TROTTING. . .

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 314, 27 March 1928, Page 11

TROTTING. . .

By

“Abaydos”

notes and comments AT THAMES GALLOPING TROTTERS With few exceptions the class of square-gaited exponents seen in action at Thames on Saturday could without exaggeration be termed “galloping trotters.” The majority, and a good one at that, broke badly and were content to travel some distance in the unorthodox style. While some of the gallopers gained ground by their vagaries, many lost all possible chance of success through such tactics. A Short Price Special Bell was backed down to a surprisingly short price in the Parawai Trot at Thames, and after causing his large army of admirers many qualms with occasional airplane tactics, the son of Gold Bell duly landed the stake. When breaking. Special Bell did not lose any ground, thanks to the clever reismanship of his driver, “Tartar” Julian. For a trotting novice the winner paid a very small figure. Solidity Rewarded Lena Ansel, who has, in previous essays, left her feet on several occasions. gave a solid exhibition on Saturday in the “mug” trotters heat and her solidity carried her into second

berth, much to the delight of her few backers, who were well rewarded by her performance. J. G. Browne, who is a good sportsman, deserved his turn of the wheel as he is a keen enthusiast. and races a fair number of horses without much success. Speedy But Shifty Lady Ena showed a good turn of speed in patches during the running of the Parawai Handicap on Saturday, but she was too fond of shifting her gait to have a chance of returning a dividend. The daughter of First Voyage is sharing a continuation of the practice which cost her connections a lot of cash last season, and she will require to improve in this respect if any prizes are to be lifted. Last April the mare won at 'Wanganui, so perhaps she will do better on the Southern track. Will Come Right The Gold BeJl—Lady Vola mare, Elego, ran a creditable race at Thames, and her display should encourage owner L. Billington to continue an invasion of the country fixtures. She did not begin smartly, but once into her right stride was going as well as anything, and at one stage looked likely to get in the money. She faulted under pressure, but was going nicely at the finish, and was just behind the placed horses at. the post. Etta Cole gave a poor exhibition of trotting in the Parawai Handicap at Thames, and was one that showed a tendency to gallop after going to a break. She never threatened danger at any period of the race, and when asked to move up leaving the straight left her feet and galloped round the bend. Etta Cole is not a “gaining” galloper and lost ground when performing in this manner. The Peterwah filly is only a baby at the game and will no doubt become solid with age. She will need to if her party is to get any more money. Wovor Shirked Florallno owes his victory in the President’s Handicap at Thames to the judicious manner in which he was handled by S. Hamilton, who has been associated with the trotting business for a lengthy period. The son of FloWzel was allowed to get well on his

feet, and the handicap was made up ia gradual fashion. Floraline was within striking distance at the turn for home, but had to do his best all the way to the judge to defeat Roma Bingen. Fioraline never flinched in the hard drive, and is a better sort than a lot give him credit for. Gaining Confidence Roma Bingen is now racing with ntore confidence, and at the same time winning the confidence of the public. With the exception of one mistake, which cost her some ground, the Nelson Bingen mare trotted solidly, and "'hen hard pressed over the final furlong responded to Harry Kinnimont’s call in the gamest possible manner. She never attempted to falter, and only succumbed in the last few strides. Her owner -trainer has been most persevering with the mare, and deserves the success now coming his way. TROTTING FIXTURES ■Wanganui T.C.—March 2S. 21. Takaka T.C.—April 7. Hawera T.C.—April 7. 9. N.Z. Metropollton T.C.—April 7. 11. Taranaki T.C.—April 14. Ashburton T.C.—April 21. Te Aroha T.C.—April 21. Wellington T.C.—April 2S. I’orbury Park T.C. May 3,5,

Consistent Anseline Anseline made a brave effort to warrant the position in which she was placed on the machine on Saturday, but had to be content with third berth, which while earning £2O for her owner did not give her backers any return. A couple of breaks spoiled a good chance, but she kept to the correct gait over the final stages and joined the issue to the post, but could not head Fioraline and Roma Bingen off. The Rut Ansel mare is a consistent place-getter this season.

Bad Breaker Gold Star was seen at one of his worst breaking days on Saturday, and despite showing a great burst of speed at times lost sufficient ground when mixing it to keep him out of the money positions. The Gold Bell gelding has on some occasions gone into a gallop without any detrimental effect, but at Thames he refused to go straight during these spasms. When W. Stephens induced the trotter to act squarely in the run home he was putting in the work hot and heavy, but the job was beyond him. A Possibility Peter Tracey was harnessed up twice on Saturday at Thames, and although he did not impress in his initial essay he put up quite a respectable showing the second time up. The Petereta gelding was the back-marker in the Parawai Handicap. but joined the busy band of breakers early and was never sighted when the business was on. Off the front in the President’s Handicap the Te Awamutu-trained gelding trotted more solidly and was in the limelight for 14 furlongs, where he left his feet and failed to regain any of the lost ground. There is a chance that G. Pollard will pick up a race with Peter on the country circuit. The finest exhibition of trottinf given at the Thames fixture on Saturday must be credited to the Ngaruawahia - owned Lackiewood, who wae well driven by R. Woods. The old chap began smartly and trailed the speedy Lola Reklaw for nine furlongs, where he had the Whangarei mare’s measure. At this point Concertina dashed to the lead and Lackiewood went after her, but August’s mare had too much toe at the finish. Then Horizon tackled the black trotter, but the son of Wildwood Junr. trotting faultlessly disputed the newcomer’s claim, and finishing gamely crossed the line on terms with Garth Robertson’s pacer. “Bill” Thomas, owner of Lackiewood, should get his name on the winning list before the season finishes.