EXCELLENTLY RIDDEN

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 92, 20 April 1931, Page 4

EXCELLENTLY RIDDEN

PLAYGROUND'S SUCCESS

The three-year-old Acre colt Playground registered his first success in open company when he scored a meritorious victory in the Autumn Handicap. He owed the ■win in considerable measure to excellent handling by his rider, A. Eastwood, who, by design or fortune, had him always handily placed behind' the leaders, and kept him running in a gap clear of any trouble. Llandudno, Lineage, Malayan, Autopay, and Playground were smartest out, and when the field settled down Autopay had raced to the lead from Malayan, Lineage, Playground, and Hunting Day (who made up ground fast at the beginning). Autopay and Malayan turned for home.clear of Playground, Just an Idea, Llandudno, Hunting Day, and Atholap'ear, but the leading pair were not to have the finish to themselves, for Playground joined issue at the false rail, and a desperate struggle developed among them, Playground drawing to the front at the half distance and beating Malayan to the post by three parts of a length, with Autopay. only half a length further away. Just an Ideal was over two lengths back fourth, followed by Llandudno and ■Atholspear, with a big break to Dainty Ways, Tahoma, and Staghunter. : Autopay, a good favourite, attempted to carry his weight all the way, and he further demonstrated what a really good-horse he is by going so near success as he did. Even when beaten he stuck determinedly to his guns. Malayan went his usual fine race, on the course, but he again had to be content with second place—at a satisfactory price. He is in better form than he has been at any other part of the sea-son,-and a win should shortly be coming his way: Lineage was going well t0... the Ihrec furlongs, but stopped suddenly. Although she was not bleeding when- she returned to the birdcage, it was evident that all was not well with, her, and subsequently it wn« learned that some obstruction iii her throal had seriously interfered with licr hicaUiing nt the time. Just an Idea and Lhmdudnn ran fair races, and Tfuntiiiii Day showed a lot of speed over the first three or four furlongs. Tahoma, after being last away, was making up ground quickly "at the finish. Playground's dividend was the best ■of the day