BHUTAN WINS AT LEVIN

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25954, 7 November 1949, Page 5

BHUTAN WINS AT LEVIN

RACING

CUP TRIAL HANDICAP COLT IN FAVOUR FOR N.Z. DERBY "The Press" Special Service *l. WELLINGTON, November 6. _ Neither Bhutan nor The Laird, which finished first and second in the New Zealand Cup Trial Handiacp at Levin on Saturday, is engaged in the New Zealand to b e run at Riccarton this month. Bhutan, a three-year-old colt by Bulandsnar 4 from Sister Phil, and trained at Otaki by W. McEwan for Mr C. R. Garmonsway, of Wellington, was the second favourite, and he won in attractive style. He carried only the minimum, but it appeared that he would have been capable of producing the form under considerably more weight. Belle Anita led for 'six furlongs, but The Laird then dashed into the lead and across the top turn he was four lengths in front of Belle Anita and Wild Note, which were together. Imperial, Blue Seal, Bhutan, Avenger. Blank Cheque, Foxtonian, and Blue Spec headed the others. Bhutan improved his position before reaching the straight, where he was a handy second to The Laird, and he came to the front about a furlong from the post. Over the last furlong Bhutan comfortably held the measure of The Laird and. beat him by a short length. The Laird is also a three-year-old, and is by Coronach from Jewish Girl. Avenger ran a satisfactory trial when he finished on for third. He was a fair way back half-way through the race, ana was doing his best work at the finish. Merry Robin also came on at the end for fourth, narrowly beating Solimbine, which has been showing improved form lately. Wild Note, Blue Spec, Blank Cheque, and Belle Anita did best of the others. The favourite, Leyma, was carried very wide making the turn out of the straight about a mile from home, and never recovered. Bhutan and The Laird are engaged in the New Zealand Derby Stakes, and both are likely to start. It has been realised for some time that there are Derby potentialities in Bhutan, and as the result of Saturday’s form at Levin, he will come into favour for the Canterbury classic.