FAIRFORD IN GUINEAS

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30540, 8 September 1964, Page 4

FAIRFORD IN GUINEAS

‘Too Bad To Be True’ (N.Z. Press Association) HASTINGS, Sept. 7. In spite of his failure in the Wanganui Guineas on Saturday, Mr James Wattle’s colt, Fairford will be flown to Melbourne from Wellington oh September 16, accompanied by his trainer, J. A. McFarlane, of Otaki. Discussing his horse’s disappointing performance for seventh in the Wanganui Guineas, Mr Wattle said Fairford’s form was too bad to be true and he just couldn’t accept it on its face value. Mr Wattie said that neither he nor the trainer could fault Fairford when he paraded before the Wanganui Guineas. There was no getting away from the fact that the horse ran badly, said Mr Wattie, who added that he knew that the public had backed the horse very confidently and that made him all the more upset at the shock failure of the colt.

The jockey, J. T. Anderson, had told him after the race that Fairford had appeared very docile at the barrier and was much less lively than usual.

In the race the horse galloped sluggishly but at no stage had he exhibited any sign of field shyness which one might have connected with his fall at Foxton a fortnight earlier.' The ground was a little shifty and that may have affected him. Mr Wattie said that Fairford had eaten up well since his race on Saturday and in every way appeared perfectly fit. Scratchings Scratchings for Poverty Bay include: — County Hurdles: Carlynn, Crystal Poet. Nicks Head Handicap: Crystal Poet. Makaraka Handicap: Tot. Miss Halo is to contest both the County Hurdles and the President’s Handicap and Furst Lady both the Nicks Head Handicap and the Farewell Handicap. Bon Filou Has Stomach Ailment (N Z Press Association) MELBOURNE, September 7. The New Zealand stayer, Bon Filou. which is equal favourite for the Melbourne Cup, will be scratched from the weight-for-age Craiglee Stakes (10 furlongs) at Flemington on Saturday. Bon Filou is suffering from a severe stomach complaint. Although he had improved today, a veterinary surgeon advised . against starting him on Saturday.