SUCCESS REPEATED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 71, 25 March 1939, Page 26

SUCCESS REPEATED

RACE CALL'S OPEN SPRINT

Those who follow the rule of horses for courses, and in particular horses for particular races, were rewarded with an excellent dividend when Race Call repeated his last year's, winning performance in the J. M. Johnston Memorial^ Handicap. There was no fluke about the victory, but with a more experienced, rider aboard Laughing Lass would probably have beaten him.

Race Call was beaten out from the barrier only by Florence Mills, and the smart beginning was of assistance, as he had the Outside draw. He remained . outside the favourite to the straight, while Laughing Lass dashed past the two of them at the half-mile. Over the last furlong he quickly subdued the leader'and then held off a later bid from this mare by a long head.

Race Call was unlucky early this season, with several minor placings, and it was not till Egmont last month that he returned to the winners' list. He subsequently failed at Taranaki, but he was beaten only by Smoke Screen and Oratory in the Taranaki Stakes. He carried 2.1b less weight in yesterday's race than he did twelve months ago.

Laughing Lass appeared to be sent along in a bit too much of a hurry, for she was hi a good position following the two leaders and Rakahanga when taken to the front in a few strides. She drew out on the turn, and then,. after being easily caught at the distance, she was running on better than the winner again at the close.

Rakahanga had every apparent chance but had to be satisfied with a fair third. Top Row, following Rakahanga through, jus. beat the favourite, Florence Mills, for the barren honour. Florence Mills was never going happily once the lead was wrested off her. Silver River ran a creditable race close up next, and Wildflower made up ground in the straight.