TO-DAY’S ACTIVITY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20733, 17 February 1939, Page 10

TO-DAY’S ACTIVITY

MALAGIGI HITS OUT ROUND IN EXCELLENT TIME M. J. ABBOTT ARRIVES Little fast work was attempted at Te Rapa this morning when the course proper, 60ft out from the rails, was available for galloping. Many horses were exercised on the plough and inner grass, among them being M. J. Abbott’s team, Llangollen, Scotland, Sir Robin, Haile Boy, and Kenneth Robert. All members of Abbott’s string are bearing a healthy appearance. That fine sprinter, Llangollen, looks none the worse for recent racing, and if she can reproduce her slashing form of the first day at Rotorua she will take a power of beating in sprint company at the Te Rapa fixture. She was exercised on the tracks this morning, and her bright appearance impressed. Scotland, who has been In Abbott’s charge for the past four months, is right back to his best and his solid

finishing efTort from the rear of the field in the Rotorua Cup, was indicative of further success. Scotland, handily weighted with 7.7 in the Storey Memorial Handicap to-morrow, is one of the ruling fancies for the big event, and he certainly makes strong appeal. On the score of condition there is little to find fault with the aged son of Acre and Bonny Mabel. Haile Boy Improved Haile Boy, a useful performer last season, gave his best exhibition this term on the latter day of the thermal gal liering w hen lie ran right away from tile opposition in the Tarawera llighweiglit. In his present condition he appeals as an excellent prospect for the Beerescourl Hack to-morrow. Winning form' is good form and M. J. Abbott should experience a most successful meeting, the other two members of the string, Sir Robin and Kenetli Robert, both possessing useful credentials. Lady Montana (Midwood), one of the several horses to be sent against] the watch, came home from the sevenfurlong barrier in 1.36 1-5. She was loafing over the concluding stages but appears to be in good heart and a reproduction of her best form wlil see her in the firing line in the big handicap to-morrow. An impressive trial over a round was credited to Malagigi (McLaughlin) and Dark Shadow (McKenzie), who traversed the distance in 2.7£, the first half-mile being cut out. in 56 i-5s and the five furlongs in 1.10 2-5. Dark Shadow established an' early lead over his stable companion and with half-a-mile covered he was showing cut a couple of tine Ills in front. However, a furlong further on Malagigi had almost drawn level and in the straight i hr* finished on to take the measure of Dark Shadow and pass the post, with a couple of lengths in hand. While the time was not exceptional Malagigi im - pressed by the manner in which lie was doing liis work at the end. Seven Seas Schooled Seven Seas T. Fergusson) was schooled over the two hurdles in the straight and gave a meritorious display. T. Ferguson lias been engaged to ride the Spear Dance gelding in the Frankton Hurdles tu-rnorrow.