Totalisator fancies may be Prince Val, Royal Artist and Puriri Park.