RACING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 24, 20 April 1927, Page 6

RACING

(By “EARLY BIRD”) On the Job The day after the declaration of the ■weights for the Auckiand Easter Handicap THE SUN in its review of the race had the following: Tt is quite possible that this valuable race will be once again won by a visiting horse from the Southern centres; it is now eight years since Uncle Ned last captured the honour for Auckland. A quartette that stands out in the opinion of the writer are Reremoana, Joy King, Civility and Hipo. This was an excellent lead for Auckland sportsmen. Hipo did not run, but Civility was first, Joy King second and Reremoana fourth. Surely one cannot be expected to do better than that! More Racing at Ellerslie There will be racing at Ellerslie again on Saturday and Tuesday next, the Avondale Club having been granted permission to conduct its autumn meeting there in view of the fact that their own course is not yet ready for racing. The acceptances, which close at 5 o’clock this afternoon, seem certain to be very good, and with quality find quantity both represented a very successful fixture is assured. Perhaps the most interesting contest on the first day, next Saturday, will be the All Aged Stakes, in which the best sprinters in the country are engaged, so that a stirring struggle over six furlongs at weight-for-age can be anticipated. Gone Home The Easter and Huia Handicaps vinner, Civility, was taken back to Wanganui last night. Her next appearance may be at the Manawatu fixture next week, tho handicaps being the determining factor. In the open handicap, nine furlongs, Mr. Henrys has awarded her 9.5, four pounds below Piuthair, and in the six furlongs Civility is top of the list with 9.13, being asked to concede a couple of pounds to Shirley. It is quite possible that Civility will miss the Manawatu meeting. For Manawatu On Monday nlglit Walter Rayner returned to Wanganui with Damaris and Thaw, and next week he will go

on to Awapuni with this pair. The former is engaged in the Sires Produce Stakes, seven furlongs, and she will meet Gasony again. Thaw will run in the two-year-old handicap the second day. The Thorn and Covent Garden are remaining in Auckland to fulfil their engagements at the Avondale meeting. The Great Northerns The approach of the winter racing season is once again brought to notice by the fact that entries for the Auckland winter meeting on June 3, 4 and 8 close on Friday next at 5 o’clock. This is one of the most popular jumping meetings in the country. The three principal events are the Great Northern Hurdles, of 2000 sovs., miles, and Cornwall Handicap, of 1,000 sovs., 2 i miles, both run on the opening day; the Great Northern Steeplechase, of 2,2F>0 sovs., 32 miles, on the second day: and the Winter Steeplechase, of 1,500 sovs., run on the concluding day. Such a hill should draw a record list of nominations. Waikato Meeting The weights for the first day’s events at Te Rapa (Saturday week, April 30) are due on Monday next, but as this is Anzac Day they may not be available until the following day. Left to this date the club might just as well wait until after that day’s racing at Ellerslie, and thus give the handicapper the opportunity of declaring his adjustments with all the form before him. The Waikato Club promises to have its usual successful gathering. and this enterprising body fully deserves it. The meeting is to be held on April 30 and May 4. R.andwick Postponements Owing to continued stormy weather, heavy rain and sodden tracks, a further change has been made in the Randwick racing fixtures. Sydney Cup day has again been postponed until Thursday, and the third day until Saturday. The date of the final day’s racing has not yet been decided. The soft tracks have enhanced the prospect of Windbag starting during the A.J.C. meeting. His trainer, G. Price, states that the soft ground has helped him considerably, and it requires only to sprint the horse a couple of furlongs to put him in the best of trim. Quaker Oats Sold Quaker Oats, a three-year-old by Poitrel, from The Quaker Girl, has been sold privately in Sydney. Purchased as a yearling for 120 guineas, Quaker Oats failed as a two-year-old in New Zealand, but when Mr. E. W. Alison, junr., sent him to Sydney to be trained by R. D. O’Donnell he galloped well enough to suggest that he would pay his way in weak company. Up to the present, however, he has not reproduced his private form in public, and is still a maiden. When Amounis Won Great interest centred in the meeting of the weight-for-age champions in the Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm last Saturday week, and as a result the attendance was very large. The weather was glorious. When Amounis, winner of the weight-for-age race, the Chipping Norton Stakes, returned to scale, there was a lot of hooting, and also counterapplause. In running the distance in 2min. s£sec., Amounis broke the course record for a mile and a-quarter by a second and a-half. The favourite, Limerick, bad every chance. He drew No. 1 at the post and that fact caused him to take charge early and compelled him to hold the position until five furlongs from home, when McCarten was able to pull him in behind Pantheon. When they were well into the straight Limerick looked like a winner, but the run by Amounis almost smothered Limerick, who was well beaten at the finish.

