CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 September 1940, Page 3

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Training Operations at Opaki

(BY

“THE GRAFTER”)

Training operations at Opaki are progressing favourably and a large number of candidates are being specially prepared for Wellington provincial meetings in the near future. A big contingent of horses are undergoing training in view of the Masterton Racing Club’s meeting on October 17 and 19. It is expected that the Wairarapa will be represented by the greatest number of horses seen at the popular Opaki gathering for many years. There are some sixty horses being handled at Opaki, and many of them are possessed of racing qualities of a very high standard. It is anticipated that a strong contingent of Trentham horses will also compete at Opaki. Quite a number of horses who have been on the easy list, recovering from operations, etc., are now being given serious tasks and they should be in good form by October 17. A likely string of Masterton horses will be seen out at Foxtop tomorrow, and of these Counter has been striding along in a manner which should ensure for him strong support. White Rajah has been galloping better than has been the case for some time and is certainly a much-improved horse si'nce he ran fourth in the Members’ Handicap at Trentham to Sleeveless. With 7.6 in the Robinson Handicap his prospects look good. Lady Montana, although she did not run up to expectations at Riccarton in August, made amends by a smart win in the Hi'ggie Handicap at Wanganui. She has done very satisfactory work on the track at Opaki lately, and should be a hard proposition in the Carnarvon Handicap. T. R. George has two of his charges, Galteemore and Pearl of Asia, in good heart and their efforts at Foxton will be watched with interest. At Wanganui early this month Pearl of Asia tried to win the Putiki Handicap all the way but was beaten for first place in the run down the straight by Hasten. She, however, failed on the second day in the Moutoa Hack Handicap, won by Don Quex. Since then she has come along nicely, and a win should soon be within striking distance. Galteemore’s only race this season was in the Okehu Hurdles at Wanganui, where he ran unplaced to Smoke Screen. He will carry 3lbs less in the

Piaka Hurdles tomorrow. Serenaia and Phaleron Song have also shown improved track form during the past week. ./