UNHOPPLED SPEEDSTER

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 40, 17 February 1937, Page 15

UNHOPPLED SPEEDSTER

It has always been recognised that Star Pronto, an unhoppled pacer, is one of the best Ih - the_ North Island, ■but he so rarely does his work right j that he is a risky betting proposition In his latest track essays he had been working brilliantly, and there was no fitter horseparaded in the Otahuhu Handicap. B. Dyer took the gelding oil the mark very slowly, says the "Star," but fie still made a slight lapse to lose about seven lengths. Once he settled down Star Pronto was taken up very quickly, with the result that he was in front when a little over half a mile had been covered. The pace was slow over the first mile and a half, and Star Pronto was still in charge as the field swept into the straight. Lucky Jack challenged strongly over the last furlong, but the leeway was a trifle beyond him, and Star Pronto won by a long neck. The success was a welcome change of fortune for his owner, B. Dyer. There is little doubt that backers of Lucky Jack should have collected the win - dividend in the 'Otahuhu Handicap. He did not begin too well, and his driver was content to drop into a position near the rear. He held this place until near the quarter-mile post, where he sent Lucky Jack up fast;,on, the outside, but was checked, and was still well back as the field straightened up.- Once in line the chestnut made a wonderful effort- to overhaul Star Pronto, but failed by a,'narrow margin.. R. Berry did not show to his usual, advantage, and there is little doubt that had he made a little more use of' Lucky Jack earlier he would have won comfortably. ■