IMPROVEMENT IN FORM

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 97, 21 October 1935, Page 6

IMPROVEMENT IN FORM

Aussie Ra's form is hard to follow, for he went:badly at Foxtori and then on the first day at Masterton, but on Saturday he finished on like a good horse to win the Spring Hack Handicap.; One of the first to begin, did not require him to hold his position and he was sixth' of the eight runners into the straight, but he then came out in powerful challenge and he swept up ,to beat Queen's, Pride by a head. ■ '

Aussie Ra: is a well-bred four-year-old son of Australian Sun, and if he would more often repeat-his good efforts one would mark him out as likely to develop into a very useful open handicapper. He is owned by Mr. F. Sarteri, of Waitara, who paid 225gs,for him as a yearling, and he is trained "by R.. Johnson at. New Plymouth. , ' '-•-

Queen's Pride ran'an excellent raceand was unlucky to strike the winner on-his. day. She, had worked up to third behind Otauru King and Platter at the straight, entrance, and shortly afterwards ran to the front, but she was just .unable-to beat.off a horse with the lsvst callbver her.' 'Pokiha' was expected to'be hard to beat after.his prprnising showing onthe first .day; but he. got .pocketed and it was' too late when .he. finally, found the way -clear- in tfront. .Otauru King, after pulling bis way early,to the front and v still ■/. being • well ahead at the straight entrance, weakened out of the money, though; it was an- improved effort.' Platter,ran surprisingly well for bis second start - during the day after his spell of over two years, for he was in-theifight all1 the time, and his two. efforts would .encourage his trainer "and .part-owner (H. S. Craw-ford)-to'-go 6n: with him. 'Cloudy Bay moved sharply, up from the back two' furlongs out.but did not go on with it. The other pair finished ' down the track.- '■.;■■• ■ ', : ■