Auckland Trots

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 837, 4 December 1929, Page 13

Auckland Trots

TWO PRINCIPAL EVENTS The Fields Surveyed II AX DICAPPER PAUL lost no time in announcing his adjustments for the Auckland Trotting Club’s opening day card at Christmas. The appearance of the handicaps has already caused quickening of interest ih the function, particularly with regard to the Auckland Cup and Rowe Trotting Cup.

The marks allotted in the two principal events appear to be well-founded, taking a line through the recent adjustments and performances of the various competitors. Under the “systematic” schedule a few have the benefit of a better allotment than their records would probably otherwise allow.

In the Auckland Cup, Linkman, who ran second in the Alexandra Handicap at the Auckland spring meeting off 4.28, has not been penalised tl*e usual 12 yards, and in being left on the front line —4.2 B—has been encouraged to make another trip to Auckland. The handicapper has taken the same view of Western Voyage’s last Addington performance, where he ran second from a 4.31 mark, Tomlinson’s trotter being left on that peg. Waikaha, however, whose last placed performance was at the earthquake fixture, where he ran second off 4.34, is placed on 4.32. His last start was at the Otahuhu meeting off 4.33, when he finished out of a monetary position, and Mr. Paul evidently considers the trotter was entitled to the penalty limit, for his second to Carmel in August. Auckland Cup Field

A shade over fifty per cent, of the entrants figure on the 4.28 limit. Of this lot the first to claim attention is Berkett’s Dilworth who has a winni rM record of 4.26. It is stated that Travis Axworthy’s daughter accomplished this feat, she lost groundjTearly and covered a lot of extra territory which made her performance equal to 4.22. The Nelsonowned mare is, however, now tackling much higher society, and while she is a brilliant pacer, cannot afford to repeat her Addington mistake. Free Advice won the Summer Handicap last December in approved style. In the interval Blue Mountain King’s daughter has proved expensive to her followers, but on her showing last month at Epsom, where she ran a close second to Nelson Tasker in 4.27 3-5, Jack McKendrick’s charge must be given a good chance. The gay deceiver. The Abbey, is known to possess the necessary qualifications for such a race, and provided he began correctly would be in the picture at the finish. Linkman has nothing to complain of on the limit, but Alboni’s pacer has not been quite right of late and he may not be ready for the fight. If back to his best Machine Gun will have to be considered, and Silk Thread is on the improve and one likely to spring a surprise. Bonny Logan, Torpedo Huon and Ooncliffe do not appeal, but Olideaway must be respected. She has never run a bad race at Alexandra Park and the Epsom turf and right-handed style evidently suit her.

Just behind the front liners is Kins Pointer, a truly fine pacer. When last seen in. Auckland Ossy Hooper’s charge did not handle the track to the best advantage, and his defeat by Free Advice in the Summer Handicap was a K.O. to his admirers. He may, however, show more appreciation for Epsom this year. Imprint’s return to form recently brings him into the limelight, but as he is another Berkett production, it will be just as well to see which the Nelson trainer prefers. The crack trotter Peterwali, if at his best, would make it interesting, and is nicely placed on 4.26. Gold Jacket (last year’s winner), Kohara (run-ner-up) and Jack Potts (runner-up in Aliuriri’s year) are together on 4.24, and a solid trio it is. Their Addington form, however, does not give their supporters much room for enthusiasm, but they may all show improvement by Christmas. Prince Pointer (the third string to Tomky’s bow) is one to rec- i kon with. He was not at his best last month, and the fact that most of his pre-Cup work was done at home, the Auckland way round suggests he will bo the sheet anchor of the team, and from 4.23 he will give a lot of trouble. Padlock (4.22) is always dangerous, and after his Free-for-All victory, Hughes’s candidate will have friends. Then there is the back-marker. Peter Bingen, winner of two New Zealand Cups and holder of the world’s race record. Placed on 4.21, with 4.18 4-5 to his credit, Kennerley’s champion must be seriously considered, and he should be one to cause the front brigade to hurry along on the journey. The big event bears an open appearance, but at this stage half a dozen to claim attention may be Dilworth, Free Advice. The Abbey, King Pointer, Prince Pointer and Peter Bingen. AUCKLAND CUP

