FORM AT WAIKATO.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 127, 1 June 1938, Page 20

FORM AT WAIKATO.

SIR FRANK'S SUCCESS. TRANS WELL NARROWLY BEATEN. When Sir Frank snatched victory from Transwell right on the post in the Winter Handicap at Claudelands last Saturday his owner, Mr. C. R. Smith, must surely have congratulated himself on the fact that Cavan Chief started in the race; with him out of it Transwell would have won easily, thus registering his first win over two miles. Transwell's defeat was brought about like this: When the field was let go, Cavan Chief failed to strike his straps smartly, bobbling about a bit, and when he did get going his driver sent him very fast round the outside to join Transwell in the lead. He actually headed the latter, but M. Stewart, driver of Transwell, was evidently determined that Cavan Chief would not pass him, with the result that they went at a very fast pace for half a mile, after which Cavan Chief dropped in behind; in fact, it was apparent, a moment later that he was done with, and lie drifted right out of the race. Transwell continued on in front, and 100 yds from home appeared to be certain to win, despite the fact that S?r Frank was coming with a great ruh. Right on the post Transwell, who was tiring, broke, and Sir Frank won by a neck. However, the break made no difference to the result; it was that first fast half-mile that defeated Transwell, who may make amends at Epsom, where he is in ttie Marconi Handicap. Having his first run in New Zealand, the American importation Langdale was the cynosure of many eyes as he paraded in the birdcage prior to competing in the Hautapu Handicap. A nicely-built gelding, he has quality stamped all over him, and his running in the race confirmed the good opinion created by his appearance. He went away well, but was a long way from the leaders with half a mile to go, and it was not until the field straightened up for home that he appeared on the scene. He then made a fast run into fifth position, but went into a break, eventually finishing sixth. A six-year-old son of Abbedale and Rosaleen, he is trained by F. J. Smith at Takanini and is sure to be borne in mind-. On the Improve. Vanora, whose victory in the Claudelands Handicap from 12yds was his third success since he came into the hands of L. J. Mahoney, has not reached the end of his tether by any means. He was second to Nerihana in the early stages of the race, but as the field entered the back stretch he went past the leader in a flash, to open up a gap of several lengths, an advantage he maintained to the post. He has been rehandicapped from the limit to 12yds in the Marconi Handicap at Epsom and, as he won with a lot in hand at C'audelands, is sure to be well supported. Great Surprise, a three-year-old eon of Surprise Journey, who had been showing promising form on the tracks, had a run in the Bardowie Handicap of two miles. He was in second position most of the way, but was passed by Braemar and Win Huon in the last quarter, and ultimately finished fourth. The race will improve him, and it will indeed be a great surprise if, with maturity, he does not win many races. Frontier Boy, winner of the Introductory Handicap, is one of those "good breakers";' he loses little ground when he gets up. A bold tro.tter, he is still very green, but, with time will develop quality. Equipoise, who was only beaten by a neck by Roma Girl in the Hautapu Handicap, was handicapped on 48 yards and, a» though that were not enough, he lost about three seconds at the start through a bad break. This three-year-old son of Rey l de Oro is a smart pacer. Cavan Chief, hot favourite for the Winter Handicap, impressed as a horse who needs a let-up. He finished a furlong behind the field. Sandusky, who was a good thing beaten at the Waikatd meeting, made amends by winning the President's Handicap in very easy fashion after covering a lot of extra ground.