Wellington Stakes To Sir Michael

Dominion, Volume 39, Issue 29, 29 October 1945, Page 9

Wellington Stakes To Sir Michael

(By Overcheck.) The Wellington Trotting Club experienced fine weather for Ha spring meeting on Saturday, and the attendance was large. The racing was interesting, but only one favourite was successful. The most successful relnsman was It. Young, who drove Larry Grattan, Golden Shadow and Sir .Michael to victory. The first named returned a dividend over a Quarter of a century, and that of Golden Shadow reached double figures. Betting was spirited, the sum of £86,905 being handled, against £59,156 last year, an increase of £27,749. The track was in good order. Tolerate and Port Chalmers were the first to show out in Hie Nai Nai Handicap, but passing the stands Kerewaka ran to the front and, trotting steadily, was never afterwards headed, to win comfortably by two lengths. Bel Esprit was always well placed, and over the Inst furlong succeeded In holding off a challenge by Toushay for second place. Inside the Jest furlong Suzerain at one point looked like being in a place, but weakened into fourth. The other runners all broke up during the race. A large field contested the Sharpe Handicap and several had their prospects ruined in the early stages. ■ Lucky Meg, Indian Quest, Highland I’rlde and Professional were the early leaders. Racing down

the back, professional just shaded- Lucky Meg. with Larry Grattan and Rawene Grattan improving their positions. About three furlongs from home Larry Grattan broke and dropped back. Professional, Lucky Meg, Indian Quest and Rawene Grattan were first to turn for home, with Larry Grattan making another appearance oh the outside. Finishing too solidly for the others. Larry Grattan scored by a length from Rawene Grattan, with Indian Quest third. Professional, who assisted throughout 'in making the pace, was a good fourth. The Railway Handicap was won comfortably by the favourite, Water Ranger. Certify had charge from Fulwood, Diamond Trust, Noble Reta and Water Ranger for the greater' part ot the journey. Approaching the straight for the run home Fulwood gave ground,. Diamond Trust running up to Certify. This pair were in the lead till the last half-furlong, when Water Ranger was asked a Question and went to the front in a few strides. The winning margin was three lengths, but It could have been much greater had His driver wished. A Great Finish. Golden Shadow’ thoroughly deserved his win in' the Sir Thomas Wilford Memorial Handicap, as he had to withstand a determined challenge by Scottish Emperor over the last seventy-five yards; also one from Characteristic. The early loaders were Golden Shadow, Syncopate. Imperial Lady, Gallant Maid,, Characteristic and Jack's Son. Racing down tile back, Imperial Lady was just showing out from Golden Shadow, Gallant Maid, and Scottish Emperor. Approaching the straight, Characteristic, Jack's Son and Bel Hamed improved their positions, but as the field turned for home Imperial Lady, Characteristic and Golden Shadow had charge. Imperial Lady could not sustain her position in the run home. Half-way down the straight Scottish Emperor came with a great burst of speed, but failed to reach Golden Shadow by half a head, with Characteristic a neck away third. Zin-, garrio was fourth. There was no question of a Huke in tlic win of Sir Michael in the Wellington Stakes as he outstayed the favourite to win by a length and a half. Highland Fling lost a good deal of ground in the early stages, and it was not till the final three furlongs that he commenced a sustained run which ultimately brought him to third place. Scholarship was first out from Sir Michael, Town Tulk and Globe Direct. First Globe failed to go away and took no serious part in the race. With four furlongs to go Scholarship still had charge from Town Talk, Globe Direct. Sir Michael. Captain Gaillard and Highland Fling. Approaching the straight, Scholarship was followed by Globe Direct. Town Talk and Sir Michael. The latter and Globe Direct had a spirited duel in the last hundred yards. Sir Michael winning by a length and a half. Highland Fling was third after showing speed and stamina over the last three furlongs. Rerewaka, penalized 00 yards for his win in the first race, made a gallant attempt to win the Taita Handicap. Hut he weakened over the last pinch, allowing Bel Esprit to win bv a length. The latter was the only one that (lid not break, and this materially assisted her. At the end of six furlongs All Credit, had charge from Bel Esprit. Aerial Scott. Port Chalmers, Ilerewaka and Quite Right. The latter broke as they raced down the back, while Port Chalmers also made a mistake. All Credit was still in charge ns they came'into the straight, but the finish was confined to Bel Esprit, Rerewaka and Aerial Scott, who had gone a much better race than in the one he contested earlier in the day. Quite Right came home with a nice run. but he upset his chances by breaking on more than one occasion. Lucky Mog, Professional Ayishn, Lucky Scott. Indian Quest. Colli, Waters and Highland Pride comprised the leading division in the first stages of the Belmont Handicap. As they raced down the back Indian Quest and Professional took turns at the paceinnking. With four furlongs to go. Colin Waters and Professlonnl were racing abreast, followed by Ayislia. Indian Quest, Lucky Mcg, Lord Peterson, Larry Grattan and Daphne Grattan. As they turned for home. Colin Waters and Professional were still in charge, but once the pressure was applied in the straight thev could not bold their positions. In a grand finish Lucky Gem got through to win by a length from Lord Peterson and Daphne Grattan. Indian Quest was fourth. In the Wellington Handicap Jack’s Son and Characteristic had a great struggle for supremacy, the latter securing the decision bv a neck. When the field had settled down Jack’s Son had charge from Modern Parrish. Syncopate, Gallnut Maid, Imperial Lady and Characteristic. At the seven-furlong peg Jack's Son still had charge from Characteristic, Modern Parrish. Gallant Maid and Imperial Lady. At the turn for home Characteristic and Jack’s Son wore together. followed by Modern Parrish. Gallant Maid. Golden Shadow and Imperial Lady. It was a desperate finish between Characteristic and Jack’s Son, the former bunging on to win narrowly. Imperial Lady, Golden Shadow and Zingarrie finished strongly. Imperial Lady tilling third place, with Zingarrie fourth.