BLAIR ATHOL WINS HANDICAP

Press, Issue 22599, 3 January 1939, Page 12

BLAIR ATHOL WINS HANDICAP

CANTERBURY PARK MEETING HIGH STANDARD OF RACING TOTALISATOR SHOWS BIG INCREASE The Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s meeting was held yesterday in almost ideal weather. There was a very large attendance and the totalisator investments. which amounted to £47,959, showed an increase of £11,788 on last year’s total of £36,171. It was thought that Indianapolis would attempt to break the Southern Hemisphere record of Imin 59 2-ssec for a mile established by Lawn Derby, but as neither the weather nor the track was as good as when the Australian champion made his record, the attempt was abandoned. Mr G. J. Barton did not wish to disappoint the public, and Indianapolis was sent out to give an exhibition of pacing over halfa mile. The Wrack stallion showed that he still retains his brilliance by covering th£ journey in 58 2-ssec, the firs* furlong in 13 4-ssec, and the quar-ter-mile in 27 4-ssec. It was only to be expected that after such, a burst he was called on for his best in the last furlong. Indianapolis apparently retains his speed, which, however, he may not be able to carry on for the full eight furlongs. It was a fine exhibition ol pacing lor the journey and represented a rats of better than Imin S7»ec to the mile. If weather and track conditions are suitable Indianapol& will make his attempt on the record after the first race has been rmf to-day. •rate racing generally was up to the best Addington standard, and while appeared to be drawn out* it was the time allowed for the record-breaking performance of. Indianapolis tbat held up the programme. Canterbury Park lived up to its reputation lor punctuality and with an unexoectedly large amount of money to handle the totalisator staff did excellent work.

The honorary officials, under the command of the president, Mr J. E. W. Cross, who was assisted by the vicepresident. Mr A. Bose, carried out their dudes in exemplary manner, and de'tail arrangements under 'tKe secretary, Mr A. I. Rattray, assisted greatly in the smooth running of a meeting that was thoroughly enjoyed by the big crowd* Details of the racing are as 'follows:—

INTBODUCTOEY HANDICAP, j Of £200; second horse £4O, and third • horse £2O from stake. Unhoppled trotters. 3min 42sec class. One mile and a half. 8. J. BeU. Jun.’s br g ESCALADO by Native King—Stella Pointer aged scr .. . - Owner 1 1, I—McFarlane and Scott’s b g Gerfalcon 6yrs 24. .. M. Holmes 2 12, J3—J. Westerman’s cfa g Timworthy syxs 96 .. -• F. Holmes 3 14 14 Harvest Dillon scr: 2. 3 Lady Ede aor; 7. 8 Mother’s Boy scr: 8.-8 Thor scr; 10, 10 Obtnemutu 12; 6, 7 Premier 12: 3. 5 Shadeland 12: 13, 12 Sphinx 24; 4. 2 Syntax 38: 9. 9 Tommy Guy 38; 11. 11 Esther also staytod# Won by a length: six lengths between second and third. Shadeland was fourth. Times—3min 29 4-9 sec, 3mln 24sec. 3mln 21sec. Winner trained by owner, Ashburtoo. ■

bailway handicap. In caddie. Of A 200; second horse £4O, «nH third horse £2O from stake. 2min Usee class. One mile. 2, 2—W. G. DeyeU's b hj CAVAN CHIEF by Travis Axworthy— Knocknlnny Belle Syrs scr „ H. Marshall 1 3. 3—C. J. Nordqvist’s b g Labourman aged scr G. McKendry 2 T. M>. T. Evans's b g Wynan Syrs 12 M. Holmes 3 f„ 9 Heather Queen scr; 8, 8 Racketeer ser and Golden Cross 12 bracketed; 5, S Reno 12; 1. 1 Waltakl Power 12; 4. 4 Lynwood 24: 6. 7 Morewa 24 also started. Wen by a length; half a length between mnßosd and third. Waitakl Power was feuath. Times—2mln 10 1-Ssec, 2mln 10 l-llecV 2min 9 3-Ssec. Winner trained by J. Bryce, Hornby.

