COMMENT ON FORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23224, 19 December 1938, Page 9

COMMENT ON FORM

LOOMBINATION SCORES LITTLE RUSE VICTORIOUS GOOD FINISH BY KAKARERE r Having his second raco over fences, Loombinntion was made favourito on tho win machine for tho W. G. Park Hurdles and he duly won, although ho had only a short margin from tlie littlefancied Gascvno, who paid doublo figures for a place. Loombination was handily placed throughout and, although ho ran down the last fence, had too much pace for Gascvne, who appeared to gain a slight advantage at tho final obstacle. Gascvne ran easily his best race. The steeplechaser Pyrenees showed improvement*by running a good third and he should ho useful. Hopalong made a creditable showing for fourth. The top weight Small Boy, who did not look thoroughly ready, indicated that lie might not bo long in striking form. Ho might have been a little closer only for hitting one fence hard. Stansted looked likely at tho turn, but weakened. Shy shaped well in his first attempt over hurdles, but was not suited by tho going. Splendid Run on Rails Favoured with a splendid run on tho rails, Littlo Ruso finished strongly to win tho Kihikihi Handicap at doublo figures from Sir Robin, who displayed brilliant early speed from No. 22 at the barrior. Sir Robin has improved and ho might havo won only for hanging out and losing ground at tho turn. It was only in tho last half furlong that ho was beaten by Little Ruse, who was turned out in fine condition by J. W. Cathro, and ridden by his apprentice 0. Evans. Miss Clipper, after jumping out well, "battled on solidly for third and Bright Wings was closer in fourth position at the finish than at any other stage. Tho favourite Penzance was prominent most of the way, but weakened in tho straight. Sir Tommy and Torch were well placed at the turn, but failed to run on. Huntingmoro was also handy at tho straight entrance, but finished without dash.

The Waipa Plato was run in two divisions, Imperial Eagle, bracketed with Nithmount, winning tho first and Kakarcre, who was bracketed with Bronze Step, the second. Imperial Eagle reached the front quickly in tho first division and ho stayed on solidly in the straight to win nicely after appearing to bo tired at the distance. Bronze Step came homo solidly on tho outside for second, although ho was not doing quite as well as the winner in tho last little bit. The form of tho others was only moderate, Town Section being over a couple of lengths away third and Ventre a Terre fourth. It was with a good finishing effort that Kakarere camo through on the rails to win tho second division from the two-year-old Wapaugh, who wont surprisingly well in his first start. Wapaugh paid a fine price for a place. Devon, who made a gaino effort on the outside in tho straight,, was a close third and Bronwen, after being clear at the home turn, tired quickly for fourth.

Success Thoroughly Deserved Relishing the soft track, Du Maurier registered the best performance of his career in winning the Te Awamutu Cup, for which hg was fourth in demand to Valamito, Gay llose and Birthday Boy. Du Maurier thoroughly deserved his success, as he made all the pace and ran on very resolutely when the pressure was applied. Cheval de Voice ran his best race since winning tho Cornwall Handicap in June and battled on gamely for second after being handy at the turn. Valamito, always well placed, made a determined effort to head the winner at tho distance, but was steadied by his weight at the end. However, ho maintained his record for consistency by finishing third. Birthday Boy, always in* the leading division, was fourth after losing a little ground at the turn. Barrister, who made an effort on the outsi do in the straight, was closest of tho others. Dictate was about tho middle of the field throughout and finished sixth. None of the others showed any dash. After being last to leave the barrier in the big field Nuipapa finished strongly on the rails to win the Hack Cup and pay over a third of a century on tho straight-out machine. Tho performance was easily the best that Nuipapa has recorded, but he was fortunate in getting a beautiful run on the rails throughout. Royal Abb, who finished second, was also slow away, but, unlike Nuipapa, ho ran into a good position in the first half-mile, and had to make his run on the outside of several horses when he challenged in tho straight. It was his best effort to date. The top-weight, Balinavar, came homo solidly to gain third, and Flood Tide's full-sister Miss Lovelock showed improvement upon her previous efforts by finishing a very close fourth. Tho each-way favourite, Full Hand, attemped to lead all the way, but tired quickly after going seven furlongs. Gay Mimic showed up well until reaching tho straight, but failed to run oiii Valdene Patiently Ridden

Patiently ridden by H. N. Wiggins, the second fancy Vnldetie finished attractively to iyin the Ohanpo Hack Handicap from,the little-fancied Romani, who failed only near the end after making a great bid to lead throughout. Valdeno has become more solid and in her present form she may soon win again. Romani displayed improvement and should do still better. British Nation battled gamely for third after being in the leading division Erlick a-ppeared likely when just behind the loaders at the turn, but found his weight a little much in tho straight, and could finish only fourth. Tho each-way favourite Haile Boy became badly in the early stages and, after moving up at the turn, could not maintain the effort. Cintrace was prominent to tho turn, but failed to go on. Showing a return to form Bachelor King brought off a surprise in winning the Flying Handicap at double figures. After beginning well Bachelor King followed Tonnerre, Te Monowai and Gay Seton into the straight, and he ran to the front at the distance to win all out from Te Monowai, who fought on in the gainest possible manner. Bachelor King further emphasised his liking for soft going and also demonstrated that he is returning to his best form. Farla'nd and Rollicker made creditable showings behind the placed horses, but tho others ran below their best. Jack Tar Finishes Well

After several disappointing efforts this season Royal Bachelor gave a taste of his ability when ho made a one-horse race of the Paterangi Handicap, for which Jack Tar was nn eachway favourite. Royal Bachelor relished the soft going and gave _ nothing a chance in the straight, winning with his rider sitting still. Jack Tar came homo very gamely from a good way back to get second, but had no chance of reaching the winner. Ruletto, after being in the first three throughout, was a creditable third and Little Artist weakened into fourth. Mangukaha and Te Hai did,best of tho others. Royal Bachelor and Rulotte returned good E rices, tho former paying doublo gurea.