SILVERMINE SCORES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 102, 27 October 1931, Page 5

SILVERMINE SCORES

OPEN MILE HANDICAP

The Pearce Handicap, the principal open event of the day, provided one of the finest battles in the straight seen at the meeting. At the distance Kahikatoa and Silvermine were fighting grimly for supremacy, but the former began to -weaken under his weight a little further on, and the triumph was left to Silvermine, who sustained his great effort to the post and earned a highly meritorious success over Desert Song, who in turn deprived Kahikatoa of the minor dividend. iSilvermino is'better known'as a sprinter, but he has several times been successful at a mile, including the Thompson Handicap last March. Prior to coming down to Trentham he was. reported to be galloping very brilliantly, and it is now apparent that he is back to form equal to his very best. Malayan and Pewa were not satisfied with the pace set early in the race, and were rushed to the front at the sis furlongs. In their effort to deprive each other of the lead they established a big break on the field, and were still clear at the straight entrance from Cimabue and Kahikatoa (together), IMtzquex, Silvermine, Desert Song, and Admiral Drake. The leaders were now at the end of their tetheiy-and Kahikatoa was forced to take over just beyond the false rail. Then when Silvermine challenged a little further on he made a great effort to hold him at bay, but it was quickly evident that he was going to fail, and his challenger, mastering him, came on strongly from the distance to beat the fast-finishing Desert Song by a length. Kahikatoa was a-head away third, with Admiral Drake only half a length further back. Then name Little Doubt, Cimabue, Atholspear, Ball Dress, and Pewa. Kahikatoa and Silvermine were much the best backed horses in the field, and there was only £50 between them when the machine closed. Kahikatoa was probably forced to go to the front sooner than his rider wished, and in other circumstances he might have succeeded, particularly if he could have had the drop on the winner. However, he made a fine effort to avert defeat, and he was far from being disgraced. Silvermine was nicely placed all the way, never having to cover an inch of extra ground. Desert Song, one of the outsiders, finished with a powerful run, and should not be forgotten in races at the New Zealand Cup Meeting. Admiral Drake made another good showing, and Little Doubt might have been closer at the finish if he had not had an interrupted passage in the straight. The mile proved beyond Cimabue. Black Duke, third in the public's estimation, was not sighted on the trip..

last stride. He'drew the rail and finished on the outside, and as lie was not sighted till that stage only his rider probably knows what happened to him in the long intervening stretch. In addition he carried S'/jlb overweight, and the wonder is he did not pay more than Ihe little over a score he returned his supporters. It was his first success in Mr. E. Simpson s colours. Bin Tin Tin settled down into the lead early and came over on to the course proper ahead of Royal Baby, Lady Quex, Impetuous, High Comedy, Hunting Cry, Kozan, and Trojan Melody. Kozan ran through on the fence at the false rail and had charge at the distance, and when he thrust off Lady Quex he looked a good thing, but then Tobaccolaud appeared with his phenomenal burst and snatched victory on the post by the narrowest o£ margins. Lady Quex was half a length away third, and Arrow Lad and High Comedy were together next, followed by Royal Baby, Em Tin Tin, Hunting Cry, and Curie. Tobaecoland was rank outsider bar La Poupee, who carried one ticket less. He won a double among the hacks at the meeting last year, but failed on the course in an open sprint in July when sent out hot favourite. Apparently the nature of the going does not trouble him when in the mood, for he can win in the mud or on top of the ground. Kozan should have been the winner as the race was run. It appeared that his rider (L. J. Ellis) eased on him just a moment too soon, otherwise Tobaecoland would not have got up in time. He was near the end of his long run, but might have raised just the extra effort needed for success if the danger had not dropped down on him as if from tha sky. Lady Quex finished on better than she did on • Saturday/ but Kozan always had her measure. Hunting Cry proved a false favourite, for he was never dangerous. Arrow. Lad is coming to hand and should not be forgotten in approaching engagements.