TROTTING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 537, 14 December 1928, Page 6

TROTTING

(By

“ABAYDOS”)

AUCKLAND CARNIVAL EPSOM PREPARATIONS LOCAL CANDIDATES BUSY TRACK IN GOOD CONDITION Well harrowed after the recent rain, the track at Alexandra Park yesterday morning presented an enticing appearance, the surface being well “cushioned,” and while the footing was not on the fast side, it was in splenid order for sound work. The Shrew and Raima were not unuulv bustled in their work, but Bill Head’s pair are looking bright after their Hamilton exertions. The trotter lias made a good recovery from the leg injury received when he struck himself a furlong from home in the big trot, and the Hastings pair will be in good shape for their Christmas engagements. A Good Pair Jackie Audubon (J. Shaw) and Native Prince (C. Fairman) were associated in strong work over three circuits, with alternating dashes over three and four furlongs. The pair acquitted themselves well, but Jackie, who has been having a brief respite, appeared a trifle on the “soft” side. The Abbey a Stayer The Abbey and Bingen King were each given useful tasks, without being asked to step on the juice. They are none the worse for their trip to Claudelands, and should be in good form for tlieir holiday engagements. The former is proving himself a genuine stayer and always runs a good race over two miles. Roma Bingen Trots Well Trotting with appreciable vigour and freedom, Roma Bingen CM. Kinnimont) gave a creditable display when associated with the four-year-old novice, Peter Lloyd (3. Selkirk), and tlio mare is proving a good schooling companion for the young pacer, who shows a rare turn of speed over occasional furlongs. Roma has made a fine recovery from her recent indisposition. The Penrose Pair p An attractive piece of work was witnessed when Betty Moko (F. Gilchrist) and Trustworthy (H. Brady) after being warmed up, slipped merrily over 10 furlongs. Betty was going nicely and made no mistakes, but her young rival, who is none the worse for her Hamilton escapade, kept the trotting mare busy all the way. A Better Showing Kibbonwood’s Last (J. Sliaw), Jewel Pointer (J. Russell) and Warplane (Roy Low) hopped away at the mile and a-half disc, the elder pair having an advantage of three lengths, which was maintained throughout. The two did their work nicely, and while the grey showed signs of “bobbing” on the bends, he gave a much better display than usual. Promising Novice Maid of the Mountains (TI. Kinnimont) did some solid work over two miles, pacing in approved style. With half the . journey covered she was joined by the Rey de Oro—Bequest novice, which is being handled by Ken Morris, and the pajr gave a nice display of pacing. The Bequest mare is on the big side, but indicates that later on she will be a rare pacer. Auckland’s Cup Hope L. McMahon played a “lone hand” with Gold Jacket, and he traversed two circuits with the straps on, and the black pacer fairly revelled in his work. The last half was run at a solid dip, and when Gold Jacket pulled up he was as fresh as the proverbial daisy. Provided he goes along the right way till the great day, there is a big chance of the cup remaining in Auckland. All Looking Well Many others were on the track, and while they were not exerted to any great degree, the bulk of the Epsom candidates look in fine health and spirits. Among those noticed doing useful toil were Billy Carbine, Admiral Lock, Horizon, Van Rich, Direct Action. Bonanza, Golden Huia. Margaret Wallace, Tradesman. Tiger Salve. Colonel Thorpe, Kelson Dillon, Golden Hope. Peter Grattan. Etta Cole/ Golden Gate, Uncle Bert, and the highly-bred novices belonging to Jack McKendrick and A. Shcpperd.