FORM AT TE RAPA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20243, 1 May 1929, Page 17

FORM AT TE RAPA.

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

. BY ARCHER., -Considerable success attended' tbe Waikaio Racing Club's Aut.uinu Meeting and a satisfactory profit should result.' The outstanding performance of the meetins was that of Aussie in carrying the steadier of 9.9 to a, brilliant victory' in the Storey Memorial Cup. On a track that was about two seconds alow to the mile he covered the ten furlonpa in 2 8.2-5. and the merit of his effort will, therefore, be readily recognised, more especially as he led practically from end to end. Hitherto Aussie had not raced beyond a miin. and his win at a middle distance at the first attempt added further lustre to bio fine Tecord. Another fine performance was that of Benzora in winning the President's Handicap with 8.12. Conceding weights ranging from four to twenty-six pounds to his fifteen opponents he flashed up with a slashing run at the finish and scored narrowly. His effort was the more impressive for the reason that he was awkwardly placed entering the straight and had to come from the inside to the outside before .getting clear. Although he failed at a mile on the secord day, it is doubtful whether Benzora taa ever been better than at present and more may be beard of him in the next month or two.' Success at a longer distauce than six furlongs should not be beyond him, even though he has so far shone mostly as sprinter. ' ; Promising Hurdlers. Two very promising beginners at hurdling in' Star Comet and Cybele were seen in a favourable light in the hurdle events. For horses that had had no previous racing . experience over hurdlles they fenced extremely well • and they are indeed welcome additions to the jumping brigade. It was the general opinion that Wiltshire wa3 scarcely ready to show form and his victory in the Frankton Hurdles was, therefore, a surprise. There was no doubt about the manner in which he rolled into his work when the pressure was applied over the last furlong and his display waa very pleasing. Wiltshire gained distinction last winter by running third in the Great Northern Steeplechase and winning the Grand National Steeplechase, and the indications are that he will be an even belter horse this jumping season. There are few horses racing over fences who have performed so consistently as Kawini and he demonstrated that he is retaining his form by narrowly missing the Raglan Hurdles under the solid impost of 11.1. That capable jumper, Pouri. was a runner in both hurdle events, but failed to display any dash. No fault could be fo; , d with his appearance, and perhaps his lack of form may be only temporary. Luck did not favour Corinas in his engagements at the meeting and he was rather unfortunate that his two fine efforts did not receive a better reward than a thud and a second. Hfc was finishing on in both races like the good stayer he is and with a clearer run in the Storey Memorial Cup would have given Aussie and Mosque more trouble. Corinax »s .keeping up in the weights as a result of bis forward running, but he is so well at present that he is likely to win at any time now.

Although beaten into second place. Mosque was responsible for his best performance to date in the Storey Memorial Cup. One of the disappointments off the meeting was King Lu, who was well beaten in both the principal handicaps.- No excuses can be offered for his failures, because he looked well and did not mtict with any bad luck in running. Those good mares, Royal Doulton and Flying Juliet, failed to show any form at the meeting and possibly .they may be feeling the effects of their exertions during the season. In The Shade's Form. Lately In The Shade hais been running below his best, and his fourth in-the Storey Memorial Cup and third in the Te Rapa, Handicap indicate that he is regaining Boms of his dash. As a result of his failures he had reached a nice position iia the handicaps, but in carrying overweight in his latest engagements he'has. suffered accordingly. A repetition of the dash he displayed here w„ould mate In The Shade troublesome in the Massey Memorial Cup at Pukekohc, and everybody would like tp see him land a stake for his popular owner, Mr. "W. S. Glenn. It is over twelve months since he was 011 the winning list. The three-year-old filly, Lucy Rose, was set a severe task in being asked to tackle the double—the mile and open sprint— 03 the second day, and she confirmed her previous good form by winning the mile and finishing third in the sprinli. She finished well in both races and held off. Coring in great style in the Te Rupa Handicap after making a sharp dash to take the lead as the field swept into the straight. Lucy Rose is a very solid filly and has paid lier way handsomely this season. The Two Year 01,ds,

As a class the juveniles seen out at the meeting were moderate. There wan nothing about the wins of Rose Lupin and Flying Prince to cause their future prospects to appear particularly bright, although Flying Prince won his race at 'the right end. He has stood up to », fair amount of racing solidly, and seems to have done beat when the ground has been. soft. Rose Lupin's win was a big surprine. although her connections had some hopes of her winning. ' So well were Gemlight and Praetor working before going to tho meeting thai it was anticipated that they would figure prominently in their engagements. Their failures were therefore, disappointing, although in the case of Gemlight hopes of success were dampened when tlie going waß heavy on the second day. Praetor was made a- good second favourite in his only start, but he drew an outside barrier position, and was never prominent. Of the two Gemlight may be the better prospect next, season, as he is a very solid customer alid one likely to improve a good deal yet. When Fraser ran second on the opening day he appeared unlucky not to win, and, with H. Goldfinch in the saddle, he was made a solid second choice on the final day. Possibly the different going affected Fraser. for he was never going like a winner aad could only finish fourth. The Raceful gelding has been unfortunate not to have won a race this season, but he should be a har.dy sort for the novice class in the spring, unless he manages to win at Franklin. ' *