NOT SURPRISING

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1944, Page 7

NOT SURPRISING

AUTUMN FAILURES

CASE OF REPRESENTATIVE

The almost complete black-out of Representative in the Franklin Cup did not come as a complete surprise to followers of form, as the son of Nightmare!) and Praise had already failed in the two autumns of his racing career. As a two-year-old he was unplaced in his only two starts in the autumn, and last season his form at the same period was poor—one third in five starts. Although handy to the leaders just before entering the home stretch last Saturday he was one of the first horses beaten in the run to the judge, and finished near the tail of the field. Stablemate Jeff was also to the rear, but he has never shown that soft track conditions would assist him to victory.

Gay Chat's victory in the Tuakau Stakes was well received, as he had raced generously throughout the season, without winning, and was climbing up the handicaps as a result of minor platings. Very small, the Chatsworth gelding is of the same conformation as his half-sister Merry May and undoubtedly inherits the courage of the diminutive Gay Marigold, which promises so well as a stud matron. For one not accepted as good in bad ground, Plasslda's third in the abovementioned event was a creditable effort. She looked particularly well on Saturday, and it would occasion no surprise if she were to be among the top flight ot juveniles before the conclusion of the met interference in the concluding stages of the Tuakau Stakes, but nevertheless, ran a fair fourth He suffered an injury above the knee though coming into contact with the rails but at the moment it is not anticipated that this will adversely affect his Ka&tci e^S e r nt failure by Sousa at Te Rann docs not encourage any belief that he Will make good this season. From a gooa familv of winners, better things were expected of him, and he has much to do to gain the confidence of his connections. One to Remember

Prior to Te Rapn. Sir Bian hart been working well? and it was a pity that he was not taken 1o the meeting. He s engaged afpaeroa, and should be capable of a creditable effort in the Netheiton beaten at Te Rapa. High Span will bo the favourite for the Karangahake Handicap at Paeronas his form rends much better than the remainder of the field, and justifies his position at the head of the handicap 1 An Interesting entrant for the Oh ncmuri Cup is Foxola, ot which little lias been seen since the Wellington meeting chinces in any handicap she contests. autumn and winter conditions he will come into favour. B»jag«l 'Vs -el* fe ri l C ooks aA 1 ! g a e ns hi! prospect? will be further enhanced On A a S n an a nounc a ed k "a couple of weeks ago. M-U .mTta trainer J. w! Cathro, who was ; Should AilU lo Record iliiiii and travellers.