MAY DECIDE BEST OF AGE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 150, 22 December 1938, Page 13

MAY DECIDE BEST OF AGE

(By "Ariki Toa.")

The fact that several of the best three-year-old pacers did not contest the Wellington Stakes and the New Zealand Derby robbed both these classics 01 a good deal of interest, ana although Aldershot annexed both contests in a very convincing manner there are still doubts as to whether he is entitled to be proclaimed the leading three-year-old v oi the year. The Champion Stakes at Ashburton, however, should settle the issue once and for all, for the field includes the best available talent of that age.

This season Aldershot has accomplished everything required o£ him' in a tradesman-like fashion, and in all probability he will be the favourite at Ashburton. It was really impressive to see him not extended in the Derby, and yet prove equal to compassing the mile ana a half in 3min 19sec. in an ordinary year it is possible that he would nave been an outstanding colt, but this term appears to have produced a wealth of talent among the three-year-olds, and it will not be until after. Boxing Day that any of that age will be entitled to wear the crown of a champion.

Bed Rock was one of those to miss classics at Hutt Park and Addington, but even so she gave a taste of her qualities by annexing the Sapling Stakes at her only appearance. At that time she was a fresh and inexperienced two-year-old, but she acted like an oldstager and was equal to accounting for Aldershot by a narrow margin. This has been the only meeting between the pair, and naturally another contest is arousing a lot of interest. The appearance of Shadow Son \vill attract attention by reason of his having won at his only two starts to date. He scored comfortably on each occasion, and left. the impression , that he will develop into a first-class pacer. A son of Red Shadow, he is the first of the progeny of Red Shadow to race, and possesses all the characteristics of the Travis Axworthy horse. Shadow Son is a well-mannered colt, and he will probably be driven by J. Bryce, jun.

Nelson Eddy has come into favour as the result of his victory over a mile and a quarter in 2min 45sec at New Brighton racently. It was an exceptional performance for one of his age, and there is no doubt that he is top class. He can be relied upon to do his work correctly all the way, and not only does he possess a brilliant turn of speed but stays on well. On disclosed form the above quartet need not fear the remainder of the field.. Aldershot will probably be the favourite, but he will meet with stern opposition from Bed Rock and Nelson Eddy.