BARELLAN BEATS STRONG FIELD

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31549, 11 December 1967, Page 5

BARELLAN BEATS STRONG FIELD

"The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND. Barellan ran some of his quickest opponents off their feet in winning the Thames Valley Stakes at Te Aroha on Saturday.

None could match his burst of speed between the five furlongs and the three, and only Mac’s Pride could get close in the finish.

Barellan led early. From being a length clear at the half mile he was four in front as they came to the straight. Mac’s Pride, in second place, was about the same distance clear of High Glee. He made a great effort to all but reach Barellan half a furlong out, but could get no further. All the indications are that Barellan’s preparation is being timed perfectly to have him right at his best for the Auckland summer meeting. A gross gelding, he showed the benefit of his excellent work the previous week and it is likely that he will improve further.

Mac’s Pride, at a serious disadvantage against Barellan under the weight-for-age conditions, did better than his greatest admirers could have hoped when only a neck behind. Sheer gameness 4ook Rainfall into third as she was so far behind as they came to the straight.

While Mac’s Pride took second place on his own the finish for third and fourth was about as close as it could be and the next five—Pheroz Pride. Arbroath, Honestly, High Glee

and Gene —were closely packed, just behind. Both Unpainted and Pheroz Pride ran on well after being outpaced, as did Honestly.