WIN FOR TARANAKI

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 131, 1 December 1930, Page 6

WIN FOR TARANAKI

ORAPAI HAS A CLOSE' CALL

; Orapai was a good thing in the Fitzroy Hack Handicap, and lie won neatly, but he had little to spare from the fast-finishing Golden Shadow at the post. However, had he been pressed he could probably have won by a bigger margin, and his apparently, near call was not so close as the verdict might suggest. He is a three-year-old chestnut gelding by Thespian from the Winkie mare' Winkie's Wheel, and he carries the same colours as Te Mononui did in his best years. Royal Routine, Orapai, and Courtlike left the barrier the most smartly, and when the field settled down Orapai had the advantage from Royal Routine, Leisure, Golden Shadow, Rothen, Acco, Courtlike, Tentcall, Fitzquex, and Arrowhead. Orapai led Rothen, Leisure, Royal Routine, and Golden Shadow into the straight, and continued on to beat Golden Shadow by a head. Tentcall was two lengths and a half back third, and Rothen, Statuary; Fitzquex, and Courtlike next. Royal Routine was a much better favourite than Orapai, and thera was a substantial drop to Fitzquex and Projection. Golden Shadow carried fair support, but paid nearly as much for second as the winner. Royal Routine closed up quickly, in the straight after'going well to that stage. Fitzquex was never so .near the front as he was at the end. Projection ran disappointingly after getting away bad]y. Golden Shadow, an Australian-bred six-year-old black gelding by Joculator from Morzonia, finished with plenty of vigour, and it should not be long before his turn comes.' Rothen and Courtlike both went

promisingly. Acco fell in the straight, and her rider* C. Brodie, had a remarkable escape, as half the field galloped over him.