AUCKLAND TROTS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 251, 23 October 1944, Page 7

AUCKLAND TROTS

VISITORS ROUTED

EXCITING SPORT AT EPSOM

The Auckland Trotting Club had a most successful day at the opening of its spring meeting at Alexandra Park on Saturday, and Auckland owners and trainers virtually scooped the pool against strong opposition from the South Island, winning seven of the eight races on the programme. Punters, too, had a profitable time, as all of the events, with the single exception of the October Handicap, were won by either first or second favourites.

The sport throughout the afternoon was on a high plane, rarely lacking in excitement, and it was further distinguished by the noteworthy performance of the leading horseman F. J. Smith in pulling off the double in the Victory Handicap and Electric Handicap, with Volo Senwod and Hilda Potts.

Volo Senwod is the most improved pacer in the North Island, and appears to be certain to enter the, highest class in the Dominion. He took up a good position in the early stages of the Victory, and F. J. Smith gave him a nice run on the fence to the final three furlongs pole, where the Lusty Volo pacer, with a little more running rein, took the lead to go on and win with something in reserve from Black Label, which finished smartly from a long way back to deprive Golden River of second place. This was Volo Senwod's fifth win in succession, and his record since December 30 last, when he won the Premier Handicap, is six firsts, one second and two thirds in nine starts.

The Electric Handicap, second "leg of the double, resolved itself into a duel between Hilda Potts and Claremorris, the pair clearing out from the rest of the field in the last half-mile. There was nothing between them as they swept round the bend into the home stretch,, but the advantage of inside running was in favour of Hilda Potts, and this factor contributed to her victory by half a length. Hillcrest was a poor third. Speculators were In real holiday mood, wagering no less than £87,407, as against £70 206 10/ for the corresponding day last year, an increase of £17,200 10/. Late results were:— PARNELL HANDICAP of £500, two miles, limit 4.48.—1-1. LADY MONESS. 12yds (M. StewartL 1: 3-3 COMMUNIQUE, limit (P. Gallagher), 2: 2-2 MEDICAL STUDENT, limit (P. 3. Smith),- 3. Scratched: Contender. Warform, Gallant Maid. Three-quarters of a length; length. Jlmes, 4.43 3-5, 4.45, 4.45 2-5. Winner trained by M. Stewart, Tβ Rapa.

VICTORY HANDICAP of £1000, two miles, limit 4.34.—2-1 VOLO SENWOD, 12yds (P. 3. Smith), 1; 6-6 BLACK LABEL, 36yds (A. W. Broughton), 2; 7-7 GOLDEN RIVER, 36yds (S. Messervy), 3. Scratched: Hilda Potts, War Guard, Dlanus. Three-quarters of a length; four lengths. Times, 4.39, 4.37 2-5. 4.39 1-5. Winner trained by P. J. Smith, Takaninl.

MOUNTAIN HANDICAP of £ 650, trotters, two miles, limit 4.49.-2-2 ROBIE, 36yds (J. T. Paul), 1;. .5-5 COCKNEY, 24yds (J. Behrns), 2; 3-3 ECHOIST, 24yds (L. P. Berkett). 3. Scratched: Casablanca, Castigate, Dolores Silk. Imperial Jade. Three-quarters of a length; three lengths. Times,. 4.50, 4.51 2-5. 4.52 4-5. Winner trained by J. T. Paul, Mangere. STEWAHDS , HANDICAP of £600, one mile and a half, limit 3.30.—2-1 SEA BORN, 24yds (F. G. Holmes), 1; 6-7 POPPOTUNOA, 24yds (R. Young), 2; 1-2 JACK HIGH, limit (M. Stewart), 3. Scratched: Trlkkala. Two lengths and a e half; two. Times, 3.25 2-5, 3.26 3-5, 3.29 2-5. Winner trained by F. G. Holmes, Addlngton. EPSOM HANDICAP of £400, two miles, limit 4.55.—1-1 RITA GBATTAN, 12yds (M. Stewart), 1: 7-6 HEYDEY, limit (M. Paul), 2; 10-10 ATHLONE DIRECT, 12yds (F. H. Herring, jun.), 3. Scratched: Dainty Jewel, Flash Light, Albert Tracey. Nose; length and a half. Times. 4.46, 4.47 1-5. 4.47 3-5. Winner trained by M. Stewart. Te Rapa. ELECTRIC! HANDICAP of £750, one mile and a quarter, limit 2.49.—1-1 HILDA POTTS, 12yds (F. J. Smith). 1; 2-2 CLAREMORRIS. limit (F. G. Holmes), 2; 5-4 HILLCREST, 24yds (D. McKendry) 3. Scratched: Loyal King, Volo Senwod, Stuart Lee, War Guard. Half a length; eight lengths. Times, 2.48, 2.49 1-5. 2.50. Winner trained by F. J. Smith, Takanlni. Bracket: Hilda Potts and Parshall.