Commanding May Win Slipper Stakes

Press, Volume C, Issue 29466, 18 March 1961, Page 6

Commanding May Win Slipper Stakes

[From the Australian correspondent of “The Press’) SYDNEY, March 15. The record-priced yearling, Columbia Star, beat the New Zealand crack Commanding, in a half-mile barrier trial at Randwick in outstanding time. But close observers believe that when it comes to racing in the Golden Slipper Stakes at Roselli! on Saturday, things will be very ditTerent.

Keen judges say Commanding has the action and appear-, ance of being one of the greatest two-year-olds Sydney has ever seen. One fault—if it is a fault—ascribed to him is the high carriage of his head. But. as the experienced trainer. Frank Dalton, said: “Phar Lao carried his head high, and no-one ever said it was a fault in him as a galloper.” Columbia Star has never raced. He cost 15.500gns as a yearling in freak bidding at the last Sydney yearling sales. Trainer. M. McCarten. had been commissioned to buy the top yearling at the sales by a church organisation in Queensland which regularly conducts raffles. There was no limit on the price he was to pay. In accordance with legislation in Queensland governing lotteries, the number of tickets that may be sold is in proportion to the value of the prizes. As the value of a yearling equals the price paid, the higher the price the more tickets may be sold. Then the situation arose where the auctioneer found one man determined to buy the yearling, and another with unlimited commission to do the same thing. Surprise McCarten was aghast when he found his bids of 500gns matched each time by someone round the ring. He counselled the church representative to withdraw from the contest, and eventually said he would make only one more bid—ls.ooogns. Immediately this was made Mr I. Caldwell advanced a further 500gns and the colt was his. Columbia Star has been training off and on for some time, but has never been brought to concert pitch. He is the biggest two-year-old by Star Kingdom (imp.) that has been bred, and his trainer. C. Ryan, has deemed it advisable to hold him in check until he develops the strength to match his size. Most Star Kingdom yearlings are “smallish” but very thick set. New Era The gallop marked a new era in A.J.C. public relations. For the first time the public was invited to the trials at Randwick. The trials are like races to all intents and purposes. About 5000 persons turned out to see them and were given programmes so they could identify the horses taking part. The trial in which Commanding ran was over half a mile less eight yards. Columbia Star ran the distance in 46.35ec. Naturally eyes were on him as he raced past Commanding. but those more interested in Commanding noted that in the last furlong or so the New Zealand horse was making ground on his speeding rival. It is agreed by those who

watched him that Commanding made a length and a half, and was moving closer at a faster rate as the winning post was reached. Without doubt Commanding is a beautiful galloper, and with his racing experience and proved ability in action he looks like giving New Zealand its first success in Australia’s richest two-year-old race, which carries £lO,OOO in stake money.