A CHAMPION

G.N. ST. LEGER WINNER COMMENDATION BETTER THAN LIMERICK? Perhaps the best performance to the credit of Commendation to date was his success in the Great Northern St. Leger on Monday. Of course, everybody seemed to know that the gelding would win easily, but when it comes to an analysis of the race only then does the greatness of his feat become apparent. The presence of Magna Charta in the 2*ace assured a warm pace, and the King John colt kept them moving along, Chamour and War Officer being almost at top for the first nine furlongs, with Commendation only jogging along. The first five furlongs were cut out in the slick time of 1.1 2-5, and the seven in 1.29, so that Mr. Lowry’s horse was doing his bit. The mile took 1.41 3-5 and the nine furlongs 1.55, and it was right here that the favourite went to. the front, so that he came over the last five furlongs in 1.5 3-5, making 3.0 3-5 for the 14 furlongs. A SPEED MERCHANT In this fashion was the record pushed overboard, for Commendation clipped 1 2-5 seconds off the previous best time registered in the event, which was to the credit of The Toff ten years ago, while Count Cavour a couple of years ago was only a tick outside that. It was when Commendation strode past Magna Charta that he really began to show his worth, for although the leader was still going strongly the favourite made him appear to be going at a good half-pace only. The crowd was amused at the ease with which the big horse took the lead, but there was no la.ck of applause when the winner returned to the birdcage. Although Commendation carved out the mile and three-quarters in 3.0 3-5, private watches made the second horse two seconds slower, which conveys an idea of the: winning margin. LIMERICK’S CHANCES It is doubtful .whether Limerick would have been able to account for Commendation had he, too, been at Ellerslie on Monday, for the latter was in such rare fettle that he looked unbeatable on the day. Limerick may meet Commendation before the season closes, but it will not be over a distance. It is extremely unlikely that Limerick will be at Awapuni next week, although present intentions are that Commendation is to contest the Gold Cup at Awapuni next week. The Ormond Memorial Cup, one mile, at Hastings early next month, is practically the only remaining event at weight-for-age that Limerick and Commendation can contest, and although the latter may be regarded as a sure runner it is problematical whether the soLitherner will be there. More likelj- it is that he will be put aside until next season after his strenuous efforts on the other side this week. Limerick and Commendation have met as two-year-olds, but not as three-. year-olds.

HOW MANY KNEW?

WHY THE THORN WON OPPORTUNITY FOR BIG BETTORS In the decision of the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie on Saturday, the first eight horses past the post were Civility, Joy Kiing, Day Guard, Reremoana, King Merv, Merry Jest, Rapine, and The Thorn. In the Islington Handicap the only horse out of this octette to be included in the field was The Thorn, and yet how many sportsmen knew that? It was just that little thing that counted in looking for the winner of the Islington Handicap, and it was more through the fact that the Wanganui horse had run conspicuously than the reason given above that he was sent out a firm first fancy. Of course The Thorn won, although equally of course racing does not always work out this way. BOWLING ALONG On Saturday, The Thorn was always in the fighting line in the Easter Handicap afizair, and it was obvious that his turn was not far off. On Monday he jumped away well at the rise of the tapes and was soon in the van, setting a merry pace for the opposition. Bowling along ea.sily in front, the Absurd — Rose Queen gelding turned for home with a distinct advantage, and he was still further away at the one furlong when his rider began to ease him. It was l€;ft to the outsider, New Moon, to push The Thorn, although “push” is not really the word, for the former got to within a length of the winner on sufferance only. Indeed, The Thorn’s win on Monday was the easiest achieved during the day outside of Commendation’s great performance. There is no doubt that The Thorn likes Ellerslie, for he has done well on the: Auckland headquarters course. Sixteen months ago he sprang a surprise by winning the Summer Cup, and later in the season the Islington Handicap, and it was in this race on Monday that he won so well. The Thorn is to remain in Auckland for the purpose of competing at the Avondale meeting on Saturday and Tuesday.

