EPSOM DOUBLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 747, 21 August 1929, Page 13

EPSOM DOUBLE

Westport and Matakitaki Handicaps EARLY FANCIES With the prompt appearance of the handicaps for the Auckland earthquake relief fixture on August 31, interest in the proceedings is becoming keen.. Early selectors are making a close scrutiny of the adjustments in the two principal events, Westport and Matakitaki Handicaps, with a view to picking the elusive double. While it is probable that several of the Southerners entered may not be present, the fields in these heats will be of large dimensions, and the class in each event will be distinctly good, which will ensure keen and stirring contests, Westport Handicap If the going is firm, Warplane must be considered off the front, and the same conditions would be required for his stable mate, Carmel, to be In the picture. After her splendid showing on the final day of the June fixture ar. Epsom, .Derby Lynn will be in demand, but she has none the best of the handicap through Evelyn Locanda, who gave her 36 yards over two miles and a beating the first day. Bryce’s mare, who also ran second in the Adams Cup, is favourably placed, and with Reremai, who won that heat comfortably, looks the pick of the handicap. The latter has been given a fine chance of again leading the field home. Xelson Tasker, who did not begin well in the tv/o-mile race in June, is a possibility, and will beat more than beat him. Great Delight is set a solid task, but the recent racing in the South will stand to him well, while Young Blake, if he makes the trip, will be a tough proposition. Dillon Huon is showing a return to form, and with Torpedo Huon, looks to hold the best prospects of those further back, although if in the humour The Abbey would keep them all busy. Gold Jacket will not be forward enough for the journey. At this stage Reremai, Evelyn Locanda, Nelson Tasker and Derby Lynn will probably find most favour. Matakitaki Handicap In this shorter distance event, some of the speediest pacers in the land will be seen in action, and while there are some useful ones on the front line, they will find it difficult to keep out of the way of some of the backmarkers. Derby Lynn can go a merry 10 furlongs, while Goldman’s effort in June, when he finished third to Link-

man and YVrackler, entitles the old pacer to respect. Tony Victor is another that can go merrily over this journey, but with All Bell and Dillon Huon so handy, the front lot have nothing to spare. This pair off 2.45 at the last meeting, ran second and third respectively to Dalmeny, in a “heads-all” finish, so on 2.46 they are nicely placed. Machine Gun was giving a lot of cheek in his last start, and Nelson Tasker must be given a reasonable chance off his handy mark. The journey will suit Gold Jacket, and the Auckland Cup winner will be difficult to dispose of, while Native Prince, fresh from his Canterbury exploits, will bo in good shape for the opposition. Jewel Pointer and Peter Bingen are a nice pair to add interest to the event, and if right will be on deck at the finish. Early favourites will be Dillon Huon, Gold Jacket, Native Prince and Goldman. QUESTION OF HANDICAPS HOW NEW SYSTEM OPERATES CARMEL AND GREAT DELIGHT When the Trotting Conference issued the table of maximufn penalties under the new handicapping system it was generally accepted that future handicaps would be based on a competitor’s last mark. However, the rule as appended, shows the penalty will be allotted on the limit of the contest. The new rule reads: —“A handicapper, when handicapping a horse, shall not impose any higher penalty than that prescribed in the schedule set out in the appendix under the heading ‘limitation of handicapper’s penalties to be applied to horses that are placed in classes as tabulated.’ This rule shall take effect and be in force for one year only, from August 1, 1929, to July 31, 1930. This rule will come into force on August 1, 1929, and shall in no way be retrospective. Horses re-

gistering placed performances on and after such date will have their penalties limited according to the schedule. This penalty shall apply according to the scehedule for the distance of the race in which the horse competes. For other distances the horse shall be handicapped as may be deemed proper by the handicapper, according to the usual allowances or penalties, for such other distances. The penalty shall be reckoned according to the limit of the race in which a horse starts, not upon the mark from which placed performances are registered, i.e., in a 4.40 or other class, all horses starting would be liable to penalties under the 4.40 or other class schedule, irrespective of the handicap marks from which they start in the race.” [The handicaps allotted Carmel, who won off 4.39 in a 4.40 class, and Great Delight, who was second in a similar event off 4.36, 4.35 and 4.33. respectively, for the Westport Handicap next week are. therefore, based accurately. "Abaydos.”] 1929 TROTTING FIXTURES Auckland T.C. (Special).—Aug- 31. New Brighton T.C.— Sept 7. Christehuri h Clubs (Special).—Sept. 14. Metliven T.C. —Oct. 5. Waikato T.C.—Oct. 12. Northland T.C.— Oct. in. New Brighton T.C. —Oct. 12. Ureymouth T.C.—Oct .6, 2S. Auckland T.C.—Oct. 26. 2S. Oamaru T.C. —Oct. -S. Wellington T.C.—Nov. 2. N Z. Metropolitan T.C. —Nov. 1-. 14. 15. Otahuhu T.C.—Nov. 20. 23. ,