FORM REVIEWED

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24103, 23 October 1941, Page 7

FORM REVIEWED

RUNNEBS AT ROTOBUA SUCCESS OF LORD WAITANGI MERRY VAALS SCORES NICELY BY ARCHER Class was not strongly represented at the Rotorna-Bny of Plenty Hunt Races but the form in several instances may bo enlightening in view of tho Waikato Hunt Meeting at Cambridge next Monday. The principal fiat winners Lord Waitangi, who scored in the Tally Ho Handicap, and Merry Vaals, who took tho Hying Handicap, recorded smooth performances and in their present forra tlioy may win again soon. In spite of rehandicaps, they should race well at Cambridge. It was not a good field that Lord Waitangi defeated in the Tally Ho Handicap, but his performance was given added morit by reason of tho fact that ho was seriously interfered with and lost a lot of ground at the start It was only in tho last furlong that ho overtook the pacemaker, Kaspian, who received the best of the start and had a long load in the middle stages, yet he boat him very decisively at the end. Kaspian had everything in his favour out in front on his own and he aid not surrender tho lead until right near Hie end, whero ho sworved out under pressure. An apprentice's allowance of. Gib. was claimed for Merry Vaals in the Flying Handicap, and in tho hands of L. C. Brown, who ib riding with much of his former confidence, he bad a comfortable victory. Merry Vaals was in close attendance on the pacemaker, To Haka and at tho end drew out to beat him by a length. Merry Vaals has two engagements at Cambridge, the Members Memorial Handicap and the Bollard Memorial Handicap. If lie again claims an apprentices allowance, he should bo very favourably placed in tho Bollard Memorial Hundicap. Game Pit Unlucky

One of tho unlucky horses of tho day was Gaino Pit, who finished fourth in tho JiotoruaBay of Plenty Steeplechase. With « round covered Game Pit was going very nicely in second position when the leader, Surpoon, fell, seriously interfering with Game Pit, whose rider was almost thrown and hung around the horse's neck for about 1(H) yards before regaining his seat. By tho time jockey Curran had recovered Game Pit was well in tho rear, but he did well enough afterwards to indicate that only for tho interference ho would liave been extremely hard to beat. The victory of Misurina in the RotoriiaBay of Plenty Steeplechase was duo to the fact that ho jumped cleanly and plodded solidly all tho way. Tho win was made easy because of tho interference to Game Pit and the fact that Fleur d'Or, Seaman, Gadgpr and Golden England all failed to completo tho course. Tho favourite. Flour d'Or, went very well until about fivo furlongs from homo, when she went lamo. Luck has boon right against Fleur d'Or since sho commenced racing over country and with an ounce of luck she might have won on a couple of occasions, instead of which sho has met with mishaps which have set her back moro than once. Evans Head as Jumper For a beginner Evans Head gave a fine display in winning the Hack and Hunters' Hurdles. Ho has plenty of size, and, as ho looked susceptible to improvement, moro may be heard of him at tho coming meetings. Trained by A. L. Scifert at To ,Rapa, Evans Head is a four-year-old chestnut gelding by Nightly from Morning Quest, by Bunting Song from Sarah Grand, by All Black, and his breeding is certainly good enough to indicate distinct possibilities as a jumper The four-year-old King Dick was a stronir course tip for the Innovation Handicap, and ho duly won, returning bis supporters a moo dividend for a third fancy. Up to the present King Dick has not" had much racing, and, now that ho has opened his winning account, he may soon seoro again. King Dick should go well in tho Bardowio Handicap at Cambridge. .. , The consistent Mihinni ran another good race for second in tho Innovation Handicap, failing bv half a length to concede a stone to King Dick. In six starts this season Mihinni has secured two seconds and two thirds and as a result of his performances he is well up in the weiuhts in the novice clasi. Bowever his turn should como soon and h# should have a chance at Cambridge in the Bardowio Handicap, in which he will meet King Dick on 111b. better terms. Lack of size may be against Mihinui. but he appears to be very game and is in great heart at present. Royal Bachelor Fails Ridden bv the successful apprentice C. B. Goulsbro, Royal Bachelor was made a good second fancy for the Flying Handicap, but ho misbehaved at the barrier and got away too badly to have any chance, finally finishing last. It is nearly two years since Hoy a I Bachelor was on the winning list and, although he appears to retain his speed, it is improbablo that investors will again entrust him with much confidence until he shows some form. A feature of the meeting was the success of apprentice riders, who accounted for six or the eight races. The. apprentices; w ride successfully were F. Hani (Evan s Head), J, Williamson (Ureklaw). C. B. Goulsbro (Lord Waitangi). W. Ensor (Miss Whenk'i) and L. C. Brown (Mcrrv Vaals). In addition. It. Stocklev (Baffles Maid and Jo Haka). W. Ensor (Kaspian and Erlick). B. Mrrkwick (Hunting Bee), L. W. Ford (Bevace) and i. Mevnell (Acquest) rode minor place-getters. Thero is a definite swing on tho part of Auckland owners and trainers toward apprentice riders, who are making tho moat of their opportunities.

barrier practice \t barrier exercise at Takanini yesterday, four two-year-olds in H. E. Grays stable created a favourable impression. Ladv 1 «P (Gray) led out from the Mr. Standfast — Caliiisio colt (LoKun), Indian Princes* ißeKuelv), and King Bum (McFarlane) After the first two furlongs had been covered in 05 Indian Princess ran to the front to complete half a mile in W 3-ss. ifle colt from Cnllisto, who is a sister to Gall.o, Tvas eased after fjoiiiK two furlongs.