KINDERGARTEN THE STAR ATTRACTION.

Evening Star, Issue 25005, 26 October 1943, Page 5

KINDERGARTEN THE STAR ATTRACTION.

fSPECTAL TO THE ' STAR.'']

Conditions were rather uninviting, heavy rain in the preceding 24 hours having left the track heavy. However, many thousands of enthusiasts braved the elements to witness the racing. The star attraction of the day was the appearance of Kindergarten in the Harcourt Stakes. The champion had been under a cloud over the week-end. but the injury answered to treatment and he duly

took his place in the field to register his second successive win in the event. However, P. Spratt, his rider and trainer, did not ask anything unnecessary of him, being content to win by a comparatively short margin. Marble Fox assumed tho roie of pacemaker from Rakamii, who had Kindergarten outside him, with Gladyncv and Nightray partnered in behind. This order was maintained till about three furlongs from home, where Kindergarten moved up to Marblo Fox. In the straight Rakanui endeavoured to make a race of it with the favourite, but Kindergarten strode on to victory by three-quarters of a length without being urged. Marble Fox held on for third, with Kevin coming from Ihe rear for fourth. Ironically enough, Kindergarten's army of backers received a shilling more on the place machine than on the win machine.

Patrons backed Colonel Rouge very confidently in the Rimu Hurdles, but in the heavier going Moderate always had the favourite's measure from the final fence. Colonel Rouge look over from Black Musk turning into the straight, but Moderate immediately joined the leader to have the race won some distanco from home. Malacca ran a greatly improved race for third, with Black Musk fourth. Flying Spy was chocked early and ran badly, and Rockery and Knight Commander were never possibilities.

Backed down to less than even money for the Trial Stakes, Conspicuous won in' hollow fashion, but his task might have been more difficult had Desert Strife not been slow away. It was a wretched despatch. The favourite was able to take up the running in behind Royal Greek and Typhoon, tho latter having run up fast, and in the straight he showed a clean pair of heels. Desert, Strife got up in the last stride to beat Royal Greek, with Latin Bay and Typhoon next. Foxella took no part in the race.

A minor surprise came when Greenfeast, who had been displaying promising form at. the district meeting, won the Heretaunga Handicap after being at. the rear five furlongs from home. Ozel, who shared the pace-making with Genhiz Khan and Cheap Lodging, held on for second, with Beneve, coming from some distance back, third, Foxelte, who trailed the field the whole way, was an unlucky fourth. Crucible and Tavern Light did not have the best of runs, but Great March had every chance. The Wanganui breeder, Mr G. M. Currie, completed the two-year-old double, following up his success with Subdued in the Wellesiey Stakes by taking the Karitane Handicap witli Intense, a filly by Ringmaster from Burnish. Although not the first to show out, Intense came through along the rail to take charge turning on to the course proper, and held her place in the run home to beat Silvio by a length, with Bridge Acre a similar distance back. Blue Bonny was fourth, with Martial Note next.

When the field had settled down m the Pearce Handicap Palora had taken charge from Park Light and Botany, with Lon-

ardo and' Flying Hawk handy. The leader commenced to weaken immediatley on straightening up, and Park Light resumed charge, only to run across the course. Straightened up, he was promising to be the winner when Neenah came with a sustained run to win by a head, with a gap of three and a-half lengths to Lenardo. Rink and La Filette (Ihe latter meeting, with a bad check crossing the top)' were next.

A shade unlucky on the opening day, Sir Bradbury was made favourite for the Awatea Handicap and, despite being drawn on the outer, made a-good beginning to reach the front in the first furlong. Daljarrock ranged up alongside, the pair showing the way to Indian Sign, Whackie, and Compeer crossing the top. In the run home Sir Bradbury was never in danger of defeat, going on to win by three lengths from Whackie, who was a length ahead of Flying Ace, with Indian Sign fourth. Compeer and Peter Gregor were next. Although Silver Lily and High Ideal made the early running in the Belmont Hack Handicap, Water Hound took over the lead across the top. Foxcatcher, who had been content to follow the leaders, came through along the rail in tho straight to beat Silver Lily pointlessly, with St. Leon, who was sent back to tho rear early, coming on for third. Caithness, who had moved up on the turn to be with the leaders on straightening up, could not do better than fourth, with Honest Sal a good fifth ahead of Renarde.