SPORTING Trentham Pointers From Form At Masterton

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 October 1948, Page 5

SPORTING Trentham Pointers From Form At Masterton

Trafalgar Day has advanced in favour for the Shorts Handicap at Trentham on Saturday after his showing in the open sprint at the Masterton meeting. The Beaulivre chestnut fought out every'inch of the way with Da Vinci and it was only over the last bit that his more seasoned opponent got the upper hand. It was Trafalgar Day’s first appearance since June, and his first defeat in his last five starts.

Da Vinci was a convincing winner. He had not raced since' he won the Selwyn Handicap with 9.11 at Riccarton on August 21. He appreciated the sting out of the turf at Masterton and after being prominent among the leading bunch all the way he drew out in the straight and beat Trafalgar Day comfortably, these two being four of five lengths clear of the remainder. Da Vinci is in fine racing condition, and unless the track at Trentham is hard, he should again have conditions to suit him.

Though he had 191 b advantage in weight, Trafalgar Day can be credited with a useful performance. This was his first race since June, and he should be a better horse this week with the Mastertoil race behind him. Miss Bairnsfather failed to foot it with the sprinters in the early stages of the first division of the Solway Handicap at Opaki, but she put in good work over the last couple of furlongs and' just failed to reach a place. The daughter of Old Bill rarely runs a bad race and as she

looks better now than at any other stage she may. not be without a chance in the Wainui Handicap at Trentham.

Castlebrae' was unlucky to be beaten the previous week at Otaki, and revealed the improvement he has made by a clear-cut win in the first division of the Solway Handicap. He began well, assisted with the pace, and then fought on solidly in the last furlong. Castlebrae has drawn 26 in the Shorts Handicap, which adds considerably to his handicap.