CANTERBURY HANDICAP. Of £1000; second horse £2OO, third horse £lO9, and fourth horse £3O from stake. 4min 27sec class. Two miles. 3. 2—Estate G. Stanley’s cb g BLAIR ATHOL by Rey de Oro—Molly • Pointer 6yrs scr .. J. Pringle 1 2.3 W. J. Gudsell's blk hj Plutus aged 24 ■. .. C. S. Donald 2 7. 6—Mrs E. K. Mauger’s br e War . Buoy aged 12 .. M- B. Edwards 3 ». 9—W. Hoskins’s br g Ironside aged 39 Inc. 12 pen. .. J. Fraser, jun. 4 fl, 7 Big Author scr; 9, 9 Bingen Palm scr; 8. 0 Bonny Azure 12; 1. 1 King’s Flay 12 and • Morello 24 bracketed; 4. 4 Pot Luck 48 also started. Won by a length: half a length between second and third. Fourth horse -two lengths further back. . Times—4min 27 X-Osec. 4min 23 2-3 sec. 4min 26 3-Ssec. Winner trained by R. J. Humphreys, Templeton. , * ; LYTTELTON HANDICAP, Of >£2oo: second horse £4O. and third horse £2O from stake. 3mia 34sec class. One mile and a half. «. 4—M. Ischia’s ch g JESSE OWENS - by Adioo Guy—Eiffel Tower Syrs scr .. .. D. Teahen 1

8.- 10— W. Freeland’s hr S Glenastle Syrs scr .. J. Behrns 2 1. I—Mrs R. E. Hall’s bh m Wee Potts Syrs scr ... J. Bryce, jun. 3

9,'11 Black Marble scr; 4. 6 Cruiser scr: 11, 9 Hidden Charm scr; 10, 8 Janeworthy scr: 2, 2 King Potts scr; 14, 14 Llewellyn’s Pet scr; 7, 7 Palomar scr; 3, 3 Tinker scr; 1. 1 Ace High 24 bracketed with Wee Potts; 12, 12 Diversion 12; 4, 4 Evora 12: 13, 13 Waitemata 36; 14, 14 Jovial 48 also started.

Won by a length; five lengths between second and third. Hidden Charm was fourth. Times —3min 21 l-ssec, 3min 21 2-ssec, 3min 23 3-Ssec. Winner trained by D. Teahen, Pleasant Point.

STEWARDS* HANDICAP, Of £275: second horse £54. and third horse £27 from stake. Unhoppled . trotters. 4min 41sec class. Two miles. 1. 3—V. Alborn’s b m ROYAL RO-

MANCE by Native King—Logan Lass aged 12 .. .. Owner 1 5. 6—Mrs E. Berryman’s ch g Wahnooka aged 96 .. C. S. Donald 2 4. s—Mrs K. C. Oldfield’ s br g Walter Wrack aged scr R. B. Berry 3 10, lO Kippagh scr: 9, 9 Survivor scr: 4, 5 Pilot Peter 60 bracketed with Walter Wrack; 6. 4 Little Reta 12; 2. 1 Qanton 24; 3, 2 Guy Hugo 36; 7. 7 Aristotle 36; 8, 8 Bittersweet 48 also started. Won by a neck; four lengths between second and third. Guy Hugo was fourth. Times—4min 35 2-ssec, 4mln 29 3-ssec, 4mln 33 l-ssec. Winner trained by ’ J.' D. Litten, Addington.

ISLINGTON HANDICAP, £250: second horse £SO, and third horse £25 from stake. 3mln 25sec class. One mile and a half. 7—A. McLeod’s Wk g DONALD

DHU by Man o’ War—Tracey Maid 4yrs 24 . .. J. Pringle 1 4. s—McFarlane and Scott’s b hj Bing Crosby 6yrs 12 .. M. Holmes 2 6. 6—D. Robertson’s b m Morewa aged 12 . ~ D. Teahen 3 10. 10 Golden Cross scr; 2, 2 Jackaranda scr: 1, 1 Southern Chief scr; 8, 0 Wee Wrack scr; 5, 3 Nell Grattan 12; 9. 8 Zincall. 12; 3, 4 Fremont 24 also started. Won by half a length; neck between second and third. Jacfcaranrfa was, fourth. Times —3min IB 2-ssec, 3min 19 3-Ssec, 3min 19 4-ssec. Winner trained by R. J. Humphreys, Templeton. TEMPLETON HANDICAP. Of £225; • second horse £44, and third horse £22 from stake. 3min 29sec. class. One mile and a half. 3. 2—C. J. Nordqvlst’s b g LABOURMAN by Man o’ War—St. Bridget aged 12 .. G. McKendry 1 2.3 B. Grice's b m Laurene Wood aged scr .. .. O. E. Hooper 2 8. 5—R. H. Butterlck’s b m Credit Funds 6yrs scr , •• J. Behms 3 13. 13 Full Hand scr: 11, 11 Gallinford scr: 4, 4 Guncase scr; 1. 1 Quest scr: 10. 10 Sage King scr; 5. 6 Token scr; 9. 9 Ivy Petersen 12; 8. 8 Moana Tama 12; 12. 12 Trevor de Oro 12: 7, 7 Twenty Grand 24 also started. Won by a neck; length between second and third. Moana Tama was fourth. Times—rSmln 19 2-ssec, 3mln 20.3-ssec, 3min 20 4-ssec. Winner trained by owner, Methven.

