TROTTING Geffin proves a class above Addington rivals

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32567, 29 March 1971, Page 8

TROTTING Geffin proves a class above Addington rivals

Geffin roused the small crowd which braved wintry conditions at Addington Raceway on Saturday to make its only show of enthusiasm when he outpaced the strongest opposition which could be obtained in New Zealand. He won the Australian Handicap by four lengths after appearing to be set an almost impossible task starting the last three furlongs.

Geffin did not look to be completely at ease in the conditions and he had made up very little of his handicap starting the last six furlongs. C. S. Hunter, the Cambridge trainer-driver of Geffin, moved Mr R. A. McKenzie’s four-year-old up going to the half-mile and he then appeared to hit out more freely. He was sixth behind the pacemaking Tasman at

i the straight entrance and looked likely to be tested to 1 the utmost soon after. However, when asked for ; an effort he lengthened his stride and drew out to win with a minimum of effort by four lengths. The leaders took Imin 3 4-ssec for their last halfmile, a great run in the conditions, a fact which gives added lustre to Geffin’s performance. Geffin has won $21,210, of which $18,170 has been earned this season. He has had 13 wins, all but five of which have come this season. His last six wins have been in succession. He should add to his record before he is eased up for the season. In his present form he should be untroubled to win next Saturday, and again on Easter Saturday at the New Brighton meeting. Tasman trotted his best race for the season to hold on for second, almost four lengths in front of the solid finisher, Waterloo. Logan Park, in a gallop, had his chance and was a neck back fourth, shading Beau Winter. Aronmot, and Merrin. The fourth and fifth placings were, subsequently reversed. Paula was never in a chal-

lenging position and finished tenth.

Deserved win

Kilat, a good third at his only other two starts, proved too good for his rivals in the First Two-year-old Stakes. He received a splendid run close to the pace and ran on too well for the others over the final furlong to win by a length and a half. Raced by Mrs L. J. Woods, of Geraldine, he is trained at Kerrytown by J. J, Brosnan. Mrs Woods refused $2OOO for him at the 1970 yearling sales and it looks as though she made a very wise decision. With Barbara Del and several other highly-rated horses not entered, Kilat is now one of the early favourites for the New Zealand Sapling Stakes in June at Ashburton.

He is a gelding by the Light Brigade horse, Local Light, from Becoming, an unraced mare by Dillon Hall Becoming is also the dam of Local Star, Electric Light,

Local Rose, Waycom and Yogi Hall, and he is closely related to Le George, George Craig, Arabian Way, Hilda Scott, Our Kay, and Judgment. Regal Garrison gained his fourth successive second placing when he held the hot favourite, Barbara Del, out by a neck, with a gap to Jondor Frost and a longer one to Carimia, which was followed by Mile Hanover and Roydon Roux.

Barbara Del appeared to slip at the start and went to a break. She began to follow Bachelor Star up inside the last half-mile, but he tangled and the filly was lucky to Escape a serious check. Even so she lost a few lengths and there was much merit in the fact that she finished sb close. She certainly lost no caste. Roydon Roux was close to Barbara Del in the middle stages, but she could not handle the conditions and was well back at the end.