Bompa Third At Sandown

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32383, 24 August 1970, Page 5

Bompa Third At Sandown

r (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) ; MELBOURNE. 1 The New Zealand horse, Bompa, making his first Ausi tralian racing appearance at Sandown Park on Saturday, ■ threw out a strong challenge for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups with a creditable third in the weight-for-age J. J. Lison Stakes, of seven furlongs. Bompa was having his first start since winning at Ellerslie on June 6. The New Zealand-bred Big Philou also ran a sound trial for the spring cups in the same race. He finished fifth. Big Philou was having his first start since the Sydney Cup at Randwick in March. Regal Vista held on to win the race in a photo-finish with the favourite, Yuri. The New Zealand gelding, Royal Coach, let punters down when sent out favourite for the first division of the Belhaven Handicap, of seven furlongs.. There were strong reports of the gelding’s forward condition out the best he could manage was fourth. Omiah, the second j favourite, won the race with a ■ strong finish. Birrell was second and Shadymont third. Royal Coach’s run was im- , pressive enough to warrant him a real Victoria Derby hope. He was severely checked in the , running and hung badly in the run home. He was not suited |to the distance and his trainer, S. A. Brown, said after the race the gelding would do better when tried over a longer distance. The New Zealand horses. Honda and Jet Command, and i the New Zealand-bred Otway, all failed in the Grange Handiicap, of one mile. But the former New Zealand , horse. Rajah Sahib, carrying . the top-weight of 9-0. ran third. The Sporran ran out an easy winner, beating Beer Street.