TURF NEWS & NOTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 February 1939, Page 9

TURF NEWS & NOTES

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE & COURSE

Views on Racing Facts and Fancies

MASTER HOTSPUR RETURNS

(By

“The Cynic.")

After winning the John Grigg Stakes last September, Master Hotspur was hailed as a good one, but he failed in his next three starts and critics were not slow in lowering him from the pedestal on which they had placed him.

Now, Master Hotspur’s appearance —he seems to have done particularly well of late—suggests that any adverse criticism might have been aimed at him a little too hastily. The Ringmaster youngster has developed into a grand colt and he has filled out considerably since he raced at the New Zealand Cup meeting. After all, he has raced only four times, and it must have been against his showing his best form when he was growing so noticeably. But his trainer, T. H. Gillett, straight away followed the patient policy and eased up the colt in November, with the beneficial result which plainly can be seen.

The autumn racing even may not see hint come into his own, but as a three-year-old he should be capable of measuring up to the best class.

Of his speed there is not the slightest doubt, as he won practically the earliest two-year-old event of the season, running the half-mile in 47 3-5, apparently in a canter, and he won easily by three lengths. There is no reason to believe that he will not stay like his half-brother Elange, who won the mile and a half V.R.C. Bagot Handicap in 2.29] or quarter of a second sfower than the New Zealand record for the distance held by Compris. The next few months, of course, will prove whether these anticipations are correct, but it will be surprising if Master Hotspur does not turn out good.

A Promising Novice.

A big upstanding chestnut six-year-old mare by Woodend from the Solferino —Hieamaru mare Tatarepo moved attractively when sprinted over three furlongs at Invercargill. She has been in training only a short time, and is being prepared for racing by R. E. M’Lellan for her owner-breeder, Mr A. Chisholm, of Otautau.

The Chokebore Lodge Team.

On Tuesday morning at Riccarton, Wild Chase galloped well over six furlongs in Imin. 16 l-ssecs.., the last three in 37 3-ssecs. Counterblast was not hurried in her task, taking lmin. 19 l-ssecs. to run six furlongs. Neither of these horses were at Riccarton on Saturday, but are booked to appear at Wingatui next Thursday.