TRENTHAM NOTES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 869, 13 January 1930, Page 6

TRENTHAM NOTES

CUP HORSES DISCUSSED RAIN KEEPS TRACKS HEAVY Special to THE SUX WELLINGTON, Today. It was stated on the tracks at Trentham this morning that trainer Ron. Alexander is severing his connection with the Blenheim sportsman, Mr. J. J. Corry, and is about to take up a position as private trainer to a wellknown North Island owner. In fact, it is said that Alexander has more than one offer of the kind. One of those mentioned as likely to be Alexander’s new patron is Mr. Eric Riddiford, who recently returned from a trip to England. Mr. Riddiford’s last trainer was Captain J. Gage Williams, who went Home at the same time as Mr. Riddiford. The offers that have been made to Alexander are no doubt the outcome of the excellent run of success he has had with Mr. Corry’s horses. It is expected that finality in the matter will b© reached in the course of a few days. The Ellerslie trainer, T. George, is •to take over Mr. Corry’s team. Out of the Cup It is not intended to start Historic in the Wellington Cup, though, as the.re is nothing serious the matter with him, it is just possible he will eventually take his place in the field. The big chestnut hurt a knee shortly after his return to Trentham from the Auckland Cup meeting-, and at present he is sporting a rather big leg. However, he moves on it quite freely, and this morning he worked without it appearing to adversely affect him at all. Presuming that he will miss the Wellington Cup, he will make an appearance in public later in the meeting if he progresses at the rate he is improving at now. Rational 11. is an improved hack, and his work on the- tracks is being keenly scrutinised by the touts. When he worked this morning, the track was very soft as a result of over-night rain, and he was not fully extended. He went half a mile with Habit, the pair registering 5 2h for the distance. Both galloped really well. Like Rational 11., Habit is a much improved hack, and further successes are anticipated by her connections, though the big metropolitan courses might not suit her. Fancied Sprinter Cimabue was .out doing easy work. He is very well, and seems to have freshened up splendidly as a result of the let-up he has had since returning from Ellerslie. ITe is likely to be ridden in the Telegraph Handicap by B. H. Morris, and will be one of the well-fancied division if the course is in fairly good order. Panther is to take his place in the Wellington Cup and will be ridden by H. N. Wiggins. Malayan has improved since racing at the Marton gathering at New Year. He was worked with Joy Bird this morning and gave the best showing he has given since his arrival. Cerf has been doing well on the tracks and is increasing in favour for his engagement at Foxton. Fit For Saturday Concentrate attracted plenty of attention when he went out to gallop seven furlongs. He was accompanied in his work by Rory Mor. The Cup horse strode through his task in great style and will be a very fit horse next week. He looks better now than at any other period of his career, and will be one of the Wellington Cup favourites. It is understood he will be ridden by H. Gray.

Decoy Bird did as nice a half-mile as anything that worked, getting to the end of the job in 53 and doing it with great ease.

After giving a display of bad behaviour when asked to start off, Sir Limond- ran an attractive half-mile in company with his stable mate, Masterton. Sir Limond can gallop, but he is difficult to get started. For the Smalls Oratrix, who has benefited by a spell, was galloped seven furlongs with Diana’s Lad. The latter got the best, of the start and was not caught. It is intended to enter Oratrix for events at the Pahiatua meeting, which follows the Wellington fixture. D. Moronev is here with a team consisting of Vertigern, Talisker, Banket, King Midas, Grecian, Tenterden and Appledore. Grecian and King Midas ran half a mile nicely in 52, a good effort considering the state of the course, and that they were not ridden out. Vertigern is almost certain to have the services of B. H. Morris in the Wellington Cup on Saturday. He is in nice condition to contest once again the race he won 12 months ago, and he got through his light task this morning like a horse that is thoroughly well. Moorland, despite his years, slipped over half a mile in 52, going extra well all the way. Rain has fallen all day here and is still'falling, and there are no immediate signs of the weather clearing. if it clears immediately the course will still be on the soft side for Saturday’s racing. TARANAKI CLUB AUTUMN MEETING The Taranaki Jockey Club's autumn meeting is fixed to be held on Thursday and Saturday, February 6 and 8. The Taranaki Cup Handicap cariies a prize of £750 (a gold cup value £IOO to the owner, and a silver replica to the trainer of the winner, and £ 650 in specie). The sprint races—the Flying Handicap and the Stewards’ Handicap—are respectively worth £ 350 and £275, and the “hack” division is liberally catered for. Nominations for all events (with the exception of the Sixteenth Taranaki Stakes) close next Friday at 9 p.m. with the secretary, Mr. C. B. Webster. New Plymouth. HAKANOA’S PENALTY Ifakanoa has been penalised 31b for the XgaruaWahia Flying Handicap, making his weight 10.10.