TROTTING EGGS FOR EASTER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 620, 23 March 1929, Page 11

TROTTING EGGS FOR EASTER

HIGH CLASS HELDS WILL CREATE KEEN SPORT AT HAWERA There is not a more popular fixture in the North Island trotting calendar than that which is annually staged at Hawera during Easter festivities, while it also holds plenty of interest for many keen followers of the pastime in the Southern isle. With such a fine variety of contests scheduled, it is not surprising that the entries received are extensive, and the manner in which Mr. C. E. Gooseman has framed the adjustments should command a liberal response from owners, And ensure large fields and keen eon’/rsts on the day. Competitors are engaged freely from all parts of the Dominion, and Auckland and Canterbury provinces are well represented. The chief event on the card for the initial day’s sport is the Hawera Cup, while the inevitable “other leg” is the 10-furlong Eltham Handicap. In both heats some high-class and promising performers will be seen in action, and in each case the handicapper has set early selectors a difficult task, but ons that they will approach with their usual cheerfulness and optimism. The Cup Field

Thirty have been handicapped for the rich prize of £6OO, including the 1927 New Zealand Cup winner Kohara, who with his fine record is naturally conceding his rivals a big start. The North Auckland speed merchant, Gold Dial, is also in the list, and next to Kohara holds pride

of place in the handicap. Epsom candidates in Medusa, Warplane, Carmel and Van Rich appear among the entrants, while such well-known provincial campaigners as Great Peter. Daytime, Joy Bird, Hal Chimes, and Cornelian, are engaged. Nelson has a classy representative in Dil worth; Bullerites will have Locanda Boy to keep them interested in the fixture, and Canterbury has, as usual, a strong hand, including two from the Bryce stable in Grand Light and Evelyn Locanda. Sixteen of those handicapped are on the limit, and a number of these present a formidable front. Zella is one that is sure to be in the picture after her Ashhurst experience,

while Grand Light’s prospects will be better assized after the Thames meeting. Limosa. Carmel, Cornelian and Hal Chimes are also taking part in to-day’s racing, and their showing will give a line on their Hawera chances. Locanda Boy is a likely customer, and if Dave Bennett has the Coaster dressed in his best, he will be troublesome. Sir Author, the half-brother to Acron, is a fine pacer, if he keeps sound, while Explosion, although not much in the limelight this year, has

an excellent chance of success. When at Claudelands in December, Explosion put up a good run over two miles, being narrowly defeated by Medusa, who is now set to give the Nelson Bingen horse 36yds. Mercury is a useful sort, but not too reliable at the post, and Van Rich, Great Peter and Evelyn Locanda appeal in preference. Great Peter was a “hot pot” beaten last year in this event, and while there has not been much of a guide since then as to his staying propensities, the highly-bred pacer wil be again in demand. Evelyn Locanda is a good sort, and if she has fully recovered from her slight indisposition will be a tough nut to crack. Van Rich is a genuine little chap and can be relied upon to go his usual consistent race. There is no reason why Joy Bird should not stay the distance, and she finished third in the last New Plymouth Cup. All those on the next line are possibilities, but they wiTl find the task of conceding a start to some of those further out a hard proposition. Although Gold Dial is well back—she is on 4.32—a reasonable allowance has been made for her fast go of 4.28 at Claudelands. Kohara will probably not tackle the job if Explosion is 0.K., and the latter with Locanda Boy, Zella, Bryce bracket, Great Peter and Hal Chimes, may be among those early looked for.