TROTTING

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 126, 18 August 1927, Page 6

TROTTING

(By

“ABAYDOS.”)

WELLINGTON CARD LIMIT MARGIN TOO WIDE N.Z. CUP TEST PREFERRED The Wellington Trotting Club has up a card of eight events tor the fixture, which it has finally decided will be held in September, instead of October. The sum of £1,775 will be distributed, and arrangements have been made for horses that can tramp a 2.13 gait and faster to make their appearance, while those who can only do a 2.30 clip will also have a chance to nominate. CUP CANDIDATES’ TRIAL In a programme of the dimensions of Wellington, the margin is too wide, and this is accounted for by the inclu- < sion of a New Zealand Cup trial event, with which it is hoped to encourage aspirants for the big November honour to visit the fixture next month. While the idea may have something to recommend it from the point of view of trainers of Cup candidates, as well as giving the public a spectacular sight, should the crack-a-jacks appear, it is doubtful if, in view of the elastic nature of the time limits in other events, it will prove of any benefit to the general run of owners. Horses which are eligible for the New Zealand Cup, and have a record of 4.28, or better, will not be likely to tackle the big event on the card at 4.38, while owners who find the latter class suitable will not have a corresponding shorter race in which to get an opportunity of picking up a stake. MORE SUITABLE LIMIT On former Wellington schedules, where the class in the chief handicap has been fixed at 4.38, a ten furlong flutter with 2.53 limit has been included, which gives owners who fly for the long race a chance also in the shorter heat. While many look upon a mile-and-a-quarter race as a sprint, it is a well-known fact that a good two-mile horse will run out the distance better than a good miler, and in innumerable cases has a horse gaining second honours over two miles later in the day won the 10-furlong flutter. To revert to the Wellington programme, however, apart from this apparent discrepancy, the card will attract keen interest, and pacers and trotters are well catered for. CARD REVIEWED Square-gaiters have a 12-furlong heat (3.36 limit and a two-mile event (4.48 limit) to keep them busy, while novice pacers are given a chance in a 3.45 mile and a-half go. A slower class two-mile for the hoppled brigade will make keen competition, and a 3.36 12-furlongs for the same class of competitor will fill well. Probably the popular heat on the schedule will be the mile saddle, set aside for horses that can traverse the eight furlongs in 2.18 or quicker. Nominations/% r all events close with Secretary Short on August 26 at S p.m., when there will no doubt be a good response from owners.

NOTES AND COMMENTS TRACK TATTLE HEAVY GOING AT EPSOM A few patient and persevering- mentors are trying to utilise the tracks at Alexandra Park for training operations, but so far their case is hopeless. The continued spell of wet weather, together with the untimely top-dressing of dirt, in some places, has rendered the main training circuit absolutely unworkable at present, while the sand track is in parts a veritable quagmire. It is no wonder under such conditions that trainers cannot get their charges out of a jog. Ready to Tackle Work H. Kinnimont has Gold Jackert in nice condition, and the son of Gold Bell is ready to receive the work necessary to fit him for racing ahead. Under existing conditions, however, Harry cannot get a chance to send the pacer along, otherwise he may have had a trip to Wellington for the Bollard Handicap. Standing Up To It Black Gold has stood up to her work well since being recommissioned by the Royal Oak mentor, and there is every reason to believe that the sister to GoM Jacket will sport silk at the fixture. She has done a fair amount of saddle work, and appears to revel in the task, but the daughter of Gold Bell is equally at home between the shafts of the sulky. Kinnimont deserves to be rewarded for his patience with the black mare. An Encouraging Sort

Fred Smith has no intention of hustling the Our Thorpe—Belgium Queen maiden off her feet, and having keyed him up to a satisfactory pitch, has put him on the easy list. This Is a wise move, and one that will no doubt prove beneficial to the horse, and also later to the popular trotting owner. The maiden gave every encouragement while on the active list, and will make good. Enjoying His Work

C. G. Lee is one of the few mentors who appears anxious to tackle the mud at Alexandra Park, and he occasionally sends Wrigley along at a solid clip. The son of Florizel—Spearmint is In great health, and revels in his work, and promises to be well forward for the early fixtures. Lee is adopting the same policy as owner Lynch did with Uncle Bert prior to the winter meeting at Auckland, testing him in the soft stuff, and may meet with similar success when it comes to the racing business. Good Old Uncle Bert Uncle Bert visits the track at Epsom whenever conditions make it possible, and the Adams Cup winner is taking life in a matter-of-fact way. The son of Gold Bell does not care if it rains, hails, or snows: he is always ready for his work, whether it be fast or slow. He saunters along in his devil-may-care contented fashion, that makes track-watchers -wonder if he will every hurry up again. Uncle Bert will turn up again all right when occasion demands it.

Bright and Cheery Mulwaree, showing signs of having been well cared for during the winter months, has put in an appearance, and will be sent along as soon as conditions permit. The roan son of Honest Huon is in excellent trim to stand a searching preparation, and when tuned tip should be capable of extending his associates. 3. Dyer’s charge may tackle the opposition in the popular Raddle heats at the Otahuhu fixture. Waiting to Speed Up

Alf. Woodham, who has been attending to Western King and Warplane during the absence of trainer J. Shaw, has the pair looking big and robust. The Australian-bred pacer is anxious to get to business, but it is impossible for Shaw to drive him along at any pace yss. The same applies to the Derby candidate, and it will be some time before he is ready for the races. Another Change Holly Boy, the handsome black pacer by Hal Boy from Holly Maid, is having another ciiange of trainer. He was at one time under the care of Sid August, and then transferred to W. J. Tomkinson’s charge. At the conclusion of the Auckland winter fixture the latter left him in August’s hands, who took the horse to Wellington, and placed him under the supervision of Dan Nyhan. Holly Boy has a lot of speed, but will not always use it to the best advantage. Change of Air Mr. McGregor has decided to try what effect a change of climatic conditions will have on Doctor Dillon, and hopes to find that the Doctor will benefit by the “change of air” prescription. He will receive his future preparation at the hands of F. Holmes, jun., and the son of Harold Dillon will have nothing to cavil at on this score. There is no disputing the Doctor s Pace, but it seems a question of just when to get him to deliver the dope.