LIANE AT GOOD ODDS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 112, 13 May 1940, Page 13

LIANE AT GOOD ODDS

RACING AT OTAKI

SURPRISE BY DU MAURIER

(By "Ariki Toa.")

Although only a small field paraded for the Raukawa Handicap, feature event of the Otaki Maori Racing Club's First Winter Meeting at Otaki on Saturday, the race was productive of a thrilling finish, with only a couple of lengths separating the first four horses at the finish. The winner proved to be the Trenthara mare Liane, who was registering her second success this season.

Tidewaiter was the quickest to begin, but it was not long before Liane had pulled herself to the front, and passing the mile she was showing the way to Aurora's Star, Tidewaiter, Galteemore, Mataroa, and Hunting Cat. There was little change in the order to the turn, where Tidewaiter immediately put in a claim on the inside, but although he got to within a neck of Liane he never really looked like beating .her. Both horses showed rare gameness under pressure, and it would not be surprising to find Tidewaiter returning to form again. Mataroa and Aurora's Star had a fine tussle for third money, and they crossed the line on terms. It was a good effort on the part of Aurora's Star, who has not raced for some months and would be all the better for the run. Galteemore was ridden in behind but was not at home in the going, while Hunting Cat was always at the rear. FAVOURITES FAIL. The Huia Handicap was notable for the complete eclipse of the favourites, the winner, Dv Maurier, returning practically a score on the straight-out machine. He was always doing his work well within himself trailing Gold Ballad and Gay Chou, but when his rider lodged a challenge inside the final furlong the issue was never in doubt. This was his-iirst race for some time, and as he has already shown his ability over hurdles he is likely to be prominent in forthcoming winter events. Gay Chou ran his best race for some time, but both he and Gold Ballad were weakening after setting a very warm pace early. Alunga was one of the first away, but he drifted in the initial couple of furlongs and was never really dangerous. Kaiwaka was one of the last away, and this extinguished any chances he may have possessed. Quadroon was right up fourth, and he pulled up sound. Sleeveless was always in the middle of the field, but she is not likely to lose any of her supporters. A QUICK RETURN. El Meynell was responsible for an impressive debut in the jumping ranks when he accounted for the Tararua Hack Hurdles, in which he and Tolaga made practically all the pace. Tolaga drew out to a three-length lead racing to the home turn, but El Meynell's J superior speed on the fiat was the i turning point, and he won well. Both horses are very likely recruits, especially Tolaga, who has only started twice and will improve with the experience. Rustem made a satisfactory showing for a beginner, but she never looked like doing any better than third. Dungarvan went well for a couple of fences, but he then clouted the third very hard and that took all the steam out of him. Great Quex was a useful fourth, after being near the rear early, but Good Sun was never dangerous. Lady Chat lost her rider when she slipped on landing over the first fence. TRENTHAM TRIUMPH. Two Trentham-trained horses in Batsham'and Loyal Queen fought out a rare finish in the first division of the Kuku Maiden, and Batsham, who had the benefit of the inside running, lasted just long enough to gain a narrow decision. Loyal Queen drew the outside and this coupled with the fact that she has not had a race since Easter made the difference between victory and defeat. First Round was second to the turn, but she ran about a lot in the straight, this probably being due to greenness. Cherry Hunter and Equity, both" of whom did not get away too well, were fourth and fifth respectively, but the others never got to within striking distance of the leaders*. CONFIDENTLY RIDDEN. Although only five went to the post in the Otaki Hack and Hunters' Steeplechase all completed the course safely, although Chat and Master Hector were the only ones with any chance of winning with six furlongs to go. At this stage Master Hector was bowling along three lengths in front, but Chat was being ridden very confidently by J. Chaplin, and it was not until approaching the last fence that the gap had been closed, from which stage Chat always had the issue in hand, and she won without being touched with the whip. Ohanga, who led for a circuit and a half, was very tired at the finish and was a bad third. NEVER IN DOUBT. Parlato made a one-horse race of the second division of the Kuku Maiden, jumping away with a clear advantage and simply bowling along well within himself to run out a winner by five lengths. In the past he has been inclined to stop at the end of his races, but on this occasion he never looked like weakening. Peach King was always at the head of the second bunch and ran on fairly well for second, while Greek Diana stayed on for third. Closest of the others were Boniden, Miss Wheriko, and China Clipper, but there was not a great deal of class about the field. AN EASY ONE. Young Charles secured a welldeserved change of luck when he simply outclassed his opponents over the final stages of the Te Horo Handicap, and he was only being kept going at the end to win by four lengths. In the running he was restrained in third place behind Phil and Sir Musket until an opening was presented at the turn, where he shot through on the inside to soon establish a clear-cut advantage. Titter was back sixth half a mile from home, and she put in some good work to cut Sir Musket out of second money. Colibri was handy enough at the turn but weakened to fourth, while Caution was never a danger. Best of the others was Chere Amie. POPULAR SUCCESS. Military Maid, who has filled the role of runner-up in five of her six races this season, broke the ice when she ran away with the Waitohu Hack Handicap. She drew the extreme outside but *was quickly into her stride, and when a furlong had been covered she was trailing the leader Wakarara. However, once the bend had been negotiated she drew away with ease, and in her present form she should experience little difficulty in winning again in the near future. Wakarara set a willing pace, and she always looked assured of second money, while Master Solway put in some good work down the outside to shade Last Acre for the minor berth. Buccaneer and Happy Ending were in the middle of the field throughout and never improved, while St. Grace was squeezed back crossing the top.