SPRINT MORTGAGE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 307, 29 December 1942, Page 7

SPRINT MORTGAGE

HELD BY TAKANINI

TRAINER'S UNIQUE RECORD

The Railway Handicap at Ellerslie has now become a habit for Takanini-trained horses, and Beau Vaals' success on Boxing Day made the fourth successive victory for that district, Bronwen having won in 1939 and 1940 and Route March last year. When Bronwen won in 1940, trainer P. Smith was considered unlucky, as his three candidates, Proud Fox, Arvakur and Gold Money Song, finished second, third and fourth respectively, so that he would have much satisfaction in providing the first three placed horses on this occasion. Without detracting from the merit of Beau Vaals' win—as he did extremely well for a three-year-old to carry 8.3 to victory—there is no denying the fact that Cambria was unlucky. He was drawn badly at the barrier, and met a check half-way down the running. Without these drawbacks a different result may have obtained, a fact worth remembering when Cambria steps out in his remaining engagements at the meeting.

Had Every Chance No excuses can be offered for Sleepy Fox's defeat. He was close enough all the way, and about 100 yds from the judge had slipped through on the inside to momentarily dispute the issue with the leaders, an effort which was not sustained. While a little disconcerting, Sleepy Fox is too speedy a gelding to be dismissed because of his defeat. Strong Derby Hand Great interest is now being focused on the Derby, in which the stablemates, Representative and Lord Chancellor, will carry the Tnknnini banner with credit. ■ Representative's Christmas Handicap ,suc- j <e-?s restores confidence in the Nightmarch gelding, and confirms the opinion that he is a better horse at Ellerslie than elsewhere. His most dangerous opponents may be Lord Chancellor and Indian Princess ar.d Rink. Royal Merit, which was not raced on Boxing Day, will also be a contestant for the coveted blue riband, and this gelding makes a third string to F. Smith's bow. It is understood that M. Caddy will pilot Representative, J. Winder Lord Chancellor, and that P. Atkins is travelling north to ride Indian Princess. On the Upgrade Jeff's run at the end of the Robinson Handicap on Saturday suggested strong possibilities. The son of Musketoon and Cavour has yet to win, but he is making rapid strides towards that goal. Invariably finishing on at the end of his races, Jeff appears to be a bright prospect for the Ellerslie Handicap on New Year's Day. Overdue Success Gold Money Song's victory at Stratford was by no means out of turn. The Hunting Song gelding had been turned out a few weeks ago, and advertised for sale, but a revision of plans led to his being brought into work again. With comparatively little work, he was sent to Stratford, with happy results. Will Do Better Tweedsmuir was not quite equal to the task of catching the judge's eye in the Queen's Plate, but, nevertheless, ran a creditable race, and when back among the lesser lights, should be considered. He is improving gradually, and, as the season advances, will repeat his Bulls success of last month. Versatile Performers Foxola's attempt at two miles must have been very satisfactory to her connections. For consistency, the Foxbridge galloper is probably the best mare we have seen in recent years, her versatility as a sprinter and a stayer being most admirable. Any success that comes her way is always well received, and she is in line for further honours before the close of the present carnival. In at the Death Unsighted until the finish of the Railway Handicap, Monte Cristo was putting in good work at the end, but failed to reach a place. Over a slightly longer journey the Bronzo Eagle gelding will come in for good strpport. Track Efforts Please Verus, which has been working better than at any previous stage of his career, , was on the course last Saturday, but was not started. It is understood that no suitable rider could be obtained. Verus may show up among the hacks before the conclusion of the meeting, although he has yet to live down a mediocre record.