COMMENT ON FORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23206, 28 November 1938, Page 9

COMMENT ON FORM

KENNETH ROBERT WINS ODTAA DISPLAYS SPEED 1 TE HERO RUNS UNPLACED On tlio strength of his two seconds at Wliangarei recently, Kenneth Robert was installed favourite in a good betting race for tho Melrose Maiden Handicap, and ho duly won, although ho did not have a groat deal to sparo at tho finish. Tho moderately-fancied Odtaa, a full-brother to Scotland, displayed brilliant speed to reach the front early, and it was only in tho last little bit that ho was headed by Kenneth Robert, who finished very solidly after being handily placed most of tho way. Tho New Plymouth candidate, Loxdcn, after being first to move, was always one of tho first throe, and ho made a game effort in the* straight without being quito able to overtake tho pair in front. Pasturo mado a very creditable showing for fourth, and Hackenschmidt and Itajanya did best of tho others. The second fancy Nithmount was never prominent. Tepoto at Her Best The erratic Tepoto was on her best behaviour in tho Milford Handicap and, after displaying great clash to reach the front early from No. 12, sho gavo nothing a chance. Tepoto has always had plenty of speed, but the trouble with lier has been that she lias been uncertain at tho barrier. The improving Penzance, who drew No. 13, went alongside the winner for about a furlong, and was always her closest attendant over tho last five, to beat the others as easily as Tepoto defeated her. She is becoming moro solid. Torch was always handy and was a fair third, Royal Abb Was beaten for early speed, and was closer in fourth position at the finish than at any other stage. The top-weight, Royal Vaals, who received a check early, was steadied by her 9.10, but sho was a creditable fifth.

Tho favourite Mia Acrea was going well in front with a milo covered in tho Tiri Hurdles, but ho nearly fell at the fence near the seven-furlong post and was never afterwards dangerous. The race resolved into a duel between En Tour and Kilberis, who wero together in front with six furlongs to go and rose abreast at the last fence. En Tour proved the better stayer, and he drew away in the run home to score decisively. Kilberis was much impx-oved after his racing at Te Rapa and showed that ho is closo to form. Tho toii-woight, Erination, although he never appeared likely to trouble the first and second, mado a fine efi'ort for third under , his 13.8. Chikara was just a moderate fourth, and Mia Acrea was closest of the others. A Spectacular Finish Heads separated tho places horses in a spectacular finish in the Alison Cup, tho favourite Valamito getting through an opening near tho post and just winning from Knight of Australia, who was favoured with a beautiful run on tho rails, after being a little slow away. Valamito was nicely placed on the rails throughout the running, and he came home splendidly. Knight of Australia also finished solidly to just take second from Birthday Boy, who followed tho pacemaker Royal Dance most of the journey, and was in front about 50yds. from the post. Birthday Boy and Royal Darico ran fine races, although tho latter tired quickly nea*! - the end. Black Miisk mado a surprisingly good showing for .fourth, just, missing third. Mastor Briorly came on the outside from the rear of tho field to gain fifth, and Jonathan was another who was running on after being well back. Phileourt was badly., placed most of the way, and he also mado a good effort in the straight, being closo behind the first four at the end. Dark Shadow was well in tho picture at the distance, but faded near the end. Round Up was closer at tho finish than at any other stage. The race was run at a fast pace, and in the circumstances it was not surprising that Royal Daneo and Birthday Boy weakened near the finish.

In spite of the fact that ho had been eased in his work during the week, High Caste was supported down to odds-on for tho Cambria Handicap, and ho justified the confidonce by winninj handsomely. After jumping out smartly, High Caste dropped in behind Orelio, and he came like a real racehorse to comfortably dispose of the Eaccmaker. High Caste, who is a halfrother to Stretto is a colt of splendid physique, and he sliotfld bo a topnotcher if lie trains on. Orelio displayed plenty of speed, but he was beaten by a better colt. Beau Repaire, who is progressing with racing, mado a creditable showing for third, and Glen Connell, also on the improve, was a respectable fourth. Defeat of Balinavar

As a result of his victories in his two previous starts, Balinavar was supported down to a very short price for tho Takapuna Plate, but ho had to bo content \v;ith second to tho third fancy, Oriental Bay. Balinavar flattered tho hopes of his supporters when ho ran up oil the outside to join tho pacemaker, Maxam, just after entering the straight and he appeared likely to win when ho was in front after passing the distance. However, Oriental Bay, who was very patiently ridden by ' 11. N. Wiggins, came through with a strong run on tho inside and got up to beat him narrowly. Oriental Bay lias not done much racing and he is Balinavar looked as if he would be improved with tho race. Maxam fought on well to bo third alter making all tho running. An exciting finish in the Cheltenham Handicap saw the third favourite, Majority, prevail narrowly from tho first fancy, Paddy tho Rip, who camo home practically stride for stride over the last furlong. Majority and Paddy the Rip were always handily placed, and they rolled into their work in groat style when they went after tho leaders, Arvakur and Golden Sheila, Majority having just a slight advantago in tho last 50 yards. Paddy tho Rip ran right up to his best form and ho might havo won in another couple of strides. Tooley Street camo from well back to gain third, and Surella ran one of his best races, being right in tho picture with a furlong to go. Whirling pave further evidence that ho is returning to form by appearing the likely winner inside tho distance, only to be steadied by his weight in tho last 100 yards. To Hero, who drew No. 11, was not far behind tho leading bunch at tho turn, whore ho was wide out, and failed to make any impression in tho run homo. Pirato King appeared to bo squeezed back at tho start and was never dangerous. Outsider Successful

Displaying better form than ho had shown previously, tho extreme outsider Master Appellant brought off a big surprise in tho Ponui Handicap to return well over a quarter of a century. Master Appellant was in front moro than half a milo from home, and ho held on to win narrowly from Molvanui, who finished solidly near tho inside.« Master Appollant was turned out in fine condition by tho Avondale trainer W. Gough, who has not had tho best of luck for somo time past. The favourite, Dauber, was well placed throughout the running and, although ho fought on solidly, ho could do no better than a closo third. High Sea, who made a determined bid on tho outside in the last furlong, and The Trimmer were right up behind the placed horses, and both went sound races. Ringshot mado a forward move on tho outsido at tho turn, but could not sustain the effort.