TRUF NOTES SLEEPY'S STEEPLES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 58, 6 September 1937, Page 13

TRUF NOTES

SLEEPY'S STEEPLES

HUNTS CONCLUSION LIANE SHOWS RIGHT FORM (Special from "Hurry On.") ■NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. 4. The popularity of the Combined Hunts Meeting, now an annual feature of the early spring racing, was further demonstrated: by the. concluding day of this-year's meeting here today, when, despite doubtful weather all the forenoon, there ,was a large crowd and a-'further big 'increase in investments, amounting^ to'• over 45 per cent, on last year's figures,'which in turn were a similar improvement on the previous year's. Favourites fared rather better than on the first day, but there were a number of improvers and some good prices from horses who had been well backed-on ..the. first day. . . .. .

AT DOUBLE FIGURES,

Sporting Song, having his first race since he was injured at Awapuni in July, won: the Hack and Hunters' Hurdles in solid fashion to pay well into double figures. Trackman, Red Fox, and-Mahala were in front at the bend, followed by Sporting Song, with Iddo moving up. In the straight Sporting Song cut Trackman down comfortably to win by two lengths. Iddo,' who appeared a shade unlucky, finished fast in third place. Then came Red Fox, King Pluto, and Mahala.

ROYAL CHOICE'S SUCCESS,

Royal Choice, was always going like a # winner in the Opunake Stakes and paid over a score. Royal Choice and St. Cedric led round the far bend from Brilliant Acre, Narrator, Fafner, and Girl Pat, and in the straight Royal Choice easily held his own to win by two lengths from Kia Ora, who came fast to beat St. Cedric.

DOUBLE FIGURES AGAIN.

Liane was the third successive double-figure dividend winner, beating Lickem narrowly in the Waihi Hack Handicap. When they entered the straight there was little between.Dawning Light, Lickem, and Liane, with Winsome Lv and Race Camp next. Lickem was in charge at the distance, but in a great finish Liane just wore him down to win by half a head*. Dawning Light was a close third, and Winsome Lu' was fourth.

STEEPLES TO THE FAVOURITE.

A hot favourite in Sleepy won the Tar^naki Hunt Cup Steeplechase after a splendid contest. Annoyer and Hymgreat were the early leaders from Tambo, Sleepy, and Wykemist. This was the order for a mile, and then Hymgreat moved up and, over the double the second time, was leading -with Sleepy; followed by Tiger Bill, Tambo, Croyden, and Annoyer, who fell at the hen coop. Hymgreat made a bad jump at the five fuflongs, leaving Sleepy clear of Croyden, with Hymgreat and Tiger Bill next, and Platter moving up. Sleepy led into^the straight from Croyden and Platter to win comfortably by two. lengths from: Platter, who finished well to beat Croyden by a , neck. Then came Tiger Bill-and Royal Dispute. Kinkle, brought back to the birdcage;just before ,the start; examined by a vet, and sent out again, was never sighted. V. ■

TAITORU DECISIVELY,

The.consistent Taitoru.scored inder ;cisive fashion in;' the Stratford Handicap, leading over the last .three furlongs after running-to the front going out of the back stretch from Professional, Airing, Gold Mission, and Gay Rebel. Gay Rebel finished fast to beat Gold Mission and then came Friesland and Fers'en. ■

ALL SPIRIT ROMPS HOME

■ All Spirit ■ scored practically from end to end in the Ladies' Necklace, and nothing .had. a chance at the end. Cletrac was second, two lengths; away,, ahfi four lengths in front of Hirangi. Red Fox finished fast in fourth place, with Trevelyn Hold next. ■

ONE TOO GOOD AGAIN.

.Card Sharper again found one horse too good for him wiien he failed his confident win supporters in the Urenui Hack Handicap, the winner being the first day's maiden victor, Rape Boy, who has now succeeded twice in .three outings. Card Sharper was .in front early with Te Huia, Lady Hoariri, and Race Boy., Race Gall-ran up fast and Te Huia and Lady. Hoariri retired crossing the top, leaving Card Sharper '.and Race Call .clear of Race Boy-into the. straight. The favourite stuck to his job, but Race Boy. finished .too,' well arid won:by half a length. Race Call tired and Ngatirahiri cut him out of third berth. Then came Malibu, Ned Cuttle, and Cute Melody.