AD BEVOIB HANDICAP, - Of ■ £300; second horse £6O, and third horse £3O from stake. 2min 45sec class. One mile and a quarter. 1. I —J. H. McKenzie’s blk hj GALLANT KNIGHT by Mr McElwyn— Etta . Day aged scr J. Bryce. Jun. 1 4. 4—G. J. Barton’s b m Rongomal aged scr •• J- Fraser jun. 2 6. 6—J. L. Purdon’s b g Llewellyn s Pride aged scr .. A- Purdon 3 5. 5 Bingen Palm 12; 3, 3 Glenrossie 12: 2.2 Parisienne 48 Inc. 12 pen. also St Wbn by a length; three lengths between second and third. Glenrossie was fourth. Times—2min 42 2-ssec, 2mm 42 3-ssec, brrUn 43sec. Winner trained by F. C. Dunlevy, Yaldhurst. '

NOTES ON THE RACING The Favourite Beaten The field in the Introductory Handicap was soon well strung out, for most of those engaged made mistakes in the first two furlong?, and the offenders included the warm favourite, Gerfalcon. Harvest Dillon, Mother’s Boy, Escalade, and Shadeland were the steady trotters over the early pari, and this was the order at the end of two furlongs. while Timworthy was rapidly picking up ground. The field steadied down in the next half mile, and with a round to go Escalado was setting a merry pace from Shadeland and Mother’s Boy, while Gerfalcon, trotting steadily, was scftne lengths away in third place. Shadeland broke in the back stretch, and Gerfalcon raced into second place. He made a good attempt to catch the leader, but the effort of making up a big stretch of ground left him tired at the .finish, when Escalado was going the better. Timworthy, finishing fast, just got up to beat Shadeland on the post. Well back were Syntax, Thor, and Tommy Guy. Lady Ede backed away as the barriers were rgleased, and the remainder were altogether too unsteady in their gait to have any chance of success. . A Mile in Saddle

Cavan Chief did not make a good beginning in the Railway Handicap, a mile in saddle, but once on his feet he picked up his lost ground quickly, and with half the distance covered he always looked a winner. Labourman, Waitaki Power, Racketeer, Reno, and Cavan Chief was the order out of the barrier, and it was little changed when the first quarter was completed. Cavan Chief made a fast move going into the back stretch, where he led Labourman, Waitaki Power, Reno, Wynan, Golden Cross, and Heather Queen. Cavan Chief led into the straight, and, always going the better. h§ fairly beat Labourman. while Wynan just headed off Waitaki Power for third place. Lynwood galloped out of the barrier, and did not settle down until all chance was gone. A Consistent Pacer

Blair Athol won the Canterbury Handicap in good style from Plutus and War Buoy, after an exciting finish; but a slow pace in the early stages militated against fast time being registered. Bonny Azure lost a big stretch of ground at the start, and King’s Play also hobbled on the mark. At the end of half a m'ile, the order was Blair Athol, Big Author, War Buoy, Plutus, Bingen Palm; Ironside, Pot Luck, Morello, and King’s Play. For another two furlongs the field travelled at a steady pace, but then King’s Play made a-dash past the : field, and at the end of a mile and a quarter was disputing the lead with Blair Athol and Big Author, Plutus, Ironside. and War Buoy following, and

Morello last. Down the back King’s Play and Blair Athol still raced together, ahead of Ironside, Plutus, and War Buoy, and the order into the straight was the same, and, while Blair Athol had to be driven out, he had a clear lead at the finish from Plutus. who again secured a run on the rails, to gain second money ahead of War Buoy. Ironside was fourth ahead of King's Play, Morello and Pot Luck.

The time, 4min 27 l-ssec, was not as good as the winner had been handicapped to do, but he might still have won under any conditions. King’s Play may have been the unlucky horse of the race, for the ground he lost afc the start put a big extra handicap on him. Morello was in a rear position for the greater part of the journey, but he finished well. War Buoy went his best race for some time, and Pot Luck was the only other one to make a showing. A Big Field

The big field in the Lyttelton Handicap provided a very good race, but Jesse Owens, who had helped to make most of the running, was all too good for the remainder at the finish.

