FOR THE SPRING

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 681, 5 June 1929, Page 12

FOR THE SPRING

FEW STARS ABOUT AUSTRALIA’S PROBABLES Quite a number of notable performers have begun an early preparation this year for spring engagements, and gradually the ranks are being filled up at Randwiek though the spring entries have not yet been taken and a period of nearly five months intervenes before the big meetings begin in Sydney. Trainers are apparently intent on having their horses thoroughly fit for big engagements. • Notable among those who have recently returned is Ramulus, looking strong and robust. But he failed to grow up during his winter rest, as many horses do between three and four, and indications are that he will always bo a good deal smaller than his illustrious brother, Kampion. Ramulus was fairly close to firstclass form in classics and weight-lor-age races at three years, and his best performance was a very close second to Mollison in the Rosehill Guineas. In the dearth of champions in sight just now it is possible that he will win good races in the coming season. He is in George Price’s stable, and The Dimmer is also in work again under that trainer. The Dimmer was expected last year to 'develop into a Cup horse, and was actually supporte-d by the stable for the Melbourne Cup. But a Granville Stakes at Rosehill was all he won, and he did not develop sufficiently afterwards to be persevered with in a preparation for big spring events. In his Rosehill race The Dimmer defeated Blue Star, and Blue Star subsequently won at Randwiek, so that the form might be good. Blue Star is an importation who might stay. He is doing a preparation and promises well. Valparaiso and Vaals have been in work some time and have had a race to bring them on. The Two V*s Both ran well for a time,in sprint races. Valparaiso’s mission may be the King’s Cup in August. He is not the light-fleshed horse that he was in past seasons, capable of striking form on a light preparation. Vaals, on the other hand, is not so big as he had been in the past and may come to hand quicker. With Vaals in Frank Marsden’s stable is Perception. He is doing a steady preparation. William Kelso has learned iiom the past that Bacchus needs much work and racing to strike his best form. Nothing seems to knock him out. After beating Winalot in Sydney at weight-for-age last October, the old warrior went on through the Melbourne Cup campaign, acting as working companion to the Cup winner Statesman, and still was able to muster the stamina to win the V.R.C. Handicap on the last day of the Flemington carnival in November. Bacchus had a race at Warwick Farm recently, and probably he will be given several more before he is considered ready to have a winning chance. A horse who was somewhat in the boom, but did not fulfil expectations in the autumn, John Buchaif,. is working under Bailey Payten at Randwiek again. He hasn’t altered much since his spell. He is not like the average importation who carries a lot of flesh. John Buchan showed plenty of track speed, but his races were somewhat disappointing. He was only a young horse, however, and may improve with age. Broadmoor’s Win This week’s mail from Sydney brings news of a win by the Stonyhurst-bred Broadmoor in the first division of the Maiden Handicap, six furlongs, at the Victoria Park (Sydney) meeting on May IS. Carrying 8.6 he was sent out third favourite and won by a neck in 1.162. Broadmoor was purchased from Sir George Clifford a few months back by F. D. Jones, on behalf of a Sydney owner. Jones was also responsible for sending Lighthearted to Sydney.