FINDON IMPRESSIVE AT ORARI

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 3, 28 September 1944, Page 7

FINDON IMPRESSIVE AT ORARI

Dominion Special Service. CHRISTCHURCH, September 26. Findon had a comparatively weak field to beat in the Geraldine Cup and the time for the mile and a quarter, 2.8 4-5, was not fast for the state of the track, but he never appeared to be going at more than three-quarter pace and was actually down to a canter at the post. when an offer of 1500 guineas was made for Findon he had won a maiden event at Napier only and the price seemed a high one, but judged on bis three successes in the south he would have been a very reasonable proposition. ■ Arustra, having her second race this term, made a .promising showing when finishing second in the Geraldine Cup. She was ridden by F. O. Campbell who Is apprenticed to her trainer, F. Roberts. The lad was having his first ride in public and gave a very creditable display. Arustra probably will represent the stable in the North Canterbury Handicap on Labour Day. The thrcc-year-old Saint Joachim, halfbrother by ‘Night Raid to Corday, was one of the slowest to move off in his race at Orari, but after three furlongs had been covered he had moved round the field into second place only to peter out before the run home. This good-looking gelding will make good in the near future. Tikakoura. who was always prominent In the second division of the hack sprint nt Orari, is a four-year-old gelding by ■Solicitor-General from Gold Label and was bred by his owner. Mr. 11. C. Barr, who also races Prince Dolomite. Authentic, who created a big surprise by his win at Geraldine, is a four-year-old gelding by Night Raid from Seventh Heaven by Clarenceux from Chakawana. He had 10 starts last season for three' second placings, two of them on the West Coast, so there was every excuse for his big dividend. Arctic Dawn was one of the leaders for half the Journey in the Geraldine Cup, but was then forced on to the rails and in a few strides went to the rear of the field. This put him out of the contest and he finished a long way back. He showed evidence of his mishap when he returned as in addition to a display of white paint on his side he had a. wound on Ms stifle.

Another horse to be pushed on to the rails during the day was Baffling in tlie Ohapi Hack Handicap. He escaped serious injury, but bls rider, 11. Ford, had his foot crushed and required medical treatment and was not able to ride again. Sascha lind her first race for some time when she contested the Squatters* Handicap at Orari and her third placing alter some telling work over tlie last furlong suggested tiiat she is likely to do better shortly for her owner, Mr. G. J. Barton, who paid a big price for her.