A rare class of square-gaiters is engaged in the big event and the race should be productive of a high-grade exhibition of the true style with a thrilling contest. Of the three on the limit—4.36 —Lc Todd has been a consistent performer without having much luck, but he will require to have Fortunes smile with ! him in such a race. Peter McKinney has shown sufficient improvement of late to be a distinct possibility. Raima is a solid trotter, and on his last appearance at Epsom put up such a sterling go as to entitle him to the utmost respect in the classy Cup field. Ngatira, Rose Bingen and Judge Hancock, sturdy trotters all. are on the 4.35 mark, and they must add interest to the heat. Ngatira was unlucky last vear. when he put up a fine display for three seconds, and a repetition of that form would give him a good chance of success. Judge Hancock, when dressed in his best, is a great trotter, and if Donald can get him back to his best, he will be a nuisance. Rose Bingen is doing well under ■•Tartar” Julian, and if she continues in the same strain, will make a bid to capture her second Ro ' ve f 3,”™ classy customers are on the 4.6* jpg. Kempton last year's winner. Waik&ha, successful * twice, and Sister Beatrice The former promises to be in good Shane again and if the elect of Donald s pafr’ must be hard to dispose of. Sis-.

ter Beatrice's prospects will depend on the track, and if the footing- is solid she will be in the picture. Waikahd, is such a solid customer, he must be kept onside, and he will probably be the sharpest thorn in the side of the visitors. That good mare Native Star is on 4.31, with the greatly-improved Western Voyage. Native Star has not done as well as expected during the last 12 months and is now back with her owner at Feilding. Western Voyage, on the other hand, has gone better with every race, and will again be a tough nut to crack. Being bracketed with Young Blake (4.29) and Elzear (4.27) it will make a powerful combination for Tomkinson, and those who wait for the day to make an investment, will have a good handful in this respect. The crack trotter Peterwah is on 4.26—the same handicap as in the Cup, and it will be interesting to see which Owner Fiskin will tackle. Peterwah has not been at his best of late, but if he stages a good comeback, will be a nuisance in either race. For an early selection, the following sextet must be included: Raima, Peter McKinney, Kempton, Waikaha, Sister Beatrice and Western Voyage. HOWE TROTTING CUP.

Of £ 1,650 and 1 OOgn. Gold Cup; 4.28 imit; 2 miles Best Time ITdcp. Bonny Logan 4.29 3-5 4.28 Concliff .. . • 4.29 3-5 4.28 Dilworth . . . . 4.26 4.28 Free Advice .. 4.27 3-5 4.28 Glideaway .. til 2-5 4.28 Linkman 2-5 4.28 Machine Gun . .■ 4.25 2-5 4.28 Silk Thread .. 4.31 2-5 4.28 The Abbey 4.28 4-5 4.28 Torpedo Huon 4.27 2-5 4.2S Kins Pointer 4.25 4-5 4.27 Imprint . «i 4.25 1-5 4.26 4.23 4-5 4.26 Gold Jacket 4.24 2-5 4.24 4.23 4-5 4.24 4.25 4-5 4.24 Prince Pointer 4.22 4.23 Padlock . . . - 4.21 4.22 Peter Bingen 4.18 4-5 4.21 ROWE CUP FIELD

Of £1,000 and 4.36 limit £100 Gold Cup; ; 2 miles Best Time. Hdcp. Le Todd . . .. 4.34 2-5 4.3G Peter McKinney. . 4.38 1-5 4.36 Raima 4.34 4-5 4.36 Ngatira .. ... .. 4.35 4-5 4.35 Rose Bingen 4.35 1-5 4.35 Judge Hancock . . 4.34 2-5 4.35 Kempton 4.34 3-5 4.32 Waikaha 4.31 2-5 4.32 lister Beatrice . . 4.28 4-5 4.32 Native Star . . . . 4.30 2-5 4.31 Western Voyage. . 4.30 2-5 4.31 Young Blake 4.28 3-5 4.29 Elzear 4.28 4.27 4 Peterwali 4.23 4-5 4.26