Latest Developments in the Big Treble

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 977, 21 May 1930, Page 14

Latest Developments in the Big Treble

Going by the latest “advices,” the most favoured combination in the. Great Northern Hurdles and Cornwall Handicap is Star Comet and Prince of Orange. The former, after his Brighton Hurdles success, would be expected to be near the head of the quotations, and that Prince of Orange should be coupled up with him so as to make the combination a warm favourite in doubles is at least instructive. Star Comet is said to be an improved horse since his double win at Ellerslie at Easter time. When raced on the flat Star Comet did not achieve a great deal of success, but he was always noticed running on at the end. After being confined to hack sprints he was tried out over middle distances, and here he ran his best races. Going on this, and taken in conjunction with his recent dual success over the sticks, it can be expected that Star Comet will not be unduly bothered by the two and a-half miles of the Great Northern Hurdles. An Improver Ever since he won the seven furlongs hack classic at Takapuna in the late

summer—and an excellent performance it was-* —Prince of Orange has been steadily improving. He won ovet the same distance in his next start, at To Aroha, and was second the next time out. Probably his best performance was in the Easter Handicap a.t Ellerslie, in which he finished an excellent fifth in first-class company, this following on two impressive outings at Te Rapa. At Avondale Prince of Orange had an exciting tussle with Tenakohe and defeated him narrowly Takanini advices indicate that trainer E. Pope has Prince of Orange in splendid condition for his Cornwall Handicap engagement. No official announcement has as yet been made as to his rider, but it is likely that R. S. Bagby will be in the saddle if not required for the J. T. Jamieson stable. Bagby was on Prince of Orange when he won at Avondale. An interesting statement is made

What the Market Indicates

today that in the event of IT. Wiggins going to ride at Otaki, R. Reed will take over his mount in the Cornwall. This horse is Pahu, a promising handicapper. The Steeplechase One of the most interesting items of news to hand this week, so far as the Great Northern Steeplechase is concerned, is that from Te Rapa, which states that Rawhetu schooled brilliantly over the steeplechase fences. When raced in Australia Rawhetu won a couple of handicap events, although several critics referred to the aged Day Comet—Miss Winsome gelding as a non-stayer. Over the very tiring Great Northern Steeplechase journey one would consider stamina as the first requirement. Yesterday Ponjola, Maunga, Omeo and Havering put in an appearance at Ellerslie. and all except Omeo (who was not raced there) look improved by their Wanganui outings. The firstmentioned trio claim the double engagement in the Great Northerns, while Havering is likely to figure prominently when saddled up for the shorter

events. Orneo is regarded in very many quarters as a most formidable candidate to win the big jumping double. It is unfortunate that Kauri Park has gone sore, and he can be marked off as a doubtful starter at the meeting. ' This is hard luck for his ownertrainer, for the gelding’s win over the sticks at Avondale last month indicated that lie was well forward. Kauri Park was on the tracks this morning but was not worked. Acceptances t>n Friday A definite stage in the discussions on the Great Northerns will be reached on Friday next, for acceptances for the big treble, and also for all first-day events, close at 5 p.m. that day with the secretary, Mr. W. S. Spence. The acceptance list will appear in The Sun on Friday a few minutes after closing tifne.