Yonkers Interest In N.Z. Horses

Press, Volume C, Issue 29499, 28 April 1961, Page 5

Yonkers Interest In N.Z. Horses

[Specially written for *'The Press" by JOHN NOBLE, who was in charge oj Arania on her trip to New York] YONKERS, April 22.

Arania and False Step, from New Zealand, and Apmat, from Australia, are arousing considerable interest whenever. they are worked at Yonkers Raceway in preparation for the international pacing series, which opens on May 4.

So far the tasks allotted them have not been particularly serious, but they are pacing faster at each workout. In a recent trial Arania made the pace for False Step and Apmat over one mile and a half. Arania led by half a length at the finish. with a length and a half to Apmat. They took 3min 23sec for the full distance, the last half-mile in Imin 3sec, and the last quarter in 29 4-ssee. Apmat was not as impressive as the New Zealand horses, but his driver. H. H. Alley, did not carry a whip. Apmat is a notoriously sluggish worker and it is difficult to assess his performance.

False Step has not yet had any practice behind a mobile barrier, but Arania and Apmat have impressed everyone, particularly the starters, by their confidence and early speed. C. C. Devine was the first of the visiting trainers to drive at Yonkers, and he made an auspicious debut. He won with Hodgens Rose, a member of Eddie Cobb’s team, being awarded the race when the actual winner was disqualified by the judges. Devine and Hodgens Rose received a great reception from the crowd of 32.000 After the race Arania. False Step and Apmat. in that order, gave an exhibition over one lap. The crowd applauded warmly, but were obviously disappointed that the horses were not allowed to stretch right out. However, they had worked earlier in the day and their trainers were wary of giving them too much. The American trotter, Su Mac Lad. completed a fine double when he Won the United Nations Trot. He responded well under a hard drive by Stanley Dancer and held off Tie Silk after taking 3m in lOsec for the mile and a half, the first quarter tn 30sec, the half-mile in Imin 2sec, the mile in 2min Bsec, and the final quarter in 30sec. Masina, of France, showed

astonishing speed, but her driver, Francois Brohier. a leading driver in his own country, appeared to be guilty of an error when he locked wheels with Tornese. of Italy, with less than three furlongs to run. At that stage Tornese was trotting boldly in third place. The other European trotters were outclassed and did not appear to be capable of worrying the best trotters in New Zealand. Mr Budlong. one of the most highly rated pacers in America at present, and Bye Bye Byrd seem assured of invitations to oppose the New Zealand and Australian horses in the international series. Caduceus has raced fairly well lately, but it is expected by most observers that he will have to show improvement to earn an invitation.