STRONG STRING TO SHAW’S BOW

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 483, 12 October 1928, Page 10

STRONG STRING TO SHAW’S BOW

JEWEL POINTER AND WESTERN KING ARE • FIT AS FIDDLES The Auckland owner, Mr. M. Moodabe, is fortunate in possessing two pacers of the calibre of Jewel Pointer and Western King to carry his livery, and with su'ch a strong combination trainer J. Shaw will hold a powerful hand in the Spring Handicap to-morrow. Jewel Pointer is undoubtedly the idol of the trotting-loving public, his honesty, gameness, and consistency, added to his brilliance, making the son of Lcgari Pointer—Law Chimes a general favourite. His high-class perform-

ances last season, when he credited his owner with £3,695, stamped the little fellow as one of the greatest pacers over all distances the Dominion has produced, and his two-mile winning record of 4.23 4-5, registered at Alexandra Park last November, placed him on a very high pedestal. Many expressed the opinion that Auckland’s champion had reached his | zenith with that wonderful run, but J. ! Shaw’s charge has shown early in the new season that he is better than ever. His consistent performances during National Week at Addington, with his masterpiece of 4.22 1-5 for second in the Cup on the final day, set light harness enthusiasts throughout New Zealand talking with a vengeance, and the question is often asked: “How good is Jewel Pointer?” It is a difficult question to answer, but in view of his recent track essays at Epsom, which prove him to be in greater buckle than ever, “Abaydos” does not hesitate to acclaim the Auckland pacer the best all-rounder in New Zealand at this juncture. The Logan Pointer horsr is a veritable racing machine, and no flaw can be found in him, and it is not surprising that he is oftentimes referred to as “the little wonder.” Although 84 yards behind in tomorrow’s chief event, Jewel Pointer will test the capabilities of his opponents, and if there is the slightest sign of weakness with any of them when the final few furlongs are entered the Moodabe representative will show them the real way to come home. The writer is of the opinion that, when thoroughly put to the test, Jewel Poin-

ter would race over his last half-mile in even time. WESTERN KING AS A STAYER The stable has another strong string to its bow in the Spring Handicap, with Western King, who is on the 24yds mark. Over shorter journeys the Hock I-luon horse is a regular flying machine. With a moving-up start it would not be surprising to see him holding his own with the recognised sprinting crackajack Native Chief. But the ex-Australian is also displaying stamina, and his meritorious performance on the concluding day of the Addington August carnival won him many friends over the longer journey. It is true he was beaten in the run to the wire by Loch Moigh. but since tlfcm the King has improved as a stayer. His i-ecent training essays over 12 furlongs have been ac'complished in such masterly style and stout finish that his prospects of earning a winning certificate over IG furlongs are of the rosiest hue. With a difference of 48 yards, he will give his game and brilliant stablemate something to do to head him off, but there is the likelihood of Western King losing some of this advantage at the stai't. Nevertheless, the Western King—Jewel Pointer bracket will bo one well worthy of consideration to-morrow, and it will not come as a surprise to followers of the Shaw stable to see the Moodabe pair disputing the issue for the thick end of the purse at the judge. But the footing will require to be solid if Western King is. to do his share in securing honours.