PUNDANUI WINS AT GOOD ODDS

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31904, 4 February 1969, Page 4

PUNDANUI WINS AT GOOD ODDS

'•The Press” Special Service

WAIROA. The much Improved Pundit four-year-old, Pundanui, which had some useful form in high-weights and ran a bold third In the Gordon Nolan Handicap on the first day of tha Walroa meeting outstayed much stronger opposition to win the Carroll Memorial Handicap, first leg of the T.A.B. double on the second day yesterday. After his good race on the first day, when he was a little unlucky, Pundanui, ridden by L. N. McCutcheon, was at surprisingly good odds, paying $23.90 and $4.65.

Pundanui. which is trained by one of his part-owners, V. D. Mitchell, of Matamata. looked particularly fit and he could be a threat in the Wairoa Cup and main events at the Gisborne meeting later this month.

Damar and Identification set a fast pace but they both faded before the home turn and Pundanui, which had been well back in the strung.out field for seven furlongs, suddenly loomed up in third place behind Sir Barton and Calm Comet. In the straight he soon wore down Sir Barton, then held off Game Hunter, which finished solidly.

Sir Barton was third ahead of Sail Away and Calm Comet. Game Hunter ran up quickly crossing the top and fought on gamely. He may not be long winning. There was merit also in the efforts of Sir Barton and Sail Away. Sir Barton was always handy and looked capable of winning at the furlong, but Sail Away was last at the half mile. Calm Comet was just behind Sir Barton in second place on the home turn and although he gave a little

ground he went a useful race as he was last early.

Bourbon Lass and Patrida fought a keen finish to the Pre sident’s Handicap before Bourbon Lass, ridden by the former Australian rider, D. Thomas, won by a neck to complete a T.A.B. double with Pundanui worth $46.65. The concession with Patrida was worth $11.35.