TRANSFORMER’S WIN

NOT UNEXPECTED EASTER HANDICAP FORM POINTED TO IT Transformer does not win out of his turn, therefore his success in the Autumn Handicap at Ellerslie on Saturday was a. popular one. But would the Pukekohe gelding have won had Rapine been in the field? The Martian gelding was weighted at 10.5 for this event and was not accepted for. In the Easter Handicap Rapine finished over everything in the straight, and many were waiting for him on Monday. It was not to be, however, for trainer Jefferd took his team back home on Sunday night. Quite apart from this, Transformer won in such handsome fashion that Rapine would need to have been at his very best to beat him. PUNTERS ON THE JOB Transformer made a fine showing in the big mile event on the opening day, and it was this that caused him to be sent out a good second favourite on Monday. Keesing rode the Tliurnham gelding in a. most judicious fashion, keeping him just behind the leader until three furlongs from home, when he gave him his head. That was the end of it. for the orange jacket was borne past the judge in handsome fashion. The winner is numbered among the aged division, but it seems that his racing career is by rto means nearing a close. Indeed, Transformer looks like one that is good for a great deal more racing, and where the company is not too strong he will be found doing well. The field he headed on Monday was of quite good class, and as he was giving away weight to all but the quartette above him his performance was very creditable. It is expected that Transformer will next appear In public at the Avondale meeting at Ellerslie on Saturday and Tuesday next.

