BIG TEAM BUSY AT WANGANUI

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 142, 6 September 1927, Page 10

BIG TEAM BUSY AT WANGANUI

SOME GOOD GALLOPS GRAND KNIGHT SHINES (Special to THE SUX.) WANGANUI. Monday. The weather was fine this morning for training operations on the Wanganui tracks, and the presence of upward of 60 horses exercising, or doing fast work, was striking evidence of the approach of the spring fixture of the Wanganui Jockey Club. When the remainder of the visitors arrive—nearly 30 reached here to-day—there will be over TOO all told, and the tracks in the mornings Avho will be staging miniature race meetings. A light shower during the night had not been sufficient to make any serious difference to the excellent tracks, and they were in good order, some attractive times being registered on the number two track, number one being reserved for to-day and to-morrow. Among the many spectators was Mr. YV. S. Glenn, M.P., who had. the pleasure of seeing his Wanganui Guinea’s candidate, In the Shade, perform well in a sprint over six furlongs. MASK PLEASES A standard was set for the morning’s work by Mask and Damaris. They set off from the six furlongs post and covered the distance in 1.18 2-5, both going well. Mask was doing it quite as easily as could be expected of a candidate for the Marangai Handicap, run over eight and a-half furlongs. The son of Limond and Cowl looks as if one of the big handicaps in the near future should not be beyond him, and it would occasion no surprise to see him returned a winner at the meeting. Damaris was not extended to her utmost, but pleased by her display and justified the owner’s decision to rely upon her in the first classic of the season. The next to make an appearance was Joy King, who covered the initial furlong of six in 12 1-5, going on to reach the end of the journey in 52 2-5. Lysander was given strong pace work on the outside of a hurdle track, which was very fast. With his trainer in the saddle, he struck out freely, covering the last two furlongs of four in a shade under 25. IN THE SHADE IN THE BOOM Much interest was displayed in the appearance of In the Shade (S. Bryce) and Le Clioucas (W. H. Jones), and the pair got through their six furlongs’ task in fine style. The first furlong was done in 12 3-5. , the quarter taking '25 2-5, and the next half-mile 52 4-5, making the time for the journey 3.18, with the Guinea’s candidate going best at the finish. The Australian-bred gelding will be sure to give a good account of himself in the mile event on Thursday, and L.e Clioucas should be a much improved horse before the meeting is over. A FINE EFFORT Star Stranger (R. Reed) and Eden Hall (T. Green) were the next pair to be given a serious task. They were sent over seven furlongs and the first quarter was left behind in 25, three taking 37 2-5, and the first five occupied 1.4 3-5. Both finished strongly over the last two, to complete the seven furlongs in 1.29 2-5; certainly a fine effort. Citone, a three-year-old filly by Catmint—Hyades, was accompanied over four furlongs by Star God, the three-year-old full-brother to Star Stranger. The pair cut out the first quarter in 25 3-5, the half-mile taking 52. Both moved freely, and should prove more than moderately successful this season. STAR AREA IMPROVING After breakfast, Kiosk put in an appearance and, accompanied by StarArea (R. K. Smith), the pair ran five furlongs in 1.5, the first furlong taking 12 3-5. The quarter was left behind in the fast time of 24 4-5. They got to the end of the third furlong in 38 3-5, and finished up a satisfactory gallop as stated. The two outings at Marton appear to have improved Star Area a great deal, and it may not be long before he makes his presence felt in some of the later spring handicaps. Marsurd put in some serviceable work, being sent over six furlongs. The task was covered in 1.22, the last five taking 1.7 4-5. GUINEAS' CANDIDATE IN FORM Another Guineas’ candidate was the next to put in an appearance. This was Great Charger, who was accompanied by Doree in a six-furlong bout. The initial furlong was cut out in a shade unde-r 13, the quarter occupying 25 1-5, and they reached the half-mile in 50 3-5, finishing with a bit in reserve. They reached the end of six furlongs in 1.17 4-5, one of the most satisfactory gallops of the morning up to this time. The son of King John has built up a lot since he returned in the autumn, and will prove a useful three-year-old this season. JUVENILES DO WELL Two juveniles, in Marian’s Birthday, Psychology—Doric and Second Wind, Grandcourt—First Blow, were sent over four furlongs. The first furlong occupied 13 2-5, and the quarter 52. Both youngsters appear to have had a fair amount of work. They have not yet been educated at the barrier, but their equable temperament promises to see that their tuition will not need to be prolonged. GRAND KNIGHT’S GRAND BURST All hands went to the watches when Grand Knight put in an appearance after the tracks had dried up somewhat, and the son of Grand Parade and Jeunesse did not disappoint the onlookers. He reeled off the first of five furlongs in an even 12, and followed it up by doing the quarter in 24 4-5, three furlongs being covered in 36 4-5. Stretching out to his task in fine style, Grand Knight reached the post in 1.2 3-5, quite the best effort of the morning, and even allowing for the conditions, the best that has been seen here this season. The imported horse was ridden by G. Ridgway, who will be on Mr. E. Riddiford’s horse in his engagements at the meeting. JUVENILE PARADE Another rehearsal for the Dubante Stakes was staged when five juveniles were lined up at the barrier, and got away to a good start. The quintette comprised Wet Paint, by Leighton—Mascoe Quantum, by Quantock —Polaris; Knightlike, by Paladin —Sweet Charity: Shot Silk, by Leighton—Blended; and Episode, by Limond —Homage. The last-named was slow to move, while Quantum was soon in his stride, and led them for the furlong that was covered. SMART YOUNGSTERS After the parade a brufeh over three furlongs was given some of the juveniles. In the first of these, Prince Humphrey, by Duke Humphrey—Shepherd Princess, Wet Paint and Quantum finished in that order, the first furlong being cut out in 12 2-5, and the full distance taking 37. The leader appears to be well forward, and should be among the earlj' winners in the youngsters’ races. In the second flutter, Knightlike (R. Reed) and Shot Silk (G. Ridgway) were associated. They did not get away to such a good start as the first three, but they covered the initial furlong in 13 2-5, and the three furlongs in 38 1-5, which was not so much slower than the other gallop, as the time would seem to indicate.