AVONDALE SPRINTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 463, 19 September 1928, Page 13

AVONDALE SPRINTS

A QUIET MORNING CUP CANDIDATES LET OFF Three-furlong sprints on the new grass track on the inside was the most popular training work indulged in at Avondale this morning. CERANG beat Camp Prince nicely at the end of six furlongs in 1.21 1-5, but tlie best time for this d’stance was done by a stable companion of this pair, Nassock, who moved pleasingly over this journey in 1.19 4-5. Nassock showed a glimpse of his form at the back-end of last season, and he evidently continues to improve. The three-year-old Fancy Boy cut out three furlongs in 40, which was tho best over this distance. The two-year-old Hunting Day, a nice mover, took two a-half seconds longer, although ho was not asked to go fast at any stage. The hurdler Fane surprised by slipping home from the three in 41 2-5. Alonsoa was doing much better than Owairaka over five in 1.5, which was a sound performance. Cup Candidates S. Henderson, who has definitely been engaged for Star Stranger in the Avondale Cup, was aboard the Martian gelding, a mile being his allotted task. At the six furlongs he picked up the three-year-old Grand Tea, completing the final six in 1.22 4-5. Star Stranger moved well throughout, but his companion was not impressive. Mask look§ in great order after his fine showing in the Eclipse Stakes, which has brought him into favour for Saturday's race. He was let. off with strong work this morning, his final try-out for the Cup being arranged for to-morrow. The other members of Rayner’s string were also given easy work. Royal Mint, displaying no signs of the trouble that came against him at Wanganui last Thursday, was indulged in a strong work-out, coming home over the last six furlongs freely in 1.23. Nukumai, who is coming into favour for the Cup, was given long work. His trainer is praying for rain, and then some. The course cannot be too bad for Nukumai. Subdivision ricked a shoulder the other morning and is unlikely to run at the Avondale meeting. Polyphemus. Bisox and Silvermine arrived at Avondale this morning. It is said that there is doubt as to Paitonu being brought North. The following were the gallons clocked this morning: Three Furlongs Fancy Boy, 40; Partial Eclipse, 40 2-5: Presumption and Aggressive, 41; Fane, 41 2-5: Branson. 41 8-5; Hunting Day. 42 2-5; Catmint—Roulade mare, 42 2-5; Professor and Imperial Prince, 42 3-5; Mussie, 43 3-5. Five Furlongs Alonsoa and Owairaka, 1.5. Six Furlongs Nassock, 1.19 4-5; Serang and Camp Prince, 1.21 1-5; Maori Boy, 1.21 1-5; Star Strajager (last six of a mile) and Grand Tea, 1.22 4-5; Royal Mint (last six of long work), 1.23.