CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 July 1940, Page 3

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

A Winter Cup Prospect (BY “THE GRAFTER.”)

In ordinary circumstances a promoted hack would not be greatly in favour for a race like the Winter Cup, but there are features about the form of The Raker that have brought him well within the range of the spotlight. One of the most promising of the three-year-olds in the South Island this season, he had a tally of six successes and has been a winner at his last five starts. Only one of them need be dealt with. With the Riccarton apprentice, M. Billington, in the saddle, he put up an outstanding run for victory in the Temuka Hack Handicap at the South Canterbury meeting in May. He carried 9.6 and after being nearly knocked down at the_start, looked to be in a hopeless position with half a mile to go. But ihe Raker passed horse after horse, eventually beating the lightly-weighted Sham Boy by a neck and running the mile and 35yds in Imin 42 3-ssec.

The Raker looks, and is, every inch a racehorse. He was given a spell after his splendid effort, but is back in work With a view to contesting the Claremont Handicap at Washdyke next Saturday. If he shapes satisfactorily and progresses well afterwards, The Raker will probably run in the Winter Cup. His Fairlie owner, Mr W. J. Dore, is doubtful whether the horse will be forward enough for so hard a test, but if he takes his place in the field that can be taken as an indication that he is about at the top of his form. During the past twenty years. Soliform (9.8), Le Choucas (9.5), Kahika-. toa (10.7), Fast Passage (9.2) and Princess Doreen (8.0). have been four-year-olds to succeed in the Winter Cup, the age at which The Raker will take on the job. In Excellent Shape. Synthetic, which lost his chance in the Moreton Hack Handicap at Ashburton through failing to begin correctly, looks in excellent shape for coming races. - The Paper Money gelding is a smart galloper and it should not be long before he has a winning turn. Well 'Below Best Form. Dictate is back at Riccarton under the charge of IVI. O'Brien, Junr. Since his winning effort at Wanganui, Dictate has lightened up, and racing at Trentham did not help him. He raced as he looked, well below his best form. May Be An Early Winner., Stabilize has been working as though he will be an early winner. A three-year-old chestnut gelding by Robespierre from Stability, Stabilize has only raced six times and in his last four starts has had three wins and a third. Though inclined to be lazy on the track he is a smart horse ,on race days and a hack above the average. Should 'Do Well As Hurdler. Aggravate may have his second experience in a race over hurdles at the South Canterbury Hunt meeting. In his first attempt he was setting a solid pace out in front at Ashburton when he crashed at the third hurdle. He lost some skin through stifling himself, but is all right again. When he becomes experienced Aggravate should do well as a hurdler, his pace on the flat being an asset. Cottingham. Cottingham, which has shown poor form, as a steeplechaser this season and had to be eased up after falling at Ashburton, may be tried out again as a hurdler at the Grand National meeting. Earlier in his career Cottingham shaped particularly well over hurdles, his speed on the flat being an asset. His principal success was the Grand National Hurdles of 1937 when ho won carrying 9.1. In the Grand National Steeplechase Cottingham has 9.10 and lib more in the hurdles. Cottingham has been nominated for the Longbeach Hurdles in preference to the Hombey Steeeeplechase at the Christchurch Hunt meeting. Beau Vite for Australia. Beau Vite is due to leave for another Australian trip early in August. Australians this time will see a vastly improved horse from the colt who raced there last spring, and in the last few months he has developed even more strength and quality than that which characterised his successful autumn career. He will have his first race in Sydney in the'Warwick Stakes.