VAL LU IN FORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23277, 21 February 1939, Page 7

VAL LU IN FORM

SUCCESS EASILY GAINED HACK CUP TO GAY REBEL ORWERE OUTCLASSES FIELD In spite of tho fact that his rider was the. only one who had to put up a penalty, Val Lu was made an eachway favourite for the Ohinevvai Hack Handicap and ho realised the expectations of his admirers by winning nicely. Val Lu looked much improved and ho deepened tho good impression ho made when lie won at Rotorua recently. Jlis form since he commenced racing has been very consistent. Midland chased the winner over tho last three furlongs, but had no chance of beating him. Tho second fancy Beeswing, always well placed, ran another solid race and would have been closer only foi being checked twice in the running. Silver Eaglo was a long way back in tho early stages and it was only by a solid effort over tho last half-mile that ho gained fourth. Spearford showed up well for about six furlongs and is evidently coming on again. Bryce Street Beaten Showing a glimpse of his real form, Mio Lume won the Raglan Hurdles in good style. Mio Lume moved up on the outsido after going about six furlongs and was tho leader practically over the last five furlongs. However, ho was very strongly challenged by Bryce Street and Little Briton, \vlio came into the straight with him, and wore practically level at tho last fence, where it appeared as if any ono of tho three might win. Mio Lume did much the best in the last half-furlong and had a little in hand right at the end. Bryce Street and Little Briton ran good races and tho latter, who was having his first run after a lot-up, should improve. Donegal and Rozel ran as if they were feeling tho effects of their falls on the first day. Celtic Lad shaped as if he were making progress again and Manawahe was by no means disgraced. A Thrilling Finish Tho Te Rore Handicap provided a thrilling finish and the judge declared in favour of Ivar by a nose from Jayola and Royal Appellant, who deadheated for second. Rollicker and Royal Appellant set a fast pace in front and they were still the leaders at tho turn, with Valspcar, Little Artist, Ivar and Besiege (wide out) and Jayola making up ground after being checked on the rails near the five-furlong post. Royal Appellant looked tho winner after passing the distance, but he weakened in tho last few strides and just went under to Ivar. Tho unlucky horse was Jayola, who did not receive the best of runs. Besiego covered a lot of ground on the outside, and, although he weakened after making a fast run, did well enough to indicate that he is not far away from form. Little Artist made a very creditable showing and Valspear tired after being up on the outsido of the two leaders at the turn. Prince Rangi bolted while doing his preliminary and was withdrawn, the investments on him being refunded. The Vercoe Handicap After running several* good races lately, Golden Sheila scored her first success at a middle distance when she won tho Vercoe Handicap, for which she was third in demand to Valamito and Kena. Golden Sheila went to the front from tho start and was never headed, winning nicely at the finish after being strongly challenged in the straight by Master Brierly and Kena, who filled the minor places. Golden Sheila has lost some of her early brilliance, but she is staying much better than formerly. As usual. Master Brierly was in the rear early .and 10 made a fine run over the last half-mile. Kena also came from a good way back. Jonathan was running on strongly at the end, where he was closer than at anv other stage. Sergia, Dark Shadow and Da> Wind all tired in the straight after being prominent for over a mile. A Comfortable Victory The good filly Nora Gregor was responsible for a fine performance when she carried 9.4 to a comfortable victory in the Eureka Handicap, for which Pern and Valerian were better supported on the win machine. Not a Gregor was always well placed and she soon headed the pacemaker Sir Lvsander when asked for an eiiort 111 tho straight. She was definitely much superior to tho rest of tho field. Gold Wrings and Valerian ran good races to fill tho minor places, and Meadow finished strongly to gain fourth. Pern failed to begin smartly enough irom Ivo. 1 to hold his position, but ho was running on at the end. He is a good-look-ing colt who should improve with racing. Sir Lysander again showed speed, but tired very quickly. An Astonishing Run

The fourth fancy Gay Rebel scored at double figures in the Waikato Hack Cup from the second favourite Coronation, who made an astonishing run from the rear. Turning into the straight Gay Rebel was well placed behind General Riske, who attempted to lead all the way, Eastern Heir and Bonstar, and ho soon settled them to be a winner over the last furlong. The luck of tho race was against Coronation right from the start, where he was squeezed slightly. Although he ran into a fairly handy position just before reaching tho back, he was checked again and kept losing ground until he was at tlm rear of the field and in a hopeless position. However, ho made a most brilliant burst and it appeared as if he was very unlucky to lose. To Morehu had every chance, but was not quite good enough. Forest Acre was closest of the others, Eastern Heir and Bonstar tiring after being well placed to the straight. Good Record Embellished The consistent Llangollen embellished her good record when she carried 9.8 to victory in a field of smart sprinters in the Flying Handicap, for which Farland and Tosh were the favourites. Farland and Royal Bachelor set a terrific pace that had the field well strung out early and they came into the straight clear of Llangollen and Tosh. Royal Bachelor was the first to weaken and Llangollen immediately challenged Farland. Llangollen, maintained her run iu fine style and scored decisively from Farland. Royal Bachelor struggled on for third and Tosh was fourth after being disappointed when attempting to go through on the rails. Tosh would have been closer if ho had not been checked. Vitement Runs Unplaced

The win favourite Vitement missed a place in the Huntly Hack Handicap, in which the consistent Orwere outclassed the opposition and gained' the easiest victory of the meeting. Orwere and Kenneth' Hubert, who began from the outside, soon put several lengths on the field and the former went right aw(iy in the last furlong. Orwere is one of the most consistent horses racing. After being fairly well up most of the way, Bright Wings battled on solidly for second and Poyal Ace just got up to cut Kenneth Robert out of third. Vitement, who drew No. 2, failed to hold his position early and was never dangerous, although ho was making up ground quickly at the finish.