SPORTING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 283, 3 November 1925, Page 10

SPORTING.

VICTORIAN DERBY. “ONE HORSE” RACE. Received November 2, 11.55 a.m. SYDNEY, Nov. 2. The Herald, commenting on the Victorian Derby, says: “It was no race, or perhaps it should be said there were two races in one, the first, in which Manfred was the sole and star performer, and the second, in which a number of equine aristocrats endeavoured to catch Bclgamba. From an excellent start Manfred was the first to find his legs and remained in front to the mile and a-quarter distance, but was then restrained and Etlielton allowed to make the pace. The horses were in single file for about a mile, two lengths separating eucli. It was evident with half a mile to go that the field was not fast enough for Manfred, who gave a wonderful display, and although the judge said twelve lengths, it appeared to he more. Manfred was always going well, within himself and equalled the course record for the distance, in the struggle for second place most of the entrants were under the whip, but Belgamba stayed the best. Referring to the defeat of Windbag in the Melbourne Stakes, the Herald says: “It was generally thought that a mile and a-quarter was not enough for Pilliewinkie, but the horse gave a wonderful performance and won in record time.”

The Telegraph says: “Not for many years has a meeting been so productive of sensations, but the honours of the day fell to Manfred. The Derby was a ‘one horse’ race. From a peifect start Manfred was the quickest to get into his stride and led out of the straight. Pacemaking not being the object of the jockey, he waß steadied so that Etlielton might give him tlio lead. At the five furlongs post the favourite made his run and to such purpose that with three furlongs to go be was four lengths in front. Galloping at his ease, ho increased the lead at every stride until the last hundred yards, when lie was allowed to slow down to half-pace. The colt once again proved himself one of the greatest three-year-olds, if not the greatest, who have graced the Australian turf.”—Press Association.