GRAND NATIONAL HURDLES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 210, 5 August 1937, Page 14

GRAND NATIONAL HURDLES.

PROSPECTS OF COLLISION. (By “Spectator.”) By his victory in tho Longbcach Handicap at Riccarton last Saturday the improving Collision demonstrated that ho is in fino form and ho has a strong following for the Grand National Hurdles. Collision has a good record in his first season as a hurdler and besides having more brillianco than many of tho jumpers, he also stays solidly, as was shown by his good second to John Charles in tho Winter Hurdles at Trcntham last month. His prospects in tho Grand National Hurdles will bo enhanced if the going happens to bo soft. Winter Cup Fancy. Dictate, who cost Mr M. O’Brien 50 guineas as a yearling, has now won over £SOO. Ho will moot Concortpitch only lib worse in tho Winter Cup than in tho Brabazon Handicap, and the extra furlong should not toll against him, according to his previous showings. His victory of Saturday, and Trench Fight’s misadventure have made Dictate nominal favourite for the Cup, in which ho will have the services of B. H. Morris. Maypay for America. The Papor Money mare Maypay, sister to Autopay, is to be shipped early this month to bo mated in the United States with Black Tony. She has been for some months at the Grange Stud, Westmorc, where sho was covered, to foal in English time, by tho Phalaris horse Phalcron Bay, and after sho has been served by Black Tony she will bo sent on to one of the Aga Khan’s breeding establishments. Australian-bred Filly. Moonraker, who was second to Rockingham at Riccarton on Saturday, is an Australiambrcd filly by Rionscup from Volouse, and on Saturday she made her first appearance on a New Zealand racecourse in tho colours of Mr PI. D. Greenwood. Sho had a couple of starts early in tho season in New South Wales.

Small Boy’s Consistency. Small Boy, who scored twice at Gisborne, has won six races and run six seconds this ceason. Filly Starts Work. One of the latest to join the two-year-old brigade at Ellorslie is a chestnut, filly by Captajn Bunsby from Duchess Eiulorus. Although a shade on the small side, sho is a well-balanced youngster, who should develop a good deal during tho next few months. 'lnis filly has a deformed foot, but it is gradually coming right and is unlikely to affect her career.

Likes Heavy Going. Prince Colossus is getting through a solid preparation at Ellerslie and has improved a good deal during the last couple of months. Ho has had several trials over tho schooling hurdles recently and has shown a fair amount of ability for a beginner. It is intended to race Prince Colossus on tho flat at tho Pakuranga meeting, and if the ground is heavy it will enhance his prospects, for he is a proved mudlark. Sir Russell Returns.

The aged gelding Sir .Russell, by Archiestown—Miss Floss, has joined W. Fergus’s stable at Ellerslie. A number of seasons ago, when trained by J. Wallace at Te Aroha, Sir Russell registered several wins on the country circuit. However, as he is now eleven years old, it is doubtful if Sir Russell will "be capable of reproducing his earlier form. Precipitation Retired. Precipitation, acknowledged the - best stayer in England at present, and winner of tho Ascot Gold Gup a few weeks ago, has been retired to the stud. No fee has been announced for tho son of Hurry On and Double Life, but in view of his outstanding performances it is certain to bo high. His services were in such demand that his list has filled for 1938 and 1939, and only a few vacancies are available for 1940. Precipitation seems to have come in nice timo to continue tho success of the lino of West Australian, a« did his sire Hurry On.