THE A.J.C. DERBY

Evening Star, Issue 19381, 15 October 1926, Page 12

THE A.J.C. DERBY

[By Cardigan, in 1 Australasian.’]

I hoard that Young, on Valaisian, would go to tho front if possible, but, although both ho and King Val made au effort to got to tho front as they passed tho judge’s box, Cracknell, on Rampion, apparently had instructions ■to allow that colt to stride along, and ho showed so much dash that ho led out of the straight, closely attended _by Limerick and Raron, with \ alaisian next. Tho paco was good, and Rampion ran tho first hall-mile in fiasco. Limerick followed him closely, and thoro was not a great deal between tho two at tho seven furlongs, and at the six furlongs they were almost level. At the three furlongs Limerick shot away from Rampion, while Royal Tea and Raron up smartly, and as they went past Rampion it looked as it that colt was out of the race. Limerick turned for home with a nice lead, but tho unexpected then happened, _as Rampion, who had retained-his position on the rails, shot up on the inside of Royal Tea and Raron, and, running to Limerick, settled that colt in a stride. At tho crossing he seemed to falter slightly, but Cracknell shook the whip at him, with the result that he went on to win nicely. Limerick struggled gamely, hut it was no use, and Rampion proved his master. Raron hung out badly in tho straight, and finished under tho judge’s box six lengths from Limerick. Valaisian was next, then Amusement, Royal Tc and King Val. It was a complete upset, but it is only fair to give honor whore honor is due, and on tho day Rampion-proved himself the best colt. Ho made most of tho running, and aftor Limerick appeared to have a winning advantage cavno along and completely outstayed him. Personally, I did not think Rampion could stay, but I at least had the satisfaction of stating last week that on breeding there was nothing wrong about his pedigree from a staying point ot view. Cracknoil has often been blamed for his handling of Rampion, even when he won, but ho rodo a “ heady ” race on i that colt in the Derby. There is not tho slightest doubt that Limerick felt tho effects of his heel, and if ho goes on well the Victoria Derby should bo a "rent race. I think that Rampion wiff always carry weight bettor than tho son of Liraond, but whether he will beat the New Zealander in tho Melbourne Cup is another matter. 1 might bo wrong, but, despite Limerick’s failure in the Derby, I think ho is a true stayer, but, like numerous other three-year-olds who are good over a distance, ho will appreciate tho drop in the weight from 8.10 to his Alclbourne Cup impost,