SOUTHERNERS FAIL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 80, 5 April 1943, Page 5

SOUTHERNERS FAIL

F. J. SMITH TAKES TOLL

SOUTH AUCKLAND TROTTING

Although represented by a strong contingent, southern trainers missed the bus, as it were, at the South Auckland Trotting Clubs' combined meeting at Te Rapa on Saturday, only one race going their way, this the Claudelands Handicap, won by Volterra. The winner is a well-bred three-year-old colt by Jae_k Potts from Auditress, and he revealed plenty of courage and a nice turn of speed to run past the favourite, Stuart Lee, in the last few yards. Volterra was purchased recently by Mr. V. Barker, an Auckland sportsman, who had to pay £800 for the colt, and the Claudelands was his first run in a race—that is, apart from one Matinee performance. Mr. Barker, who also races Conflagrate in partnership with Mr. S. J. Gudsell, just failed to bring off a winning double in the next event, for it was only in the last two or three strides that Kitty's Choice came "from the clouds" to snatch the verdict on the post. The Winning Double Josette, trained by M. Stewart at Te Rapa, played havoc with the opposition over the concluding half furlong in the R. T. Reid Memorial, chief event. Mr. W. Hosking's David McElwyn mare was slightly better than a 6 .to 4 favourite, and although the race was run at a muddling pace there is no gainsaying the fact that she is an improved pacer this season, during which she has registered three wins, two seconds and one third in nine starts. The second "leg" of the double was won brilliantly by the third favourite, Parshall, the most improved, and probably the fastest pacer over any distance at present in commission in this province. Parshall was on a tight rein in defeating Integrity, Parrish Lad and Pacing Power in 2.42 3-5 from 2.48. He is a five-year-old gelding by Ringtrue from Coal Light, and is raced by Mr. E. G. Bridgens, president of the Auckland Trotting Club. He has had six starts this season for four wins and. two seconds. •Trainer's Three Winners F. J. Smith, Takanini trainer, was in fine form, taking three races, the Introductory Handicap with the three-year-old trotter Forewarned, the Frankton Handicap with Volo Senwood, another three-year-old, and the Farewell with Parshall. Both Forewarned, which has yet to run a bad race, and Volo Senwood, triumphed over early difficulties in running, and the victory of the latter was one of the most impressive during the afternoon. How They Wagered The weather was dull and cold, with a few light showers. There was a large attendance, and the track "was in good order. The totalisator handled £44,765 10/, compared with £39,526 at the spring meeting, an increase of £52JU IU/.