AWAPUNI WIN BY ALMORA WAS FIRST IN OPEN CONTEST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23218, 1 April 1950, Page 6

AWAPUNI WIN BY ALMORA WAS FIRST IN OPEN CONTEST

(Herald Special Service.) The success of the Gisborne mare Alrnora in the King George Handicap at Awapuni on Saturday was her first in an open contest. Following her two sterling essays at Wellington recently when she was third in the Thompson Handicap and second in the Hutt Handicap, the victory was well merited. She drew wide out in the barrier but Messervy had her out of the position smartly. Passing the stand the first time she had taken command. Almora was steadied before going into the back stretch, but was never further back than third and the rider can be credited with sound judgment. When asked for an effort over the last furlong the Bulandshar mare ran into the lead and her win was decisive. Almora is above the average and the best is yet to be seen from her. This four-vear-old owned by Mrs. Newland had her- first start towards the end of last October and in 10 attempts has recorded five wins, three second placings and two thirds. In prize-money she is credited with £3270. Good Race for Second The Aucklander, Intervene, ran a good race to weigh-in second. This Gynerium five-year-old was well back in the early stages and was obliged to make up a lot of ground over the last five furlongs. Third money went to Imperial who appears a likely winner in the, near future. Next to the Ninth Duke gelding was Brookland. This Robin Goodfellow gelding was well placed throughout and was beaten in a photofinish for third. After he was interfered with in the recent Taranaki Cup he was eased for a day or two and ho probably would benefit by Saturday's race.

The top-weight, Robin's Reward, ran another good race and was right up fifth. The Hastings four-year-old marc Hush covered a little more ground than was necessary, but finished sixth with Distinction, although never a possibility, doing perhaps the best of the others.

Birdman, who had to be considered favourably on account of his close fourth in the St. Leger was never likely. Tremello looked dangerous just before the home turn, but soon faded out. Others who hardly raced up to recent form were the Opunake Cup winner. Mt. Curl, and the hard-to-follow Yasda. Flying Dink, with no recent form, was prominent for about a mile.