TURF GOSSIP

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22600, 4 January 1939, Page 13

TURF GOSSIP

No Improvement Aggravate travelled badly on his southern trip, and in spite of parading in much lighter condition than usual he was again in keen demand at Oamaru yesterday. However, he did not show any improvement on his previous display. Disappointing Filly Great Baby had every chance to open her winning account at Oamaru yesterday: but was never in a likely position, and did not put the same dash into her finishing effort as at Waikouaiti. Lost Form

Ponty’s quick retirement in his Waikouaiti race was attributed to the ba3 going; but on a firmer track at Oamaru yesterday he repeated the offence at practically the same stage, and took no part in the run home. He has now failed so often in the last few months that he must be considered well on the down grade. .Wise Change of Plans After Nightdress’s two disappointing races at Wingatui, it was practically arranged to turn him out for a few months: but as he was an acceptor in the Waikouaiti Cup, his owners decided to give him one more run before his spell. Then his success in the cup encouraged his appearance at Oamaru yesterday, and but for his unfavourable position during Hie middle stages of his race, he would nave been close at Ihe finish, and wbuld probably have been a winner with a little further to go. No doubt the Nightmarch . gelding will now be kept in commission, and confined to middle distance racing. Creditable Placing Golden Chest missed the jump ’ out in the Flying Handicap at Oamaru yesterday, and but for this would have made Cocksure’s task much more difficult. As it was her close second placing was full of merit. Rush Tactics Synthetic stood flat footed when the field in the concluding event at Oamaru was sent off, and after racing in the rear for a furlong, he made a fast run rounding the far turn to be in second place with Remembo nearing the straight entrance. That was the limit of hig trying eflfcrt, .however, as lie was tine first hoiise beaten when the run home was entered op. Official Injured Mr P. L. Donald, clerk of the course at Oamaru. sustained a painful leg injury when he was kicked by Master Dingle before the start of the first; race at yesterday’s meeting, and he had to be removed to -hospital. His duties were taken over by Mr F. Kydd. clerk of the course at Wingatui.