Stage Is Set For Big Trentham Contest

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 613, 15 March 1929, Page 12

Stage Is Set For Big Trentham Contest

There is a pretty strong contingent of Auckland horses likely to be seen out to-morrow at the opening of the Wellington autumn meeting, and their doings at Trentham will be closely followed in view of the even more important gatherings at Easter. A resume of the fields by “Early Bird” follows, with special mention of the Northerners engaged, several of whom are expected to play 9- prominent part in the proceedings. HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP Although there are only eight in the opening event the result is a difficult one to prophesy, for every one of them can be given a chance. The chances of Nucleus, Mister Gamp, Break o’ Bay, Glena Bay, Imarosebud and Elicit (the last-named very unlucky in a similar class of race on this same course last January) can be expected to make a bold bid for victory, and perhaps when betting ceases it will be found that the favourites are: NUCLEUS GLENA BAY N.Z. ST. LEGER It has yet to be proved just how good G.N. Berby form was, for the winner of that classic, Red Heckle, has not been asked for anything special in the interim. However, the writer is one of the opinion that he is inferior to Nightmarch, and he may have a formidable task in front of him to account for Concentrate, High Falutin’ and Toxeuma, for instance. The solution of this problem is rather trappy for a classic usually easy to win. Probably the favourites will be: CONCENTRATE HIGH FALUTIN’ PLUNKET NURSERY

Two-year-old races at Trentham are very popular, hence the large fields always seen out in this classic. There is sure to be a good deal of luck during the running, but three that could be supported as having more than average prospects are:

EAGLET NIGHT LAD GAY DUKE

The first-mentioned is probably the best two-year-old in the province outside of Supremacy. THOMPSON HANDICAP

There will probably be about 15 runners in the big event, the open mile, and we have three real good ones in it—Paganelli, Pegaway and In the Shade. This trio is quite capable of filling the places, for they represent

class. Their principal opponents may well be Joy King (who will be bracketed with Rapine), Bright Glow, Star Area, Silver Paper, White Fang, Joy Bird, Royal Duke and Amor. It would occasion no surprise to find PEGAWAY IN THE SHADE best backed on the day, for both will be suited by the long straight. N.l. CHALLENGE STAKES In the likely absence of Paganelli (who would have to carry the full penalty in tliis classic), it is probable that the best backed may be REREMOAN A GAY BALLERINA SILVERSTREAM HACK The liandicapper seems to have made a real job of this field, and of the 19 still left in there is absolutely nothing standing out. However. ARCHIEVAL STANCHION have ‘good credentials and should be able to hold their own. RAILWAY HANDICAP It was obvious that with such a big mile race as the Thompson Handicap on the first day’s card that the open six Avould suffer, and sure enough it has been affected to a considerable extent, with the result that the class is below what one expects at Trentham. Cimabue must go well with all his weight, for he is not at all badly treated, but a preference is expressed for two improving three-year-olds in FREEHOLD MO A BIRD TINAKORI HACK

Not a great deal is known of several of this- field, but from the form exposed to date there should be support for Quantum, Desert Lad, Arikinui, Noteworthy, Monetize, Valuation, Footpad, Endorse and Marica, all of whom can travel fast for a short journey. The actual favourites may be

VALUATION ARIKINUI. Merry Mint is regarded as a doubtful runner at Trentham.

Moutoa Treasury has been taken out of the N.Z. St. Leger. The two-year-old My Own has been scratched for the N.l. Challenge Stakes. In Wellington last night Paganelli was the actual favourite in the Thompson Handicap, with Pegaway, Bright Glow and Silver Paper also inquired for.