‘Jesse Owens tangled slightly at the start, but was soon in front, showing the way to Black Marble. Hidden Charm, Tinker. Glenastle, Llewellyn’s Pet, and King Potts. There was not much .change in the order as the second' round was commenced, excepting that Waitemata had moved up quickly into a good position. At the half-mile post Ace High made a sensational run from the back, and three furlongs from home he was next to Jesse

Owens. The pair came into the straight together, but while Jesse Owens cr*eried on, it was not surprising to find A.c& HigH . zviih&ut any dLash at the finisli. lie was •well 'beaten by Olenastle and only another sensational finish by Wee Potts gave the supporters of the Edwards’ bracket a place dividend. Jesse Owens had raced prominently

at Ashburton, but he returned a good double-figure dividend on the win machine. Tinker had every chance, but failed at the end, and the most impressive display was given by Wee Potts, who finished third. Unhoppled Trotters

Royal Romance broke soon after the start of the Stewards’ Handicap; but the mistake still left her in a bandy position, and she was always nicely placed in behind the leaders. She made her effort in the straight and, although driven out, it was an excellent performance. Little Reta was soon in the lead, and passing the stands she had as her nearest attendants Guy Hugo, Ganton, Survivor, Bittersweet, and Walter Wrack. With Wahnooka making up ground the order was practically the same for another round, when Guy Hugo was in command from Little Reta, Bittersweet, Ganton, Survivor, Royal Romance, Walter Wrack, and Wahnooka. Both Royal Romance and Wahnooka put in great work in the back stretch, and the pair followed Guy Hugo and Bittersweet into the straight. In the run home Royal Romance drew away,‘but had to be hard driven to beat Wahnooka, who put up a, great race. Walter Wrack, with a belated dash, just beat Guy Hugo on the post. Royal Romance registered brilliant performances at the Cup meeting; but her form at Ashburton was not impressive. It was good to see Wahnooka trotting, and his driver used the best of judgment. Pilot Peter again showed mulishness, Little Reta broke, and Ganton paced solidly. Guy Hugo failed badly when tackled. An Overdue Win

The Islington Handicap proved a severe set-back for speculators, for Donald Dhu, who had been off the winning list for a long time, put up a great performance to win like a highclass racehorse. He fairly defeated a field of very useful pacers. Jackaranda, Wee Potts, Golden Cross, and Southern Chief were the quickest to begin after a grand start, and the field raced in the order of their handicaps until half the distance' had been covered, at which stage Morewa was in front from Bing Crosby, Jackaranda, Golden Cross, Zincali, Wee Potts, and Nell Grattan, while Donald Dhu and Fremont were at the rear of the field. As the straight was approached Morewa was still in front from Bing Crosby, Zincali, and Jackaranda, while Donald Dhu and Fremont were putting in great work. A great race took place, but Donald Dhu,-finishing straight and true, fairly outstayed the field, of which Bins Crosby was most prominent. Only a neck away was Morewa, with Jackaranda, -Nell Grattan, Zincali, and Fremont all handy. The performance of the winner was outstanding, and Bing Crosby also went his best race for a long time. . A Vigorous Finish

G. McKendry, usually recognised as one of the coolest and quietest drivers in the. trotting sport, showed rare vigour in punching Labourman home to a neck victory in the Templeton Handicap. Even in a most vigorous drive McKendry showed rare reinsmanship. Laurene Wood was probably a good thing beaten, but the running the previous week at Ashburton confirmed Labourman’s form.

Credit Funds was the pacemaker for most of the journey, and he carried on from Token, Sage King, Moana Tama, Gallinford, and Labourman. and the leaders were the same as the last round was commenced, with Quest in a hopeless position. Three furlongs from home Credit Funds, Token, and Labourman were the leaders, but at this stage Laurene Wood commenced a good run. Labourman was in front at the distance and, under a hard drive, he held on gamehr to win by a neck, while Credit Funds was a length away third, in front of Moana Tama, Token, and Quest. Labourman had run second in the mile saddle earlier in the day in 2min 10 2-ssec, and this, following on has Ashburton performance, showed him to be a good pacer. Laurene Wood had previously run fourth at Ashbur-

lon, but this effort was an improvement. Quest was not driven a welljudged race, being kept too far back for the greater part of the journey, and he may improve in the near future. A Poor Race The Au Revoir Handicap was a poor race, and Gallant Knight, a warm favourite, had strong opposition from Rongomai all through, but was all too good for the remainder. Rongomai and Gallant Knight were first away from Llewellyn’s Pride, and the former pair had the race to themselves, with Llewellyn’s Pride in third place. Gallant Knight was being hurried along in the straight, but he decisively beat Rongomai, who was well ahead of Llewellyn’s Pride and Glenrossie. Parisienne, slow to begin, showed little dash, and her form was disappointing. Glenrossie, a spent light, finished in fourth place, and Bingen Palm was outclassed. The time, 2min 42 2-ssec for a mile and a quarter,*' possibly accounted for ■ the poor showing of the majority.

