F. SMITH TAKES TREBLE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 109, 10 May 1943, Page 5

F. SMITH TAKES TREBLE

ECHOIST IN* DEAD-HEAT Exciting racing was witnessed at a meeting of the combined South Auckland Trotting Clubs at Claudelands on Saturday, five of the eight events being won by half a length or less, while there was a dead-heat in the principal trot. Echoist, a warm favourite, and Imperial Jade participated in the deadheat, the latter finishing with rare determination to make up half a length from the home turn and share the spoils. F. J. Smith, who is having a fine season, continued on his winning way to take three races with Forewarned (Innovation Handicap), Parshall (President's), and Symphony (Fencourt). Forewarned had a very easy victory, but both Parshall and Symphony were hard pressed over the concluding stages of their runs. Parshall is well on his way to the tight marks, and in all probability will do his racing next season in the South Island; The Cambridge trainer, C. G. Lee, who won a double with Auto Prince at the recent Hawera meeting, completed a hattrick by taking the Karapiro Handicap with the four-year-old Auto Machine horse, and there is no doubt about the fact that Auto Prince is a smart pacer. He was a solid favourite at less than two to one, and he led practically all the way to clock 4.35 for the two miles, this time equalling Parshall's run in the President's.

The weather was dull, with a few light showers. There was a large attendance. The track was good, but not fast. The totalisator handled £41,990 10/, a record for Claudelands. There was no winter meeting last year.