ANOTHER RECORD FOR NOODLUM

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33664, 14 October 1974, Page 8

ANOTHER RECORD FOR NOODLUM

Noodlum carried on his record-breaking “streak” with a six-length win over Kancho and Parlez Vous in the Concord Handicap at Forbury Park on Saturday. He paced the 2200 m in 2:53.6, a New Zealand record for a three-year-old. The previous record was 2:54.4, established by Hurrania earlier in the year. “He was just coasting,” said his part-owner and trainer-driver, F. L. Holmes, after the race. “I had to go very quietly from the start as the others were going in all directions.” As a result Noodlum at least doubled his handicap of 40m and he was still three seconds from the leaders with 1600 m left. He was cutting quickly into their lead at this stage and closed the gap to 12 lengths 200 m later. Holmes “set him alight” soon after and he sprinted up to join Chief Eagle and Truant Jan in front before the 800 m. He had charge in a few strides and was

never at top after, winning by six lengths from Kancho, with three lengths to Parlez Vous and another four to In or Out, which shaded Steven Stock.

Noodlum paced his last 1600 m in 2:2, the opening 800 m in 59.6, and the final quarter in a leisurely 32. The champion colt will be back at Dunedin next Saturday when he will be handicapped on 20m in a race to be run over 2700 m. He paid only $1.05 for a win on Saturday night and will be equally as short on the second night of the meeting.

Noodlum’s run thrilled the crowd, which gave him a standing ovation over the final 200 m. This was renewed when he returned to the birdcage and again when Holmes paraded him in the straight. Seldom has a race crowd been roused to show such enthusiasm. Noodlum has now had 20 starts for 17 wins and two piacings for $28,472.50 in stakes. His winning sequence now stands at 12.