AUCKLAND TRACK NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 151, 23 December 1929, Page 8

AUCKLAND TRACK NOTES

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Post.")

AUCKLAND, This Day.

Although there', was a fairly heavy shower about 6 o'clock, conditions were good for training operations at Ellerslie on Saturday morning, and some interesting work was accomplished, a feature being the good efforts of the Auckland Cup candidates, Corinax, Paquito, Count Cavour, and Prodice, who all worked well. The tracks were in beautiful mellow condition after the showery weather we have- been experiencing, and excellent going was provided for galloping on the outside of the course proper, where the flags were out about 35 feet. One of the most impressive gallops was that of Corinax (W. H. Jones), who defeated Vertigern (C. Eastwood) by four lengths over a round in 2min 5 2-ssec. Before workiug Vertigern bolted for about seven furlongs, going slightly faster than a good half pace, and in consequence he was not bustled in the gallop, with the result that he was not of much assistance to Corinax, who led throughout, and finished very strongly. Corinax ran the last seven furlongs in lmin 30 4-ssec, and the last four in 52 3-ssec, and would have done better with some assistance over the last few furlongs.

Another pair to work well were Paquito and Count Cavour, who were together at the conclusion of a mile and a quarter in 2min 18 l-ssec. They ran tho last seven furlongs in lmin 33 4-ssec, and the last four in 54 4-ssec, Paquito (inside) going the easier at the finish, where Count Cavour was being kicked out. Paquito is a fit horse, and old Count Cavour is so full of life that his chance is not likely to be despised, although recent form does not say a great deal for his prospects.

With L. J. Ellis in the saddle, Prodice alone covered a round in 2min Bsec. She was travelling well throughout, and could have improved upon the 5i 3-ssec she registered over the last four furlongs. She is in great heart, and is now a considerably better mare than when she raced at. the New Zealand Cup Meeting last month. Up to the present Prodice has not proved a genuine stayer, but her connections are very hopeful regarding her chance, and expect her to get two miles successfully. Shrewd was restricted to a useful working effort over a mile and a quarter, without being extended at any stage, and wa3 always bowling along well within himself. Somo consider Shrewd one of the likely lightweights •in the Cup, but he scarcely seems class enough to win a race of this description. ;

Nothing outstanding was registered by the horses who were moved along over sprint distances, although there were some who went very nicely. Notable among these were Praise, who defeated Greenaway over five furlongs in lmin ssec, and Toxeuma, who curried a substantial weight and beat Tea Time aud Taneriri over sis furlongs in lmin 20 l-ssec. Praise impresses every time she gallops, and what beats her should win the Great Northern Foal Stakes. Gold Money,, who seems to be coming on with every gallop, also hit out well, in running five furlongs in lmin ssec. She has not been in long after a let up, and, though she can scarcely be forward enough for the first day, may come on sufficiently with a. race to be a possibility later in the meeting. The Derby candidate Honour galloped in bold style in beating Jaloux by about a length over seven, furlongs in lmin 32 4-ssec. Honour has improved with every gallop here, and promises to extend his winning record at the meeting. Jaloux does not impress as being anything above the ordinary, although he is undoubtedly

useful, and should pay expenses unless he

is raced against the good horses. It is understood that he will run in the Auckland Cup, but may be out of his class in that race. Another Derby candidate in Count Palatine also hit out with plenty oE freedom

while running a sound seven furlongs with King Midas. They registered lmin 19sec ovei1 the las>t six, and were on terms at the finish. Count Palatine is carrying more condition than previously, and is likely tt> show improved form shortly. Biddy's Boy aud Tenterden did best of the two-year-olds after Praise, iv sprinting four furlongs in slsec. They finished together, and there was little to choose betweeu them, although Tenterden appeared to be going a shade the easier. Another youngster in Hampton Park also shaped creditably over three furlongs in 39sec, and the pleasing feature pi" his effort was that he was running on strongly at the end.

Nothing pleased better among the hacks than Richfield, who gave Diamond Queen over a length break and beat her comfortably over five furlongs in luiin 6sec. Richfield was doing it very well at the finish, and is an improving galloper who will shortly win his way into open company. Amor, Pangolin, and Duellona all moved freely while covering six furlongs in lmin 21 3-ssec. Duellona bears an improved appearance, and will be one of the most difficult to beat in the Queen's Plate, in which Richfield, Vali, Count Palatine, and Imperial Prince may provide the toughest opposition.

Paquito, Corinnx, and Star Stranger are the ruling favourites for tlio Auckland Cup, with Prodice also solidly fancied. Lady Quex and Toxeuma are prime fancies for tho Railway Handicap.