NEWS AND VIEWS

Evening Star, Issue 25301, 9 October 1944, Page 3

NEWS AND VIEWS

The fine racing witnessed at Wingatui on Saturday, coup.ed with a keenness on the part of those present to enter whoieneartinto the spirit of the afternoon's sport, was reminiscent of pre-war meetings held by the Dunedin Jockey Club. Those in autnority on Saturday will have cause to look back on tne day with satisfaction. Red Prize, who had been expected to win on many previous occasions, made no race of the iNovice Hanaicap once weii in une for the judge. He now promises to go on and run more in keeping with the good opinion held of him. ct. Nattar made the eany pace with Lisneen, and, thougn neariy beaten tor second by Listen In, shaped well for Jiis first appearance this season. Listen In was always handy, and had to pull out from tne rans to throw a challenge to the leaders. Saiabond was fourth practically througnout. Bath Slipper made up ground to finish fifth. Mossuurn, Pride ot ittossburn, and Robot were amoug those slow away. Albino again proved too good for tne opposition in the Wakari Hurdles. Once over the final tence the issue was never in doubt. Jack o' Lantern shaped particularly well for a novice, and Big ooe has prospects as a hurdler. Prince Dolomite jumped badiy. Swordstick crashed at the first fence and interfered with Night Pal, who came on again just to miss fourth. Grand Forest went out clear at the halfmile in the Kaikorai, following a mix-up in the field inside the five funongs, when Dash o' Dublin, Benbecuia, and >iowmore feil. Wild Cry went an improved race, and should-soon be a winner. Lex came through sirong,y in the final 100yds, and Good Cast was battling on well lor fourth after being always prominent. This did not appear to be his true form. Battle Robe, Benbecuia, and On Silver lost ground at the start. Dearo was near the leaders coming up the rise, but never threatened danger. Tring won by only a length in the Ranfurly Handicap, but he was not fully extended. He was in the lead a mile frcm home, but Doubleack went out luear of him at the four furiongs. Once into the straight he had the measure of Doubkack, and when asked for an extra effort comfortably strode to the front. Kevin finished strongly behind the winner without being really dangerous. Fair Trial moved forward coming up the rise, but did not sustain his run. Arctic Dawn was sideways on when the barrier lifted, but a slow pace early enabled him to join the field after three furlongs, and approaching the rise he appeared on the outside of Tring. He was fifth at the post. Royal Lancer will be improved by the race, and Sal's Pal will do better. Arabian Night went a poor race, and so did Sir Saladin. Air Ace soon reached the front m the Dunedin Guineas, and though Pensacola threw out a desperate challenge over the final furlong, Air Ace held to it in solid style. He was considered unlucky in the John Grigg Stakes when Piccolo Deat him by half a head. Pensacola did not «vt aft ay as smartly as the winner, and >ie was catching Ajr Ace with every stride. Briny Flight was always about third, out was | not quite up to the class of the two that beat .her home. Piccolo was a good fourth, and was never further back than fifth in the running. Joygiver petered vit-at the distance, but will be improved by the race. Despite a bad jump at the previous fence j Timber Topper gained lengths on Safe Light at the next obstacle, the water juniDj three furlongs from home, and from then on the race was all over. This was Timber Topper's first success, though he had been placed many times previously. Safe Light was kept up to his work by Sir Percy practically right from the start, and was all out two furlongs from home. Sir Percy tired after crossing the water jump, and was a poor third, with Shadow Boy a bad fourth. Whirr failed lo show any dash, and Donadea had every chance. R. Heasley, who piloted the winner, ajso won on Albino.

Psalm was soon in front with Goldspur in the McLean Stakes, and once in the straight came on for a very easy win. The winner is trained by F. W. Ellis, who also won with Invulnerable two years ago. The last four contests have now been won by South-land-trained horses. Psalin was bred by her owner, who raced her dam, Venite. Douglas Haig took no part in the race, and Erin's Pal, Belle Leone, and Major Argosy were among those who failed.to begin well. High Play was always one of the leaders in the Telegraph Handicap, and went close to an outright win, but John Gay came with a telling run to dead-heat right on the post. John u' London followed High Play, Silver Lily, and Winning Flight into the straight, and finished clear in third place. Sister Sal was a fair fourth, >aud will be the better for the race. Aurora Austraiis was running about sixth at the three furlongs, but was not sighted afterwards. Lord Nuffield was never likely, and Hearth was slow away. Royal Chorus failed to jump out, Nigh't Lancer was squeezed back, and Latest Song took no part in the race. Alpine was always in the lead with Kiloney in the Clarendon Handicap, and finished in solid style to stave off a strong challenge bv Night Robe, who was about third in the running to. the straight. Kiloney was clear at the distance, and looked like holding on, but weakened a chain from the post. Royoney finished fast to head off Salary, who did' not get a good run. Vafort and Paybook, the next to finish, appeared to have every chance. Steward was handy early, but Trueway never nattered his supporters.