FAVOURITE FOR THE LAST

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 40, 16 August 1937, Page 13

FAVOURITE FOR THE LAST

Awapuni stables had their third success during the day when Old Surrey justified the confidence that was reposed in his ability to win the Selwyn Handicap. As there was very little difference in the amount of support coming for Old Surrey" and for j Silver Streak, most northern visitors undoubtedly ended the meeting much more happily than their southern confreres Old Surrey was enjoying his first victory in open class, but it was foreshadowed by his excellent fourth in the Winter Cup, won by his stablemate Catalogue, at his. only previous start during the week. First out from the rail berth, he was unable to prevent other horses crowding round him, and with half the trip over Grey Honour, Greek Gold, Pakanui, Pelmet,

and Rebel Chief were in front of him. However, Broughton extricated, him as they were entering the straight, and, sweeping up on the outer of the leaders, he caught Greek Gold a hundred yards from the post. Consistency without too much of the luck was Old Surrey's lot last season, but he looks like having a very successful term this season. Just turned four years old, this Hunting Song gelding may turn out to be a class handicapper. He and Catalogue in a measure compensated Mrs. A. W. McDonald for her ill luck in failing to get Manawatu to the post in the big steeplechases. Greek Gold helped to delay the start for some time, but once on the way he was always one of the first three horses and he was a good second. Araboa, who followed Old Surrey round the turn, came through fast when an opening offered near the end to beat Epris narrowly for the other dividend. Epris and Grey Honour were well enough placed throughout to win. but were not up to the job. Silver Streak came with a late claim, but found the leaders going too strongly. Rebel Chief ran a fair race till- in the straight. Fiord was left, and Pakanui (who later dashed up in the middle stages) was squeezed out. Pelmet faded in the straight.