PIUTHAIR AGAIN

GREAT AUTUMN BATTLE A STIRRING FINISH CENTREPIECE WINS CONCLUDING EVENT (Special to THE SUN.') CHRISTCHURCH, To-day. The Autumn Meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club was concluded in fine weather, with a cold easterly breeze prevailing all the afternoon. The attendance was good and the course in splendid order. HOT ONE DOWNED Sayonora was sent out a short-priced favourite for the Peerswick Handicap. He promised well a furlong from home, but nearing the finish Kaikahu went away from him. En Route was ridden a waiting race till within a furlong of home, where he failed to respond sufficiently well to pay a dividend, finishing third. THE FAVOURITE LEFT Shalimar got left at the start of the Autumn Nursery Handicap, but her stable-mate Phillipic was always near the front. A furlong from home she drew out from the bunch, but when regarded as a winner Satrap came with a wet sail from the ruck and beat him by a length. Tripaway and Solgele were always among the leading division. On entering the course proper Solgele and Tripaway were in the lead. Solgele was first to give way, but Tripaway battled on gamely to secure third money. Reckless, Money Peer, Despot and Court Jester went well. Scoff was just behind the leaders at the end of five furlongs, but he could not come on. Bolero was with the leader at the false rail, and then soon faded out. FOUR IN A LINE The Yaldhurst Handicap provided a three-ply smashing finish among Sir Roy, Assurance, Thorndale and Ophir, the four horses being in line when the judge was reached. None but the judge knew which had won, and when the numbers went up Sir Roy was first, Assurance second and Thorndale third. Rascal was favourite. He was one of the leaders for the first seven furlongs, where he was beaten. The Harp and Gamecock were with him to the turn for home, and then soon fell back in the ruck. Thorndale and Assurance, who had followed the leaders closely, forged to the front, and then Sir Roy and Ophir came through to make a real battle of it right to the judge. A TIGHT FINISH Of the two that flashed past the post in a tight finish for the Addington Handicap Waterlow was going the best. The favourite, Lucy Locket, made the pace for the first three furlongs, where Jarretiere elected to make the running. This suited Lucy Locket till the distance post was reached, where she again took charge. At this stage Peho and Waterlow, who had been ridden patient races, made a move. Lucy Locket succeeded in keeping Peho in hand, but Waterlow's desperate effort was a big test for the favourite who, responding gamely, won by a head. Green Cloth was forced to cover a lot of extra ground at the home bend, with the result that she faded badly in the straight. PIUTHAIR GAME The Great Autumn Handicap will long be remembered by those who were privileged to see the great contest. It provided the nerve tingle of the fixture. When the last furlong was entered upon Piuthair was in front, then Footfall challenged, and at different periods of the battle first Piuthair was in front and then Footfall got his head in front, but after a gruelling fight Piuthair succeeded in getting her head in front of Footfall as the line was crossed. While the two top weights were heavily engaged, the Southlander, Set Sail, was knocking at the door, being only a neck behind Footfall. From a perfect start Set Sail shot to the front, closely followed by Clarinda, Haze, Rapier and Footfall. Going past Cutts Vaward washed up on the outside to be in the lead at the mile post, at which stage Piuthair was last. There was no change till nearly three furlongs from home, where she ran through to fourth place. Continuing