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME The Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s meeting will be concluded at Addington to-day, and with every prospect of fine weather and a fast track, firstclass racing may be expected. The win-and-place system will again be in operation, and the following horses should race prominently;— Progressive Handicap: Gerfalcon, Lady Ede, Shadeland. Telegraph Handicap: Waitaki Power, Cavan Chief, Wynan. Mason Stakes Handicap: King’s Play, Oallant Kxiigfit, Big AixthoT* \ Middleton Handicap: Wee Potts, King Potts, Cruiser. Hornby Handicap: Ganton, Royal Romance, Guy Hugo. Selwyn Handicap; Parisienne, Pot Luck, Plutus. Prebbleton Handicap: Quest, Privateer, Laurene Wood.

Final Bing Crosby, Fremont, Cavan Chief. The programme is as follows: —

Noon— PROGRESSIVE HANDICAP, of £2OO. Unhoppled trotters. 3min 42sec class. One mile and a half. Great Renegade .. 24 Mountain scr Sphinx . • 24 Harvest Dillon scr Gerfalcon .. 36 Lady Ede .. scr Syntax ~ 36 Mother’s Boy scr Tommy Guy 36 Thor .. scr Escalado ~ 48 Tiny Guy .. scr Esther .. 48 Premier . • 12 Dollar Maid 60 Shadeland ..12 Timworthy .. 96

12.17 p.m.— Attempt by Indianapolis to beat Imin 59 2-ssec for one mile.

12.55 p.m.— TELEGRAPH HANDICAP (in Saddle), of £2OO. 2min 16sec class. One mile. Credit Funds scr Reno ..12 Heather Queen scr Waitaki Power 12 Ivy Peterson scr Wynan .. 12 Racketeer .. scr Labourman .. 12 Cavan Chief- 12 Lynwood .. 24

1.40 p.m.— MASON STAKES HANDICAP, of £7OO. 4min 29sec class. Two miles. Aide de Camp scr Big Author .. 24 Llewellyn’s Bingen Palm 24 Pride scr Bonny Azure 36 Sea Gift ..scr Gallant Knight 36 Southern War Buoy .. 36 Smile scr King’s Play .. 48 Isabel Derby 12 Ironside .. 60 Rongomai - .. 12 Pot Luck .. 72 2.25 p.m.— MIDDLETON HANDICAP, of £2OO. 3min 34sec class. One mile and a half. Black Marble scr Palomar .. scr Cruiser .. scr Diversion .. 12 Hidden Charm scr Evora .. 12 King Potts .. scr Glenastle .. 12 Tinker .. scr Aqua Bond .. 36 Wee Potts .. scr Jesse Owens .. 48 3.5 p.m.— HORNBY HANDICAP, of £275. Unhoppled trotters. 4min 41sec class. Two miles. Survivor .. scr Guy Hugo .. 36 Walter Wrack scr Royal Romance 36 Little Reta .. 12 Bittersweet .. 48 Ganton .. 24 Golden Eagle 60 Aristotle .. 36 Wahnooka .. 96 3.45 p.m.— SELWYN HANDICAP, of £4OO. 2min 42sec class. One mile and a quarter. Pot Luck’, .. scr Parisienne .. 12 Willow Wave scr Plutus 12 Lucky Jack .. 12 Indianapolis .. 48

4.25 p.m.— PBEBBUETON HANDICAP, of £22 S. 3min 30sec class. One mile and a half. Agility .. scr Quest .. scr Full Hand .. scr Token .. scr Guncase .. scr Waltemata .. scr Jovial .. scr Gallinford .. 12 Mankind .. scr Sage King .. 12 Our Fay .. scr Ivy . Peterson 24 Oversight .. scr Laurene Wood 24 Privateer . .. scr

5.10 p.m FINAL HANDICAP, of £250. 2min lteec class. One mile. Aircraft .. scr Nell Grattan scr . Bing Crosby .scr Southern Chief scr Cavan Chief scr Waitaki Power scr Esplendor .. scr Zincali .. scr Golden Cross scr Fremont .. 12 Golden Direct scr Hed Banger 12 Lynwood > .. scr Aide de Camp 24 Morewa .. scr j