COMMENT ON FORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23191, 10 November 1938, Page 9

COMMENT ON FORM

TKIUNE LEFT AT POST DIVIDEND'S FIRST SUCCESS SYNTHETIC WINS IMPRESSIVELY [by telegraph—own correspondent] CHRISTCHUKCII, Wednesday Tho Port Cooper Brush Hurdles was responsible for another spectacular race and a stirring finish. After Dividend and Metal Bird had piloted the field into the back stretch, the former drew out and led round tho top from Suneo,' Redolent, Metal Bird, Silver Sight and Mount Yal. Silver Sight ran past Dividend going to the last fence and landed well clear of him, with Simee, Redolent and Glenvane handy. Silver Sight showed promise of going on for another comfortable victory, but Dividend finished With a burst of speed and Silver Sight, weakening under his big weight, allowed him to get up on the post. Four lengths away, Suneo and Glenvane engaged in another tussle, Sunce holding on to secure third honours by half a head. Superex, Mount Val and Metal Bird were next. Round Score, when iu a forward position, fell on tho flat near the fire-furlong post. This was Dividend's second attempt over hurdles and his first win of any kind. Daniel Defoe was considered an outstanding betting proposition in Spring Nursery Handicap, but, although he was always prominent, he had to give way to a newcomer in Baran, a big colt by Bulandshar, who was having his third race. Dark Flight, as in all his previous races, was first to show out, and he piloted Daniel Defoe and Mondello on to the course proper, with Baran and Gold Salute close up. Daniel Defoo headed off Dark Flight inside the distance, but soon he had to submit to a strong finishing run by Baran, who won going away in fast time, Gold Salute finished better than Dark Flight, who was half a length in front of Moorsotis and Prudent Prince.

Trench Fight Extended The 13jgot was preferred to Trench Fight in tho Jockey Club Handicap, but the latter prevailed, while The Bigot failed to do better than fourth. Ponty led to the far turn from Tho Bigot, Nightcalm, Trench Fight, Dictate and Mnlagigi. Dictate fell at this stage, while Malagigi, who was last away, moved up. Ponty had a slight advantage from The Bigot on- entering the straight; with Trench Fight, Nightcalm and Malagigi not far away. Ponty did not last long in the run home, and Trench Fight drew up to The Bigot, while Nightcalm made a forward move on the inside. The Bigot was in trouble after passing the distance. Nightcalm challenged, but Trench Fight, after a hard struggle, secured tho verdict. Malagigi outstayed The Bigot for third money, with Ponty well back. Trench Fight had to give of his best to hold off Nightcalm. He was kept in restraint early and, when making a . forward move, appeared to be checked when Dictate fell. NightciHm, who was started* in this raco in preference to his shorter engagement, made a game attempt, and if anything, was going bettor than Trench Fight at the end. Malagigi made a bold showing after losing a good deal of ground at tho start. The Bigot was beaten early •in the run home. Ponty showed some of his old dash while he lasted.

Synthetic followed up his good*race on Monday by an impressive win in the Ashley Handicap. An outsider in Teak, who drew wide out, was first to enter the course proper from Dissemble, Asset and Synthetic, Baldoon and Great Flight. Asset had worked her way to the front inside the distance and appeared to bf going on' for a comfortable win until Synthetic emerged and with a telling finishing effort the latter had no difficulty in wearing down Asset. In a close tussle for third money/ Great Flight got up to beat Teak on the post. Triple Cone was next, followed by Gay Parade, Queen Linda, Sigurd and Rebellion. Asset's Good Return Synthetic had to make up a ..good deal of ground in the last furlong and did it well. Asset ran her best race since coming south and she paid nearly double figures. Great Flight was not prominent until well into the run home. Teak is owned in Hamilton and is trained at Riccarton by F. Christmas, Who should soon win a race with him. Gay. Parade disappointed, while ~tho fancied Lady Chat retired from a forward position early in the home run. Auctor was confidently supported in the Otaio Plate and he endeavoured to win from the early stages, but failed to stall off Rust em's final challenge. After a furlong, Auctor was clear of Hinerawe and Nightdress, with Passaform, Rustem and Nereus close up. There was not much charige to the straight entrance, where Hinerawe retired and Auctor continued from Nightdress, Passaform and Rustem. The lastnamed .made a fast forward move inside the distance and soon drew "up to Auctor. After a short struggle, Rustem settled the issue and won comfortably. Passaform stayed on for a fair third placing, being a herfd in front of Manetho, who was a similar distanco in front of Master Dingle and Recollection, with Happy Night, who was in last- place most of the way, at the head of the remainder,

Rustem had drawn attention to his prospects by his race in the Apprentices' Handicap and he had a large North Island following. Auctor was made much use of and was set a severe task. Passaform, ridden by L. J. Ellis, was always in a handy position, but could not make any impression on the leaders in the last furlong. Favourite's Bad Behaviour

Triune, favourite for the Avon Handicap, refused to lino up at the barrier after being placed on the out-side-of the field, and the starter let them go without waiting for him. He lost a good .deal of ground. When the course proper was reached, Brunhild showed out from Race Call, Rakahanga nnd Royal Star 11. Race Call had Brunhild* beaten inside the distance, and Royal Star 11. also challenged, but Rakahanga came througli on the fence and in another close finish he gained a meritorious, if narrow, win from Raco Call, who was just > clear of Royal Star 11. Brunhild was two lengths away, in front of Rebel Chief, Golden Chest and Peter Beckford. Rakahanga finished much more solidly than previously, nnd Race Call Improved on bis Stewards' Handicap form. Brunhild was having her first race at the meeting. Royal Star n. made a bold attempt but could not see it out.