THE SPRINTERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 31, 7 February 1939, Page 14

THE SPRINTERS.

GOOD CLASS ENGAGED. TRIAL FOR VAN DERBY. The crack pacer Van Derby, holder of the one mile grass track record for Australasia, will have no easy task to get through, or run round, the big field in the Papakura Handicap from 60 yards behind. To discuss his brilliancy is futile. That is beyond question. But there are others in the field who are on the improve and whose prospect of success will be enhanced by racing off from the front e»d. One of these is Civic, of whom the best has yet to be seen. He won well at Alexandra Park a little over two months ago, and has worked brilliantly since then. Another is the American importation Bill B, whose third at Hutt Park last Saturday was distinctly encouraging. He was then only a recent arrival from the South Island, and should be a better horse at Auckland. Bill B. is an exceptionally fast pacer, and it is unfortunate for his connections that he has suffered from an internal ailment from time to time since his arrival in this country. He'is on the up grade at the moment. Vanora is coming back to form, and Sir Frank should be suited by the distance. Civic, Van Derby, Bill B. and Sir Frank are mentioned in early discussions.