AUCKLANDERS FAIL

Evening Post, Issue 66, 15 September 1936, Page 13

AUCKLANDERS FAIL

VAIN LAD AND PEGAWAY

Only on very rare occasions has the Takanini trainer F. J. Smith travelled a long distance from home and failed to pay expenses, but Saturday was one of these. His three horses, Vain Lad, Peeaway, and TJollgate, raced much below expectations, the last-named, who finished fifth at each of his two starts, doing best of the trio. Vain Lad, it was found subsequently, was sore behind, and he besmirched his reputation for solidity by two shocking exhibitions. When he broke he lost chains, and was out Of both races over the last mile. He gave one glimpse of his true ability, and that was in the two-mile trot. Going down the back the last time he settled down to trot, and he was travelling a good deal faster than anything while he lasted. .

Pegaway never seemed to unwind in the Bollard Memorial Handicap, and was a tired horse with half a mile to go. In the sprint he showed one spasm of speed, but was again beaten long before the straight was reached. Pegaway's trials before coming: south were highly satisfactory, but lack of racing may have been one explanation of his uninspiring efforts.