The Grand National Field

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 August 1940, Page 3

The Grand National Field

(BY

“THE GRAFTER.”)

The field for the Grand National Steeplechase has been reduced to 11. and when it is considered that this number includes horses of the calibre of Padishah, Clarion Call, Erination, Slayer, Ballybrit, C.hat and Flashlight, to say nothing of Trisox and Gay Boa, the great treat in store for racegoers can well be realised.

Padishah will naturally be the centre of attraction by reason of his success in both Grand Nationals last year, and by his success in the previous year in the Grand National Hurdle Race. His failure under most trying conditions in the Wellington Steeplechase,' and his subsequent indisposition as the result of his ordeal did not point to him being able to offer strong opposition at Riccarton. but, even to the surprise of his owner-trariner, he made a remarkable recovery and judging by his gallant effort in the Homeby Steeplechase, and by his dashing display over the big country on Thursday, he will be produced tomorrow in excellent order to tackle his difficult task under the steadier of 12.6.

Clarion Call can claim to be the most brilliant and the cleverest jumper ever seen at Riccarton. Beau Cavalier thrown in. and he is certain to be in the van throughout, but with 12.1 he will not need to make any mistakes as he is inclined to do. He has won twice over the Riccarton country, but it is suggested here that he takes more risk in his fencing nowadays than formerly, and his fall at Trentham was caused by taking off too far, and Riccarton obstacles will not permit of any faulty efforts, i A win for Clarion Cail would probably be just as popular as that of the topweight, but although he can be depended upon to entertain the public to what ever}' lover of a jumper will travel miles to see. and that is spectacular and thrilling leaping, probably mostly out in front, he does not appeal as much as Padishah, states the sporting writer in the Christchurch ‘■Press.” Erination has been a wonderful horse over a long period, but he cannot be any better than in previous years, and his turn for some stake money may come later in the week. Slayer, unfortunately, did not give the expected line in the Homeby Steeplechase as to his prospects, while his schooling last week did not suggest that he would beat either Ballybrit or Trisox, but he was evidently out for some solid schooling to give him confidence after his experience last Saturday. Slayer is a proved stayer, and his form both at last year’s meeting and at the Dunedin meeting in June (Jf'dhtitles him to most serious consideration.

Ballybrit is undoubtedly a wonderful little steeplechaser, and can be depended upon for a sound race. His fall at the Christchurch Hunt meeting came as a surprise as he has made very few mistakes in hie career, but it was apparently caused by being about half a length from Padishah and taking off with that long reaching jumper. Chat won the Wellington Steeplechase in going fetlock deep, and her only chance here would appear to .depend upon' the Riccarton going and it is very unlikely to be anything like Trentham, no matter what rain falls in the meantime. Trisox and Gay Boa have jumpers’ chances, but Lactose and Golden Glow do not measure up to this class. Flashlight, however, has established his claims to be respected. He won

at Washdyke in an easy manner, and beat Padishah in the Homeby Steeplechase. He will have 171 b less to carry than on that occasion, and will be meeting Padishah on 101 b better terms, but another mile has to be covered and this will reveal the Riccarton representative's weakness. Racegoers can look forward to witnessing one of the best contests in the history of the long-established event, and although it is expected that Padishah will be sent out first choice, there will also be confident support for Clarion Call, Ballybrit and Slayer.

Arctic Star Destroyed. Arctic Star had to be destroyed last week. He gave a great display over three steeplechase fences in view of racing this week, but next day it was found he had broken down hopelessly, and his owner-trainer, C. Dawson, decided that it would be merciful to dispatch him. Arctic Star was one of the best steeplechasers in the South Island, but was chronically unsound, and ran most of his races while suffering from soreness of some kind.

Winter Cup. The Winter Cup has attracted no less than 23 acceptors, and there are not likely to be many defections. One of these will probably be Mittie, who is engaged in the Paparua Handicap, and the stable will rely on Lady Tinkle in the Cup. The issue is again extremely open. The race has once more drawn the best milers under winter conditions in commission in most parts of New Zealand, and recent, winning form is strongly represented, so that with such an assemblage of talent, one can appreciate the intricate problem facing investors. Like Padishah. Catalogue is the star performer of the field. To suggest that he will win his fourth Cup in succession seems rather ambitious, as. it. is only natural to think that he can hardly be in the same form as in previous years, but the same contention was made 12 months ago, when only a small proportion of the public ’ had any confidence in his ability to win his third successive race. He had not done anything before coming south, but had an easy win by two lengths. Catalogue has not won a race in the meantime, and in fact has only had four races, two of them in recent weeks. What a wonderful demonstration there would be if both Padishah and Catalogue again won. The claims of at least half the number carded could justifiably be advanced, and it is certain that speculation will be widely distributed. Present indications are that the prospects of Catalogue. Winning Rival. Lady Tinkle, and Lady Montana will be most favourably considered.

Promising Work.

At Riccarton yesterday Dictate followed Rebellion into the straight, but finished half a length in front of him in 'the good time of 1.17 2-5, the last four in 51 2-5. Dictate received considerable weight from Rebellion, but his work was nevertheless promising. Tidewaiter.

It was reported yesterday that Tidewaiter had pulled up lame after schooling at Riccarton earlier in the week, and was unlikely to start in the Jumpers’ Fiat. However, he worked satisfactorily on Saturday and again yesterday, and there did not seem to be anything amiss with him. His stablemate. Kaiwaka. however, has been suffering from slight lameness, and may not be produced on Tuesday.