her ruin she dropped in behind Vaward and Set Sail at the bend for home. There Set Sail took charge from Piuthair, with Footfall, Rapier and Front Rank after her. At the distance Piuthair went to the front, and then Footfall put in his claim, with Set Sail still in the thick of the fight. A great battle among 1 these three good horses furnished an inspiring conclusion to an historic event. Piuthair is endowed with extraordinary gameness, and seems as if she will not be denied. Her victory was very popular. Footfall’s was a great effort, and he lost none of his admirers by the defeat. AGRION EASILY The Thirty-fifth Challenge Stakes proved a soft victory for Agrion who, after trailing his opponents to the false rail, went to the front and stayed there to win easily by four lengths from the two-year-old Martarma, who finished gamely to beat Nincompoop by a neck for second money. Autobiography gave a lot of trouble at the start and was two lengths to the bad when the tapes were released. He got to the front before a furlong was negotiated and bowled along till within a furlong of home, where he compounded. FAVOURITE WINS WELL Sagittarius was sent out favourite for the Papanui Handicap, and though he won only by a head he had. a good deal in hand. Sagittarius took charge at the end of a furlong, and though challenged in the straight by Moratorium and Brightling he won without being knocked about. Moratorium finished better than Brightling to annex second money. Hoylake is improving with racing. Sagittarius is a pretty useful gelding, who will pick up more races this season. CENTREPIECE IMPROVED Young Locliinvar and Receipt were left at the start for the Templeton Handicap, for which Shirley was a warm favourite. After waiting on the leaders, Lava and Finora, for six furlongs. Shirley, Centrepiece and Booster settled down to a ding-dong hglit for the money. Half a furlong from home Centrepiece had Shirley’s and Booster’s measure, and won by three-quart-ers of a length from Shirley, who beat Booster by a neck. Overhaul was the next to finish, with the others well beaten. THE TOTALISATOR The totalisator investments amounted to £26,861, as against £32,577 on the corresponding day last year. The total

for the meeting was £70,317 10s, against £82,710 10s last year. Additional results:— GREAT AUTUMN HANDICAP Of l,2oosovs; 1J miles. 1— PIUTHAIR (R. A. McKenzie), br m, 4yrs, by Kilbroney—Black Ada, 8.13, R. E. Manson 1 2 FOOTFALL (C. G. Dalgety), b g, syrs, 9.5, F. Voight 2 3 SET SAIL (Dr. J. E. Roger), b m, syrs, 7.9, C. Emerson 3 Also: 4 Rapier, 8.9; 1 Clarinda, 7.13; 5 Haze, 7.6; 7 Front Rank, 7.0; 8 Fresco, 7.0; 6 Vaward, 7.0. Head; short neck; Rapier was three lengths away fourth. Time, 2.33. CHALLENGE STAKES Of SOOsovs; for two-year-olds and upwards; weight for age, with penalties and allowances; 7 furlongs. 1— AGRION (G. D. Greenwood), b c, 2yrs, by Lirnond—Waterwings, 7.11, C. Emerson 1 3 MARTARMA (J. Porter), bc, 2yrs, 6.10, A. Eastwood 2 2 NINCOMPOOP (J. McCormick), b g, 4yrs, 9.5, F. Voight 3 Also: 1 Autobiography, 8.8. Four lengths; neck. Time, 1.27. PAPANUI HANDICAP Of 300sovs; 7 furlongs. I—SAGITTARIUS, 9.0, F. E. Jones .. 1 4 MORATORIUM, 7.12, F. Voight .. 2 5 BRIGHTLING, 8.2, F. Waddell . . 3 Also: 3 Paper Boy, 8.1; 2 Wild Work, 7.12, and Card Trick, 7.1 (bracketed): 5 Spode, 7.9; 7 Flaming Ray, 7.9; 8 Hoylake, 7.4. Head; length. Time, 1.26 2-5. TEMPLETON HANDICAP Of 500sovs; 7 furlongs. 3 CENTREPIECE, 9.1, F. E. Jones .. 1 I—SHIRLEY, 9.8. F. Waddell 2 4 BOOSTER, 8.10, J. W. Jennings .. 3 Also: 2 Overhaul, 8.5; 6 Yoting Lochinvar, 7.13: 5 Receipt, 7.6; 9 Lava, 7.1; S Nine of Spades, 7.0; 7 Finora, 7.0. Length; neck. Time, 1.25 4-5.

