Coon Song Has the Speed

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1068, 4 September 1930, Page 12

Coon Song Has the Speed

TAKES ON SPRINTERS | INTERESTING MARTON RACE j With the first of the spring meetings soon to be under way, the seasoned horses will be looked for j to hold their own against those others, even of admittedly better | class, that have not had the racing. The spring circuit in the North Island is usually recognised as commencing at Marton, and being followed by Wanganui, Avondale, Hawke’s Bay, Napier and Ellerslie. One of the most interesting races on the card on the opening day at Marton on Saturday is the sprint, the Railway Handicap. It will be remembered that twelve months ago the Marton spring double was won by the Auckland gallopers, Barometer and Eaglet. On this occasion the sole northerner engaged is Pa.ddon, who is to take on the Marton Handicap. A Speedy Fellow It was at that same Marton meeting last spring that brought under the eyes of racegoers the unlimited speed apparently possessed by Coon Song. He was produced on the second day, and he went so fast out of the barrier that he must have been ten lengths in front crossing the top. He afterwards compounded, for this was his first run for some months. Backers recalled that remarkable exhibition of speed when Coon Song ; commenced a winning “trot” at TrenIham in July. He won the two sixfurlong hack events on the first two days, and with a big weight aboard on the final day he was beaten into third > place. * Then he was taken back to Awapuni * to spreadeagle a field of moderates in what was almost a maiden field. Promoted To Sprints Now the black gelding is asked to take on the best sprinters, but it ’ would occasion no surprise if he was * to make a success of it at his first ; attempt. It is a gap that generally i takes some bridging, but in the case

of Coon Song, it will not come unexpectedly. In the Railway Handicap on Saturday, Coon Song has the minimum weight, 7.U. and perhaps if anything is to beat liim it may be this very thing. It is very hard as a rule to get a capable rider able to go to scale at seven stone, and with such a strong horse as the Hunting Song gelding undoubtedly is. he is likely to prove a real handful to any light boy. Perhaps it may be deemed advisable to put an experienced horseman up, but in any case if the gelding receives any assistance at all from his pilot he is liable to make a valiant attempt to make his debut in open sprint company a successful one. Lively Opposition But it is possible that Coon Song will meet with some stiff opposition in his engagement. For instance, there is that good horse Historic. Generally thought to be not at his best over this journey, Historic is sufficiently forward to be able to make a good showing. Limosin displayed a lot of pace in his outing the first day at Trentham, and if he strips all right it is probable that he will help to make matters interesting. Then there are the recent winners in Broad Acre and Maui (double winners at Awapuni and Dannevirke respectively) and Te Atiawa. Limited is a speedy fellow when caught right, and then there is Tenterden, who as a classic winner last season will have to be seriously regarded. Acora is a local representative that be fancied on his home track. It promises to be a most interesting tussle, but it is recommended that Coon Song may be worth keeping in mind when the business aspect has to be considered.