NOTES AND COMMENTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 156, 22 September 1927, Page 7

NOTES AND COMMENTS

FORM AT PETONE HOW SQUARE-GAITERS SHAPED While the fields in the unhoppled races at Wellington last week were not large, they provided sufficient entertainment for the large assembly. Moneyspider again succeeded in settling the pacers in the principal heat, while the performances of Native Star and Cannonball suggest that they will both get some good money as the season progresses. Bad Breakers Several however spoiled what promised to .be good performances by bad breaking. Not only did they break, but refused to strike their gait again till all hope of doing any good, was gone beyond recall. For the class of trotters engaged the display of incorrect action was alarming, and if the chief offenders do not quickly rectify their errors they will find it difficult to secure any prize money. Not Much to Look At —But Little Johnnie is a plain-looking customer, and this probably accounts for the fact that he generally returns his supporters a remunerative price. Mis tally last year was eight starts and half of them resulted in dividends, one first and three seconds. With the exception of his victory, which was secured at his last attempt, he was always at a long price, and lie proved a payable proposition for his owner, J. Fairburn. A Pretty Good Judge When Harry Gaskill. a prince of trotting drivers, had Little Johnnie on the West Coast last October, he remarked that the Harold Dillon gelding would turn out a solid proposition, and his judgment was not far astray. But despite the fact that Johnnie was such a good boy when sent on his last errand at Ashburton, the public would not have him on its side at Wellington, and the trotter started tenth favourite in a field of 11. Those who stuck to him were able to sing, “Our Jack’s Come Home To-day.” Her Turn Near at Hand Lady Fan cannot be long now before earning a winning certificate, as on her last two outings she has been a good second. On the concluding day at Addington in August, the daughter of Great Audubon —Lady Irving, beat all but Cannonball in the Midwinter Handicap, but at the Hutt during the week-end, Mrs. Allington’s squaregaiter had the satisfaction of keeping the Reeftonite out of second money. Lady Fan will be worth keeping an eye on when she next goes to the races.

A Big Disappointment Nelson McKinney had every chance in his two essays at Wellington, but he was not good enough. He flattered his supporters for a period each time, but once the son of Nelson Bingen went to a break it was the end of his prospects. His showing was a keen disappointment to the supporters of the Southern square-gaited equine, whose form last month was suggestive of an early victory. Unless he gets out of his breaking habit, it will be difficult for him to get ajny money.

Not Going Solid There was a whole lot of money to say that Sarsaparilla would wjn the 12furlong trot at Hutt Park last weekend, but he was not solid enough. The Ball in horse was all right when going at the right gait, but when he left his feet he forgot to get on the balance again. The . Baffin trotter was only twice out of a place last season, in nine starts, but he has opened inauspiciousiy this year.

Staying on Better Katute found it impossible to go the full distance in either event without tangling, although in the larger distance race, she made a better showing and secured second berth. The roan daughter of Nelson Bingen—Muricata may improve as the season advances, and should get on the winning list. She stayed on better than previously in the two-mile go, and this will be encouraging to the roan’s connections. Will Do Better Later

Hardy Grattan went away in the Petone Trot on Saturday as if he meant business, but making a bad break the black son of Hardy Wilkes —Grattan Chimes lost so much ground he was never able to make any progress afterwards. Mr. Maidment’s straight-out trotter is one well worth remembering, and while he does not travel very far from his home quarters, will get some money in the province.

Failed to Get Up Xourmahal found the opposition too warm in the unhoppled divisions at the Wellington fixture, and failed to get even a small slice of the stake money. The Great Audubon mare was just behind the placed horses in the mile-and-a-half heat, and this gained her stronger support when the longer event came up for decision. Mr. D. F. Dennehey’s mare was tramping attractively when half the journey was covered, but left her feet, and from that on she was out of it. Off Again The fine trotting mare, Native Star, who made quite a name for herself last season, has started off again on her winning career, and judging by her display at the Hutt, the daughter of Native King—Musical Star will go far before being checked. Last year her record was four successive wins and one second in six starts. Although she failed each day at Christchurch last month, the trotter has come right and will do well.