LUCK AGAINST THEM

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 21, 26 January 1931, Page 6

LUCK AGAINST THEM

FESTAL, REBUFF FOR BACKERS

Backers, of favourites Vliad a final.reverse in; the Kaitoke Handicap, the winner,- Royal ■Routine, paying a price ap-^ proaching double figures, and the runnel'-. up, Little" Thrush, returning her supporters nearly, as. much for second. Royal Routine; was one of the leaders-through-out ; the hack six furlongs on Thursday, and finished close up behind the placed | horses,'and.the shorter distance,on Sat.ur-'j day -suited him eminently,, for he won practically from end to end. His victory added to the numerous successes -gained j by , three-year-olds at the ■ meeting, and he.1 was the fourth of the age to score on Saturday. He is a black gelding by Hunting Song from the Merry Moment mare Royal Moment, dam of Royal Damon, Royal Time, and Princess Elizabeth. J. Sullivan trains him at Woodville.

Those most conspicuous in the early running were Royal Routine, Hunting Call, Master Anomaly, Little Thrush, and Arvada, and when they crossed on to the course proper Royal Routine was leading Eminent, Master Anomaly, Little Thrush, Hunting Call, and Al Jolson. The only one to challenge the leaders supremacy was Little Thrush, who made a;'gallant effort tb'reach him over the filial furlong, but'failed'by half a length. EminenV finished. two lengths further away third, and next were Al Jolson, Merry Cry,'• RoyaF < Bengal, Master Anomaly;, and Souchong. . ■ ' ".'■■■':■

'■ Master, Anomaly, who was not particularly* well. backed ■at his only other start at the meeting, was over £500 better sup--ported than Al Jolson in this race, the next,on demand being Hunting Call, Arvada, Royal Rouftne, and Merry Cry. Master Anomaly, who has won six races in the far south this season, and was riinnhig.out his hack nominations at the meeting, had every chance, but he was well beaten. y ; Al'Jolson, .who, was also having his last outing in hack company, went: a fair;- face, but was never- more than- a remote possibility. " Hunting Call moved put smartly, but lost. his position before they came, on to the course-proper. Arvada showedup over the early stages, and Merry Cry was going well at the finish. Eminent is improving, and with the experience he is. gaining he should not be long in placing a win against his name. Little Thrush, who is a full sister.to-Little Queen, now racing in pony ranks in Australia; put plenty of determination into her work, and is another whose turn should soon come.