COMMENT ON FORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22975, 1 March 1938, Page 9

COMMENT ON FORM

FINE HURDLES CONTEST SUCCESS. OF DESERT STAR COURTCRAFT FINISHES THIRD There was a great finish in the Manawaru Hurdles, the each-way favourite Desert Star getting up on the inside to win from Englishman, who might have won only for hitting the last fence when holding a nice advantage. The contest in the run from the last fence between Englishman, Bryco Street, Desert Star and Huskio was thrilling and Desert Star just took the honours in the last couple of strides. He pulled up lame and his win might have been more decisive only for the fact that he lost a good deal of ground by a poor jump along the. back. Bryce Street and Huskie ran fine races and the latter was going very strongly at the finish. Rncewhip and Siwell did best of the others, Siwell showing improvement by leading for most of the journey. Professional went well for about a mile and a-half and may improve. Success of Mon Acre i The improving Mon Acre scored decisively in the Elstow Handicap from the consistent To Monowni, who has rarely run a bad race. Hon Acre was always handily placed after a good beginning and ran on splendidly in the straight. Her form has been very consistent and in her last three starts sho has recorded a. second and two I firsts. Te Monowai drew No. 14 at the j barrier and had none the best of the running, having to go on the outside most of the way and bo well out rounding the home turn. Maxown, after a slow beginning, made up a lot of ground with a solid run on the outside to gain third and make his best showing to date. Trevace again displayed speed, to weaken near the end. Windcress, after being one of the leaders, and Thala also tired in the run home. | The win favourite Galloping Acre was handy most of the way without being really dangerous in. the straight. Benefited by his race 011 the first day, the each-way favourite Arvakur scored an end-to-end victory in the Electric Handicap. Arvakur jumped out very smartly and always had the measure of the opposition to win very easily. The only .one to givo him any trouble was Kathbella, who made a game effort in the straight, without being able to make the slightest impression. Arvakur is a half-brother to the brilliant Stretto and lias fine speed. Vitcinent battled 011 gamely at the turn to secure third, and First Gold Money, who registered her best effort to date, was also staying on. Olympus again displayed speed early and his turn should come when he is a little more seasoned. The first day's winner Noitaro. was never prominent. Three-year-old Beaten

The three-year-old Courtcraft, who was a good favourite 011 the win machine, attempted to lead throughout tho last milo of tho President's Handicap, but Jonathan and Kilonsa were both too good for him at the weights in tin? last furlong. Courtcraft made a very courageous showing and his performance was good. Jonathan galloped in very free style and made a dashing finishing run to win going away from Kilonsa. who fought on valiantly after heading Courtcraft soon after reaching the straight. Mazir battled 011 solidly _to be fourth and Master Brierly again made np a good deal of ground in the straight. Round Up failed to finish with any dash, while Dark Shadbw and Gay Rose also ran below form. Jonathan was one of the outsiders of the field.

Capably handled by It.. W. McTavish, Lady Meath scored nicely in the Wairakau Hack Handicap, for which sho was thirfl in demand to Llangollen and Lady Montana, who filled the mjnor places. Lady Meath waited 011 the pacemakers, Jan Ridel and Strathire, until reaching the straight, and then came through to win well. Llangollen came home strongly from a fair way back to gain second, and Lady Montana, last at the turn, also made a good finishing effort. Lady Montana might have been closer only for being checked at tho top and thus losing a little ground. Vadanoe, who was fairly wide out at the turn, shaped very creditably for fourth. Jan R.icld and Strathire failed to run on in the last furlong. Malagigi Finishes Well

After being in the rear in the early stages. Malagigi finished attractively to win the Morrinsville Hack Handicap. Malagigi did not become prominent until the field approached the homo turn, but was always a winner in tho last furlong. He is a good staying hack, but his legs do not appear to be tIKJ best. However, lie might make a useful handicap horse if he trains on. Cometariuin, who put up 61b. overweight to secure the services of C. G. Goulsbro, made an improved showing. Dutch Girl ran another solid race, and is improved. Silver River, who pulled hard in the early stages, performed creditably for fourth, being steadied by his weight at tho finish. The each-way favourite Privy Seal was well placed in third position until tho field bunched about half a mile from home, when she was checked. She finished strongly f without being able to reach a place. The each-way favourite Suleiman won the Farewell Handicap with a little in hand, although lie had only a short neck to spare at the finish. Tho lightweight Anion attempted to lead throughout, and ran one of his best races, only to be held safely over the last furlong by tho improving Suleiman, who is doing better from meeting to meeting. Suleiman, who wa,s a maiden in the spring, has done well under the guidance of A. Cook, and the best may not have been seen of him yet. Tosh finished solidly for third, and Golden Sheila, who was a long way back early, made up a lot of ground in the straight, to be a very close fourth. Rereatu showed dash for about five furlongs and then failed to run on. Favourite Prevails The each-way favourite Valamito scored narrowly in an exciting struggle in tho Piako Handicap. Valamito jumped out well and was always handily placed to finish very resolutely, and just stall off Prince Hangi, who ran a little wide. Valamito ran right up to his best form and so did Prince Rangi, who is much improved. Ruletto, after making most of the running, held on solidly for third, and Paso Hollies was running on in fourth position. Land Girl was prominent for six furlongs, but weakened at the end. FLEMINGTON NOTES SOME RIDING ENGAGEMENTS (Recoived February 28, 5.5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Feb. 28 K. Voitro will ride Damalis in the King's Plate to-morrow and Tactical in the Nursery Handicap. M. McCarten will ride Ogwell and. A. Reed, Evening Mist in the Bourke Handicap. Ajax is in great heart since his Newmarket victory and he is to run in the Lloyd Stakes on Saturday.

\Y i/.ard, Sackville and Soltoi have been scratched for the Australian Cup, for which acceptances close to-morrow night.