Select Field for Spring Handicap

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

Select Field for Spring Handicap

ADjySTER SETS PROBLEM Although backers will only have eight from which to make a selection in the Spring Handicap at Epsom to-morrow, it will not lessen the speculative interest in the contest, and the fact that nine runners, all of high-class, will fight for the chief portion of the thousand pound purse, will add to its value as a speculative item. There was a time in the history of the light-harness sport when large fields were looked upon as conducive to keener speculation and more inter-

esting racing, but with the growth of the pastime, both in respect to public popularity, and inmprovement in the competitors, the scene has undergone a vast change. Unweildy fields are at the present time the bug-bear of trotting owners, trainers and reinsmen, and a nightmare to the great majority of backers. It has been noted in recent years that where a field is not strong numerically, but of the finest quality, it creates general satisfaction providing excitement and thrills practically from start to finish, and attracting to a greater degree the speculative instinct. Such a field as that alluded to will meet tht eye at Epsom to-morrow. Nine proved pacers colour the correct card, but with two of the quota bracketed, investors' will have eight from which to make a selection. Jackie Audubon has the front line to himself, and it can be guaranteed Kennerley will take every advantage of his position. Jackie is one of the best improvers in commission, and his party is prepared, providing track conditions are suitable, to qualify for the Auckland Cup. Talent. Loch Moigh and Dahneny are a useful trio on 12yds and none of them can complain of the treatment accorded. Talent, while not altogether a real two-miler, has a happy knack of bobbing up occasionally," Loch Moigh showed, a return to his best form, and something over at Christchurch in August. Dalmeny was a vastly improved pacer toward the end of last season, and his form at the Auckland June carnival will entice many to keep him on their side. However, Loch Moigh may do the best of this line. Western King (24) is displaying great work as also is his stable companion, Jewel Pointer (84), and facts dealing with their prospects are the subject of a separate article. Just whether Gold Jacket will be right for a hard two-mile effort is open to conjecture. He has been given an easy time since his Addington victory, and it was well known his next special mission was the Auckland Cup. Under ordinary circumstances the Gold Bell pacer would have been on a 4.27 mark, but through those handicapped behind the limit being up a second, Gold Jacket appears on 4.28, and has now to qualify for the big race at Christmas. Machine Gun (48) is in fine form, but may be shy of a race. However, he shows a partiality for Alexandra Park and it must be remembered that last October Mr. MacMillan’s horse captured both thousand pounders. Ivohara has been making distinctive signs of getting back to normal and from 60yds cannot be counted out. He may not yet be at the top of his form but the racing will sharpen him up. Competitors that will find favour outside of the Shaw bracket, will be Loch Moigh, Jackie Audubon, Machine Gun, Dalmeny and Gold Jacket. The appended table gives the time on which each starter is handicapped, together with the fastest record of each in parentheses): . Jewel Pointer, 4.24 (4.22 1-5 second) Kohara, 4.26 (4.25 4-5 first) Machine Gun, 4.27 (4.25 2-5 second) Gold Jacket, 4.28 (4.29 3-5 second) Western King, 4.29 (4.27 T-5 second) Dalmeny, 4.30 (4.34 2-5 second) Loch Moigh, 4.30 (4.29 1-5 first) Jackie Audubon. 4.31 (4.31 1-5 first)