TURF NEWS & NOTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 August 1938, Page 9

TURF NEWS & NOTES

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE & COURSE

Views on Racing Facts and Fancies

TRACK WORK AT RICCARTON

(By

“The Cynic.”)

The fastest gallop at Riccarton on Friday over half a mile along the back was credited to Paper Slipper, but he was one of the first to use the track, and his time could hardly be treated as setting the main for the morning’s work. It is certain that an hour later his figures would have been considerably wider. However, it showed that Paper Slipper is in excellent order, and he will have a track to his liking for his forthcoming engagements.

Included in the working gallopers were Erination and All Irish. It will be remembered that Erination refused to school at Trentham before the recent meeting, and for this reason was allowed to go out at a big price for the Wellington Steeplechase, in which he did not make the semblance of a mistake. It will be interesting therefore, to see how he shapes, if given track trials next week.

Queen of Song and Top Row were sent half a mile at a sound pace. They finished abreast, but Queen of Song appeared to be doing her work as freely as her mate.' Their trainer, P. T. Hogan, also brought Chile, Newsreel and the two-year-old Aranui by Colossus from Cupid’s Mark. He intends to leave for Australia from Riccarton with a team immediately at the conclusion of the Grand National Steeplechase meeting.

The most impressive six furlong gallop was recorded by Dictate, Swordstick, and Great Hope, who finished in a bunch, with Dictate showing slightly in front of the other pair.

Nocturnus and Flashlight were companions over a circuit, both maintaining an even pace throughout. The former has gone on the right way since his race at Washdyke, while Flashlight appears to have thrown off the soreness which prevented him racing last week. A decision will be reached regarding the latter’s Grand National Week activities after he has raced in the Homeby Steeplechase, but it seems likely that he will contest the big race on the opening day.

Bonnie Rollox, ridden by Mr R. D. Westenra, covered a circuit at threequarter pace. He also has not shown any after-effects of his last week’s race and was to take his place in the Homeby Steeplechase, in which he will be ridden by Mr Westenra, who is also booked to ride him in the Grand National Steeplechase. It is very many years since a gentleman rider has ridden in the National, and it is interesting to record that the .only success attained by an amateur was in 1876. when Mr Martelli won on Royalty. This was the first race for the National held at Riccarton.

Valpeen, ridden by his owner-train-er, was given strong work over a round of the grass. He looks much better than when he arrived at Riccarton 12 months ago. On that occasion he ran such a poor race in the

Homeby Steeplechase that it was realised something was amiss with him, and he was taken home without waiting for the big meeting.

Mr C. W. Boyd should have no reason to regret that Tidewaiter failed to find a buyer at the Trentham sale earlier in the month. He rain an excellent race at Marton and had first money taken off him only in the last stride. Recent racing has benefited this four-year-old son of Tidal whose immediate prospects are bright.

Clarion Call (N. Trillo) was the first jumper out. He was started from the top of the straight to jump eight of the iside fences, but after getting over the first and second well, he got- in too close to the third, the second of the stand double, and crashed heavily through it. Trillo was dislodged, but. Clarion Call did not leave him, and a few minutes afterwards Trillo, although dazed, had remounted and continued the task. Clarion Call made a big jump at the next, and Trillo lost an iron, necessitating pulling up and dismounting. He was soon on his way again, and jumped five more fences without mishap, but not in what could be termed an impressive manner. His early mistake may, of course, unbalanced Clarion Call, but at the same time, his work did not suggest he would successfully master an extreme journey over the Riccarton obstacles.

Brigadore (R. Beale) and Golden Glow (R. Register) were companions over five fences, both jumping well. The former was slow over the first two, but did good work when warmed up. '

Redolent (J. Murfitt) gave an excellent display for a novice in a round of the country. He is remarkably clever and nippy jumper, and will be an interesting competitor in the short races at the National meeting.

Bally Brit (T. Boyle) and Gold Wren (Murfitt) negotiated five fences attractively. The former cannot boast of much size, but there is no doubt about his ability to jump big fences. Gold Wren has been improving with each race, and should give a good account of himself.

Lone Raider jumped six hurdles at a solid pace, and Fireguard (Beale) and Surge (Boyle) were mates over four hurdles,, both shaping satisfactorily.

Memories of the years when he was one of the most successful owners in the Dominion were revived at Matamata, when Mr R. Hannon won the first division of the Pairere Handicap with the little-fancied Very Glad. In the years from 1914 to 1930, Mr Hannon raced extensively, and his colours, cream jacket and red sash, were among the best known on Auckland courses. After an illness several years ago he reduced his racing activities almost to a minimum, and his colours seldom appear nowadays.

When going well about six furlongs from home in the novice steeplechase at Matamata, Simint came down and lost a rosy chance of victory. Simint won over hurdles earlier in the season, but subsequently lost form. He now gnves the. impression that he is coming back to his earlier form.

The Matamata three-y.ear-oid Broadway Bill, has been hailed as a useful novice, but he failed again on Saturday, although it must be admtited that luck was against him. Broadway Bill is a half-brother by Speardance to Lord Vai and. doubtless will see a better day.

Cuddle, who her owner stated last week is definitely to retire and go to the stud, contested 67 races for 24 wins, 19 places, and £12,092 in stakes, of which £10,610 was Mr Murphy’s return for his outlay of 800gns. Cuddle has fairly earned her claim to be ranked among the greatest performers of her sex in Australia and New Zealand.

Big things are expected of Orelio, a rising two-year-old brother to Agrion and Waikare, who is being educated at Takanini by F. Smith. The colt, who is by Limond from Waterwings, cost Mr T. Impey a thousand guineas, but is described as a ready-made galloper who is likely to make an early return.