MANAWATU MEETING

WEIGHTS DECLARED Press Association WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The following weights have been declared by Mr. J. E. Henrys for events to be run on the first day of the Manawatu Racing Club’s autumn meeting, which opens at Awapuni on April 28:— WOODLEV HANDICAP 6 furlongs.

COMING EVENTS FIXTURES FOR THE SEASON April 20—Westland R.C. April 23, 27—Avondale J.C. April 23—Greymouth J.C. April 27—Reef ton J.C. April 28 and 30— Manawatu R.C. April 29, 30—South Canterbury J.C. April 30, May 4—Waikato R.C. May 6, 7.—Hawke's Bay J.C. May 6, 7—Marlborough R.C. May 7.—Amberley R.C. May 12, 14—Egmont R.C. May 19. 21—Wanganui J.C. June 1,3, 4—Dunedin J.C. June 3, 4—Otaki-Maori R.C. June 3,4, B—Auckland R.C. June IS—Napier Park R.C.

St lb. st. lb. Orazone . . i 0 The ImmiHelen . . . . S 10 grant .. .. Vast Acre . .8 10 Royal Flight 7 3 Waicullus . 9 Sandburr 7 3 Partaga s Mon Mint . . Acred .. . . Major Abbey 7 Horomea 8 Hymgreat .. 7 Pop Off Arrow Boy. . 7 1 Hathor . . . . S 5 Abbey Queen 1 Berinthia Royal Time 0 Arch Arrow 4 Ruby Red .. 0 Great Bay .. S 8 Teremoana . 0 Eka 8 1 Millie Abbey 0 Kilmoyler . 8 1 Tangerin . . 0 Ohui . . != 0 Oratrix 7 0 Town Bird . . 12 Tanagra 0 Bon Marche Shining Star 0 Barryander 7 Takini .. . . 0 Manly . . . . 7 8 Wilfred . . . . 0 Thomond 7 fi Blue Mint .. 0 Mol to .. .. 7 6 Tameterangi 7 0 KARERE HURDLES U n dies. St. lb. st. b. Euchre .. .. 11 8 Comedy Prince 9 12 Ardatli . . . . 11 0 Vexatious 9 12 Kalakaua 10 13 Killocra 9 11 Brigadier Mount Marta 9 10 Bill . . . . 10 12 Blood Red .. 9 9 Sottano . . . . 10 11 Rehutai . . . . 9 9 Elvaette 10 10 Rangi Sarto 9 5 Puwhero 10 9 Bonny Rill . . 9 3 Star Shell . . 10 9 Santonia 9 3 Omaha .. . . 10 4 Hallowmorn 9 1 Matu . . . . 10 4 Plangawera . 9 1 Gauntlet .. 10 Cheer Up.. 9 0 Anchor .. .. 10 San Pedro . 9 0 Eon mark 10 Rakaupongo . 9 0 Polyphemus 10 1 PRINCE OF WALES HANDICAP 1 mile 1 furlong. lb. st lb. Piuthair Poneus .. . . 4 Civility 0 5 True Blood Eden Hall . 8 10 Vertigern .. 7 8 9 Queen’s Rapier . . . . S 7 Choice 7 0 Merry Damon 8 6 Rouex . . .. Mandane 8 5 Vivo .. .. 7 0 Magna Charta S 4 Bonhomme . 7 0 Ruapapa S 2 Buoyant 7 0 8 2 Vesperus 7 8 Royal Diadem 7 0 Lady Danae .. 7 0 Desmond . S 0 Good Sport.. 7 0 Siaosi . . . . 8 0 Kilperon 7 0 Yoma .. . . 13 Pita 7 0 Clarinda 7 12 Diamond Ring 7 0 Novar . . . . 7 10 Captain Deluge . . . . 7 10 Gazeley . . 7 0 Beaumont . . 7 9 Blue Peter . 7 0 The Lamb . 7 Phantasy 7 0 Black Mint.. 7 6 Road Hog . . 7 0 Scotch Serenade 0 Mixture . . 7 6 Superb King 7 0 Merry Day 7 5 Mandarine . 7 0 Kilceit . . .. 7 4 Break o’ Day 7 0 TE MAT A 1 HANDICAP 1 mil e and a distance. St. lb. st. lb. Capitulation 9 0 Manly .. .. 7 6 Kilmiss . . . . 8 11 Addlepate . . 7 6 Cohesion 8 6 P'iery Comet 7 5 8 4 Manderine . 7 Lieutenant Kilburn 7 4 Bill .. .. S 4 Loveband .. 7 4 Koauau . . .. 8 2 Inoe Faitoru .... 8 2 Toapaiti 7 3 8 1 General Wai 7 2 Bent 7 12 Closefire 7 2 Gardant .. . 7 12 Radiate 7 1 No Favours 7 10 Mister Gamp 7 1 Lin Arlington 7 8 Hvmestrason 0 Barryander . 7 6 Colarina 7 0 Gordon Swift 7 6 San Pedro . . 7 0 TELEGRAPH H AN DICAP 6 furlongs. St. lb. st. lb. Civility 9 13 Le Choucas 7 a Shirley 9 11 Standard 7 5 Tukia .. . . 9 Plain Lady Sailing 7 4 Cavendish 8 10 Miss Hupana 7 3 Royal Damon 8 9 Ngawaiti 7 3 Benzora 8 7 Bevis 7 1 First Acre . 8 Good Sport 7 1 Roval Blood 8 4 Gleninnis 7 1 Orchid S 3 Papaponga . . 7 0 Deluge 8 0 Crown Area. 7 0 Gaillard 7 13 Kilperon 7 0 Mireusonta . 7 13 All Marimba 7 0 Lady Royal Game 7 0 Bentinck . . 7 13 Grand Archeen .7 11 National . . 7 0 Licinius 7 10 Serenade 7 0 Decoy Bird 7 10 Carniola 7 0 King’s Folly 7 9 LINTON HANDICAP 7 furlongs. St. lb. st. lb. Valkon .. .. 10 7 Manly .. .. 8 4 Capitulation. 9 11 Moepai 8 3 Bennanee .. 9 8 The Swell .. 8 3 Rising Star 9 7 Mon Mint .. 8 1 Superb King 9 6 Rawhero 8 0 Twink .. 9 6 General Wai 8 0 Partaga .. .. 9 5 Sandburr 8 0 Horomea 9 4 Mountain 9 4 Jean .. .. 7 13 Cohesion 9 3 Mister Gamp 7 11 Pop Off 9 3 Royal Land 7 11 9 2 I-Iymestrason 7 11 Great Day .. 9 0 Colarina 7 11 Rowley 9 0 Joyeu.se 8 13 Hymill 7 11 Catcall 8 13 Landguard .. 7 11 Kalos . . 8 13 Takini 7 11 S Everest 7 11 8 6 HodrCn 7 11 Barryander . 8 Maidos 7 11 Merle 8 h Komak . . .. 7 11 Bronstell . . 8 4 Lucre 7 11