COMMENT ON FORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23430, 21 August 1939, Page 7

COMMENT ON FORM

TUPEOTU FENCES WELL GADGER SECOND IN HURDLES ROYAL BACHELOR JUST FAILS Only four of the 11 starters completed the course in the Grcenraount Steeplechase, and they werq separated by good intervals' at the finish. The race proved easy for the improving Tupeotu, who was in front with more than a round to go, and was never afterwards troubled. Tupeotu gave a fine display of fencing, and he stayed on much better than formerly. Kittle was second for the second year in succession, but had no chance with the winner. Caurnic was an indifferent third and tho fourth horse, British' Lass, was only jumping the second to last fence when tho winner was passing the post. It was a very poor field, and the supporters of tho favourite British Sovereign were doomed to disappointment, as lie got only as far as the fifth fence. The other horses who fell were all beaten when they went out of the contest, although Anagram would probably have boon third with a stand-up. Survalyon an Improver

Patiently ridden by F. E. Baker, the moderat llv-fancied Survalyon scored a very decisive victory in the Harris Memorial Hack and Hunters' Hurdles, for which Gadgcr and Royal Nation were the favourites. Gadger was back fourth to last with a mile to go, but, after running up quickly .to the leading bunch near the seven-furlong post, lie was in front with three furlongs to go. .Momentarily, it appeared as if he might win, but at the end ho had no chance with Survalyon, who had the race won at tho last fence. Survalyon displayed promise when he finished fourth at Ellerslie in June, and he is an improver with pjenty of size. London and Royal Nation, who were always prominent, had a close tussle for third, and the former just took the honour. Little Briton appeared likely with half a milo to go, but failed to run on. Valueless broke several ribs. • Divisions in Hack Sprint

The Sylvia Park Handicap was run in two divisions, both of which were won by three-year-olds, Our Jean taking the first and Brazen Bold tho second. Our Jean was favoured with No. 1 at the barrier, but she was checked early and was back seventh at tho half-milo. However, she mado a sharp run to the leaders at the turn, and slie had tho opposition beaten at the distance, to score a hollow victory. She has furnished into a fine filly, and looks like being very useful. Sebrof held on gamely for second after following Tcllsom and Wyndora into the straight. It was his first race for a long time and he did very well. Gamos battled on for third and Val Lu came from a long way back for fourth. Tcllsom and Wyndora displayed speed, but failed in the last furlong. Brazen Bold Succeeds

Tho second division proved a much better contest than the first, and Brazen Bold had only half a length to spare from Kenneth Robert, after finishing well from fifth position at the turn. Kenneth Robert made a frame effort after following the pacemaker Roniani into tho straight, and Noisy Night displayed more solidness than formerly by running third. Hunto made lip a good, deal of ground in the straight for fourth. Odtaa showed speed and should bo improved by tho race. Milanion and Clipper, who did not get away too well, were running on strongly. Romani, who raced - in • blinkers, re-, tired quickly in the straight.

Jellicoe Handicap Contest The Jellicoe Handicap was won nicely by Vahnint, who was-handily placed on the rails throughout, and camo home strongly. Royal Bachelor, after opening up a break of several lengths in the first furlong, made a great effort to lead all the way, but Valmint was too solid for him in the last furlong. Both the winner and the second horse revelled in the going. Black Musk ran on solidly to be third and Besiege was fourth after making an effort that took him almost level with Royal Bachelor at the foot of the straight. Marie's Acre was fifth after being just behind Royal Bachelor until reaching the straight. The place favourite. Jack Tar, failed to show any dash and was never dangerous. Ern- • dale was prominent for seven furlongs and then tired. Airam lost her chance at the start; going away several lengths behind the field. ' Fine Display of Jumping A fine display of jumping was given in the *Pakuranga Hunt Cup and the only one- of the 14 runners to fall was Tea Chat.' The race was won by the consistent Biform, who outstayed Saint Musk in a hard finish from the last fence. Biform was well ridden by F. E. Baker, who scored two firsts and a second iru th«r"tliree jumping events. Saint Mus\jitmpecT splendidly and just failed to seciSi right out. British Sovereign battled oh for third and Roxy, after making the early running, was a moderate fourth. The each-way favourite, Bridegroom, was beaten a long way from home, and other well-fancied horses, En Tour and Smiling Thru', showed no dash at all. Wykemist failed to stay.

Strong Finishing Run It .was with a fine* finishing run on the inside that the each-way favourite, The Cardinal, won the Auckland Handicap. The Cardinal was last to leave the barrier and kept to the rails throughout. His prospects did not appear bright when ho was behind a big bunch entering the straight, but he secured nn opening near tho distance and soon took th'o measure of the loaders to win going away. The Cardinal should go on to open handicap company. Right Royal, The Dozer and Vahlene had a great tussle for the minor places, Right Royal just getting second from The Dozer, who shaped really well in his first race. The Dozer was ridden by the apprentice J. Logan and did not have the best of tho running, having to cover a lot of ground. Valdene I weakened after being out in front with Buccaneer, who, retired in the straight. Victory at First Start In spite of tho fact that ho was having his first race, Gaine's Choice was well supported' for the Ladies' Bracelet and he won nicely from tho each-way favourite, Gladium., Gaino's Choico was never further back than third and,_ taking charge at tho foot of tho straight, withstood a determined challenge from Gladium, who came from a long way back. Tupootu ran a good race for third. Ho was on the outside and received a bump at the start, Miich left him a long way back with seven furlongs to go. Ho moved up smartly near the five-furlong post and was with the leaders at tho turn only to weaken near tho end. With better luck early, he might liavo seriously troubled the winner. Brilliant Early Speed Showing brilliant early speed, Bronwon was in front after a furlong in tho Admiralty Handicap and she stayed there, although strongly challenged by To Monowai. Bromvcn was well handled by T. Green, who was not long on signalising bis return to tho saddle. To Monowai did not jump out too cleanly and, after going fast on the outside in tho first furlong, could not reach the winner in tho straight. Young Paddon, after having every chance on the rails, was only a fair third. Birthday Bov finished attractively for fourth. Orato and Silver Jubilee did best of tho others, although neither was really dangerous. Namara showed early speed, but was not forward enough to run ou t