TURF TOPICS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 326, 6 January 1937, Page 7

TURF TOPICS.

(By “TOP-WEIGHT.") Racing in the North Island has a spell now for over a fortnight. The next meeting is Wellington's three? I day carnival, to be held on January 20, 22 and 23. In the South Island, Reefton J.C. hold their meeting to-morrow and Saturday, while the Vincent J.C. hoid theirs on Friday and Saturday. There seems to be an element of I doubt about Dungarvan being able to win a mile and a half race, especially I in company he :s liable to meet on 1 metropolitan courses. Up to a milej and a quarter we know he is a good i horse. | Smoke Screen is reported to be the ■ two-year-old open to most improve- | meat. By winning the Clifford Plate on ; the last day at Ellerslie. Cuddle completed the same notable treble she won last season—the Auckland Cup, King's Plate and Clifford Plate. This great mare has been aptly named the sprinting-stayer. Cuddle was bred by Mr. A. J. Hannah, of Hastings, and was purchased by Mr. R. J. Murphy in September, 1935, for 600 guineas. Since then she has won £10,647 in stakes and cups valued at £lOO, £75,-and two of £5O. She happens to be a third foal out of a third foal. Wellington horses had a great innings at Ellerslie. With a team of only five horses, stakes to the value of £3lOO were collected. Cuddle, of course, was the largest stake-earner with £1750; Essex, £1000; Shy, | £950; and Brunhilde, £lOO. In addition, Cuddle's Auckland Cup trophy is valued at £5O. Wellington racegoers will not see Wotan, in action at their summer meeting. It was the intention of his owners to give him a run there on the 20th instant, but latest reports state that he will be prepared for autumn racing in Australia. Two fine handicap horses in Hazoor and Vintage will probably be seen in action at Wellington. Vintage especially is a fine type of racehorse, who pulled up sound after his race on Now Year’s Day and pleased his connections immensely. Onewhetu. who ran a good race in t.he Manawatu Cup, tailed rather dismally at Stratford. Perhaps a let-up would be beneficial. Another in this category is Tradesman, who was not badly handicapped at Stratford.