NOTES AND COMMENTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 447, 31 August 1928, Page 7

NOTES AND COMMENTS

EPSOM ACTIVITIES UNDER IMPROVED CONDITIONS ' For the first time this week the main training track at Alexandra Pspk was available yesterday morning for work, when the majority of local trainers took advantage of the conditions to give their charges sound work. The circuit was in fair order, and on the portion near the entrance opening looked a picture, having been nicely levelled after harrowing. Round the back, however, the harrows had left the track lumpy, which had the effect of putting the speedy ones somewhat off their balance. One With the Speed Margaret Wallace, with the veteran enthusiast Ted Sandall in the sulky, paced attractively over several circuits, showing a fine turn of speed over half a mile. The Gold Bell mare has put on condition during the winter months and provided she can be induced to go away right in her races should be among the early winners in the country. Troubled With His Hip Western King was given a good share of work and the Australian-bred horse revelled in his task. He has benefited by his recent racing at Addington and promises to reach a. high standard this season. Unfortunately, the accident which put him out of

court some time ago, has left its mark, and the affected hip caused Jack Shaw’s charge tq lose ground at the start of his races. But he makes up for this when warmed up and can finish like a flash. Youngster With a Future One of the finest exhibitions of trotting seen at the Bark for many a day by a young one was given by Great Way, who not only impressed the onlookers by his clean bold action, but showed a good turn of speed. The son of Peterwah broke once on the journey, but lost little ground and was soon into his stride and picking up those in front of him finished like a racehorse. An Improving Novice Chrystal, the grey son of Gold Bell and Dorothy Dimple, was worked in saddle with the stable lad N. Craig on deck. The four-year-old fairly revelled in his task and appeared anxious to increase the pace. When allowed to run along over the last few furlongs Chrystal demonstrated that he is endowed with a reasonable amount of speed. The Great Northern Derby candidate by Great Audubon —Miss Rolfe, who is nominated for the - Wellington fixture next week and has been aptly named Rolfe Audubon, gave a highly pleasing display over three circuits with that craftsman “Tailor” Julian in the gig. The bonny-lopking chestnut never looked to do anything wrong, in fact he was looking for something to make him go faster over the final half-mile, which he executed in splendid fashion. But even then Rolfe will find it hard to win the Derby if Sonoma Child and Grand Light take it on, and Trustworthy comes right, Sebisca is All Right G. T. Mitchell, who has old Sebisca looking like a new oil painting, gave

the gelding a good work-out over several circuits which was accomplished in a tradesmanlike manner. The son of Harold Dillon has probably never looked better during his career, and it will be hard luck for his painstaking owner-trainer if Sebisca does not place him on the winning owners’ list early in the new season. Consistency is a strong point with the aged squaregaiter. To Have Anotner Pop G. Mitchell has taken the aged gelding Sidelight, by Brent Locanda from Bell Meadow, in hand, and although the old fellow is somewhat in the rough there is nothing to stop him, in such careful hands, coming right again. Sidelight’s last winning performance was registered at Thames in 1926, when driven by his present trainer he paid a useful dividend in the Turua Handicap of 12 furlongs. First Impressions Are Good

For the first time since coming to Auckland the Oamaru pacer Nihilist, Junr., was geared up and stepped over several circuits at a sound clip. The Four Chimes gelding moved attractively and created a favourable impression with the spectators. That the effort was satisfactory was further proved by the fcmile on trainer Harry Kinnimont’s face as he returned to the paddock. Considering that the chestnut has done most of his work in the saddle, he went pleasingly between the shafts of the sulky. Early Bird Catches the Worm W. Nightingale gave Be ter Grattan fast work without the hopples and the son of Peter Moko reeled off 12 furlongs as if the job was quite easy. There is no horse at Epsom at the present time looking in better condition and if he fails to get among the dividend-payers early in the season there will be something wrong with the game. Percy Rogers was present to see Peter work and expressed full satisfaction with the pacer’s condition and performance. Another Chance for Mulwaree Bert Dyer put in an appearance with the roan gelding Mulwaree, and the son of Honest Huon is looking better than for some time past. Last season he ran fairly consistently and was unlucky on one occaion to bump against a champion like Padlock, who promises to go very close to the next New Zealand Cup. Bert has had his other roan, Glandore, operated on, and the pacer, who is also by Honest Huon, may race with more determination when geared up later on. Nelson McCormack’s task was a rousing mile with Jim Cockle in the saddle, and the son of Nelson Bingen—Marie Nanette displayed a lot of dash during his essay. Since signing on with “Tartar” Julian, Nelson has come on a whole heap, and if there was a saddle item in view he would have more than a reasonable chance of success. But such races are few —decidedly few—and far between in Auckland, and Nelson may find it necessary to try his fortune at the harness business. TROTTING FIXTURES New Brighton T.C.—Sept. 8. Wellington T.C. —September 15. Methven T.C.—Oct. 6. Auckland T.C.—Oct. 13, *l7. Oamaru T.C.—Oct. 22. Greymouth T.C.—Oct. 20, 22. Northland T.C.—October 22. Metropolitan T.C.—Nov. 6,8, 9. New Brighton T.C.—Dec. 15, 17. Gore T.C.—Dec. 26. Ashburton T.C. —Dec. 26. South Walrarapa T.C. —Dec. 26, 27. Westport T.C.—Dec. 26, 27. Auckland T.C.—Dec. 27, 29, 31. Winton T.C.—Dec. 29. ' Inangahua T.C.—Dec. 31.