NOTES AND COMMENTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 273, 8 February 1928, Page 11

NOTES AND COMMENTS

PREPARING FOR OTAHUHU EPSOM ACTIVITIES Yesterday morning saw the track fairly busy at Alexandra Park, although speeding-up operations were somewhat hampered by the dust fiend. As a side issue owners and trainers devoted a good deal of time to perusing and discussing the handicaps for the Otahuhu fixture, the general opinion being that the adjuster had with a few exceptions done the work well. Team All Well jack Shaw had l>is team out early, and every member of the establishment was Riven medium-pace exercise. The whole contingent look forward and do not require much tuning up. Shaw leaves for the South this evening to drive Jewel Pointer in his Addington engagements on Saturday, and returns early in the week to put the finishing touches on those of his stable which will be racing at the Otahuhu meeting. Still Going Strong \V. Cockbill gave All Bell several circuits at a useful pace, and the old stager rolled into his tasks with a relish that was pleasing to behold. The Gold Bell gelding despite his advancing years can still muster up a tine turn of speed, and he will make things interesting in whatever events his owner-trainer decides to send him after. Geo. Phipps had Black Lila afloat early and the mare, who looks well, stepped out freely over several circuits, although not asked for anything of a serious nature. The Childewood mare is being treated to a course of swimming, and is evidently thriving on the exercise. The Australian-bred mare should strip in good condition at the Otahuhu fixture, where off a 4;30 mark she will make her presence felt in the big event of the card. Ready to be Topped Off A. Bryce gavq Kohara a. few rounds unhoppled and then the black fellow \yas geared up and in company with Money Spider, who was driven by Geo. Webb, bowled over twelve furlongs in good style. Bryce has both the cracks nice and robust, and they are ready for winding-up work. The New Zealand Cup winner will require to be right at his best if he wishes to get a slice of the big stake next week-end. Still Bobbling Kona Bingen was not in the right mood when asked tq step over two miles, and while she showed a fine turn of speed put in several bad breaks that served to spoil her essay. The Nelson Bingen mare usually works with confidence on the dirt track, and shows sufficient pace to win in her class, but fails on the eventful day. She will not have much to beat in the Trial at Otahuhu, but she will not want to waste time on air stunts if she is to get the money. Working Solidly Napland (harness) and Van Rich (saddle) were associated in a threecircuit spin and both moved nicely. H. Kinninmont has the Petereta —Dreamland trotter hitting out in good style,

and there seems every prospect of the Gisborne-owned gelding coming back to form- Van Rich is very perky, and while he will be up against some tough problems In the mile saddle, the Van Coronado gelding will make the event highly interesting. Wants to Go More Solidly Buz Buz unhoppled was worked by A. Chittam, who has purchased the well-bred double-gaited Bingen Boy. The mare showed a fine burst in sections, but left her feet at times without any provocation. If the Charming Bells mare would settle down to her tasks more solidly she would be a good proposition in some of the unhoppled races which are so popular at Alexandra Park. Gold Jacket is in robust condition and has not been hustled along since the Christmas carnival. If he is to run out two miles at Epsom next week-end his trainer will probably step him out during the interval, but probably the saddle race will be his mission. In this department the black son of Gold Bell is no novice, and off a 2.16 peg he will keep all the others pretty busy on the journey. Hope for Dad’s Hope W. Clifton has the war paint on the Australian pacer, Dad’s Hope, and the chestnut acquitted himself creditably, although not asked to do anything flash. The son of Ribbonwood has a nice style, and once he becomes thoroughly used to the New Zealand climatic conditions should make a name for himself. He appears to be getting better of late, and his turn may not be «o far off after all.