THE HURDLES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 961, 2 May 1930, Page 12

THE HURDLES

A large number of those weighted for the Great North A-n Hurdles also figure in the Steeplechase, but as the former event is run on the opening day (June 3), there Avill probably be a bigger field then. After the Hurdles has been decided it is usual for some horses remaining in the Steeplechase to be AvithdraAA'n after an Indifferent showing over the smaller fences. Hence it is possible to forecast with a great deal of accuracy the field for the first day. Mister Gamp and Elysianor are both ranked as equal, being awarded 11.5. The former won last year with 9.13, and won with ridiculous ease, but tlx£ rise to his present weight will probably stop him.

After winning at Ellerslie, Mister Gamp, with 11.3 and 10.13 respectively, was beaten twice by Overhaul (9.6 and 9.3 respectively) in the Trentham and Winter Hurdles at the Wellington meeting five weeks later. Then Mister Gamp made his next appearance in the Grand National Hurdles, finishing down the course and carrying 11.5. Although off colour in this race, there is a suspicion that weight stops the chestnut. He is more experienced now, however, and that may make a difference. Elysianor is a different type of hurdler, one who is a free goer and capable of shouldering his 11.5. On January 2 Elysianor made his last appearance at Ellerslie and, carrying 31.13, he defeated King’s Guard (12.7) rather easily, the latter horse having won on the three previous days of the* meeting. Elicit Favoured Red Fuchsia has not improved as a hurdler and yet lie cannot be despised. His stable mate, Elicit, is preferred now, even with only three pounds between them. Wedding March won this race handsomely three years ago and Mr. R. Hannon also has Roman Abbey in, the position being the same as in the big Steeplechase. Roman Abbey is preferred at the weights to his mate.

Siaosi. on his running last winter, appeared to be too hard a puller tor such a long and tiring journey and in addition he has got his full share of weight. Wiltshire is not without a chance.

Bright Land won two hurdle races at this fixture 3 2 months ago and despite his failure at Te Rapa he reads well placed with 3 0.5. Star Comet won the Brighton Hurdles in such handsome fashion, but now he has a poultice, 10.5, compared with his weight on that occasion. 9.2, a rise of 171 b. It is in his favour that he is an improving horse. Mangani won' the Grand National Hurdles under 9.2, and his weight now, 3 0.1. is not excessive. It is just such an impost that, he should be able to manage and therefore, by virtue of his National success, lie has to be considered. The Pacemaker The job of setting the pace on June 3 will once again devolve upon Prince Lu. That is understood. It is also expected thaf he will stop quickly when the whips come out. But it is the unexpected that happens. A fortnight ago Prince Lu forced the pace and then hung on to get second place to Star Comet in the Brighton. Pouri finished fairly close up in the same race and as he should bo all the

better for that outing, with the easier track next month lie may be a danger, for he stays so well. Pompeius is preferred in the Steeplechase. Roman Abbey’s form was referred to elsewhere; he will be one of the fittest horses in the field. * Kawini will be running on when the others are stopping. Glenstar An exalted opinion is held of Glenstar as a hurdler by the Egmont handicapper, for he has placed him above whenuanui, who at lijs last two starts carried 31.13, and is asked to concede 61b to Vivo, who at her last start carried 31.5, being beaten into second place by Opa, to whom she was giving 201 b. That surely places Glenstar as a near-champion! In the Ellerslie race the Te Aroha jumper is more reasonably treated with 9.9. and if he can stay he will have a chance. King’s Jest impresses as a fine hurdler in the making. Not much has been seen of him over the sticks, but what he has shown in public has been good. He will be under a disadvantage in that he will not have a race at Ellerslie before the day—and it takes an outstanding jumper to win over the Auckland hurdles at the first time of asking. Kauri Park, despite his win on

Wednesday, will be preferred in the big steeplechase. Omeo. too, is viewed in that light, although if he was specially set for the hurdles he would take some beating. Horomea, Aurora Borealis. Mountain Guide (a promising Ellerslie contestant), Maunga, Whisogne. Glena Bay. Calithe, Royal Elm. and Tiega are all good sorts with light imposts, capable of making matters quite interesting for those higher up. The following are liked in their respective groups: Over 10.10. —Elysianor, Mister Gamp, and Elicit. From 9.10 to 30.6. Bright Land, Star Comet, Mangani, and Roman Abbey. Below 9.lo.—Glenstar, King’s Jest, Omeo, Aurora Borealis, Mountain Guide, Glena Bay, and Tiega. Cornwall Handicap It is not proposed to go into this race very deeply, for the recent form of the majority of the entrants has been fully disclosed. The following are likely to be fancied: Over 9.o.—Corinax, Goshawk. Eager Rose. Over S.G.— Paddon, Mendip, Pahu, Taneriri, Atholspear. Below S.G. —Standfast. Prince of Orange, Lucy Rose. Sir Mood, True Blood, I’m Alone. Llyn Du. and King Emerald. The G.N. Hurdles and Cornwall Handicap are run on June 3, and the G.N. Steeplechase on June 5. Acceptances for this big treble, together with other first-day events, close on Friday, May 23. ,In the meantime, winners may be rehandicapped.