FORM AT PUKEKOHE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 57, 8 March 1932, Page 12

FORM AT PUKEKOHE.

KARANGAPAI CONSISTENT.

SPEEDMINT SHAPES WELL,

GOOD EFFORT BY JALLDY KARO

Nassock looked in good order when lie ■went out to contest the Higli-tveight Handicap at Pukekohe, and as the field was a very moderate one he never looked like getting beaten over the last halE mile of the contest. Nassock is not brilliant, but he has always shown a fair amount of stayiag ability, and by the time the jumping season arrives he should be at the top of his form. This horse has previously won over hurdles, and more is likely to be heard of him in that department later on in the season.

The form displayed by Hawthorn in the Bombay Handicap was an improvement on his previous efforts, and Ji Buchanan certainly deserves the success that came his way. Hawthorn jumped out smartly and was always in a handy position, and this contributed to his success; while he also hung on well over the last fift- yards when hard pressed. The Lucullus gelding i 3 in great fettle just now, but lack of size will always be against him when racing in the big fields that usually contest hack sprint events. Ran a Good Race. Although beaten, Ruling King ran a good race in the Bombay Handicap, for he was badly placed in the early stages of the contest. He finished on better than anything else in the race, and with a favourable run would probably have won. He has not had much experience and still runs a bit green in his races, but once he overcomes that defect better results con be expected, for he is not lacking as far as galloping ability is concerned.

Reviver showed a lot of speed in the Bombay Handicap, and though she failed to see out the journey her display was encouraging. She is a good type of hack by Peach Brandy from Madam Luculius, and when properly seasoned should be capable of winning in minor hack company before the country meetings are over.

The win recorded by Karangapai in the Waiuku Handicap was impressive, for he finished on strongly under bis solid impost. His second in the Pukekohe Handicap later in the day was also a good performance, for he looked all over a winner half way up the straight. Karangapai's recent form has been most consistent, and it is doubtful if he has ever been better than at present judged on his two races last Saturday. Has Plenty of Speed. From the beginning of her racing career Imamint has always shown herself possessed with more than average speed, and this was fully demonstrated m the Waiuku Handicap last Saturday. She was always near the front, •and took charge half way lip the straight, but want of condition then told on her, and she just failed over the last fifty yards. Imamint has not been up very long, and in the circumstances her effort was a particularly good one. The daughter of Catmint is a brilliant beginner, and as she is steadily improving her future prospects appear good. Favoured with the inside running, Brazanna had every show in the Waiuku Handicap, for she began fast and piloted the field into the straight. However, "When challenged in the rufii home she failed to stay on, and finished oiit of a place. Brazanna has a lot of pace, but unless she improves in stamina her trainer will find it bard to will races with her among the class she will be competing against in hack sprint events on the country circuit. Royal Doulton's Performance. After racing at the rear of the field until the last couple of furlongs in the Franklin Cup, Royal Doulton put m <1 strong run, and won comfortably at the finish. This mare won the same event twelve months ago, and after her forward running at Te Aroha List week it was not surprising that the public elected her favourite, and the support was fully justified. Royal Doulton is _ due to have her next outing in the Ohinemuri Cup, an event she was successful in winning twelve months ago with 8.9 on her back, and she should again run prominently. By finishing second to Royal Doulton in the Franklin Cup, Speedmint was responsible for a good performance, more so as she was going better at the finish than at any previous stage of the race. With the prospect of the ground being easier during the remainder of the season, Speedmint should be capable of winning some good races, for she is a greatly improved filly who has previously shown her ability to race in soft going. Speedmint's next important engagement will be in the Great Northern Oaks, in which event she can be depended oii to ac<juit herself creditably. Was Not Disgraced. Heremia endeavoured to win all the way in the Franklin Cup, but tired over the last stages of the race, eventually finishing third. It was his first test over ten furlongs in open handicap .company, and he was not disgraced, for the ■vVinner, Royal Doulton, was conceding him only 41b, therefore his task was by no means an easy one. Heremia is a solid-looking •customer and one that looks certain to improve with age. As the result of recent raping, Gay Idea looked in excellent condition when she went to the post in the Onewhero_ Handicap, in which she put up a good finishing effort to win. She was some distance from the leaders along the back, but outstayed the field over the last couple of furlongs. Gay Idea is one of the robust sort that thrives on racing, and should win again in similar company before the season is much further advanced. An Improved Hack. F. Stenning produced Desert Star in first-rate fettle at Pukekohe, and the Sandstar gelding had no difficulty in beating the opposition in the Buckland Handicap. He put in a dashing run over the last 100 yards, and was going away from the field at the finish. Desert Star is a bold galloper, and as he has had little racing further successes can be looked for during the next few months, for he is improving all the time. He was ridden a. patient race by E. Manson, and this attributed to his victory to some extent. The win recorded by Jalldy Karo in the Pukekohe Handicap was full of merit, for he was some distance from the leaders crossing the top, and had to make his run on the outside of the field. Once in a line for home, Jalldy Karo finished with great determination, and got up just in time to win. F. Dowding has the Lucullus gelding in great order, and it is doubtful if the best has yet been seen of this promising four-year-old, who looks like developing into a good handicap performer. Finished on Well.__ Failure to begin with his usual dash was all against Royal Gallant in the Waiuku Handicap; still, he went a good race and was running on at the finish, being only a length from the winner at the post. Royal Gallant is staying on much better than formerly and as he is in firstrate condition, his prospects around the country meetings appear good. He is engaged in a couple of six-furlong Events at Tauranga next Saturday and should be worth keeping in mind for that meeting.