WELLINGTON AUTUMN RACES

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12422, 16 April 1926, Page 10

WELLINGTON AUTUMN RACES

BALDOWA WINS THOMPSON HANDICAP IN VERY CLOSE FINISH SPRINT WON BY TOMMY DODD CLASSICS GO TO STAR STRANGER AND GRAND KNIGHT (By “Carbine.”) In beautiful autumn weather the Y/ellingtoa Races were commenced at Trentham yesterday afternoon. Excellent racing was witnessed by the large crowds who made the journey to the course. The Thompson Handicap produced a great finish, in which Baldowa scored narrowly, and the open sprint was won by Tdmmy Dodd. Grand Knight scored a brilliant victory in the Challenge Stakes, and Star Stranger easily won the St. Leger from his only opponent, Catcall.

The star attraction of the day wa3 the Thompson Handicap, the most important mile race in the country. With such a large field of good performers, opinions differed widely as to the possible result, and the consequence was a very wide range of wagering. However, from the opening of the machine, the Royal Divorce-Jfool’s Paradise bracket was favourite. There was big support also for the Deluge-The Thorn nracket, bu* a late run on Rapine left him ihe position of second choice. After these came Phoenix Park, whose, track work had attracted attention. None of these filled a place. The winner, Baldowa, was sixth on the machine; Siaosi, who was placed second, was twentieth favourite; and Gold Light, who was placed third, was thirteenth. The Thompson Handicap is a race that has produced some wonderful finishes, but few better than yesterday’s, in which the first four horses went past the judge almost ill line. Hats off, once more to Mr Coylo 1

The St. Leger drew a very disappointing field. Only two contested the £IOOO stake, and from end to end the rao, was simple for Star Stranger, who, whatever his shortcomings, was much too good for Cat Call. Cat Call was in a .lather before the race, and might be better for the race. The sprinters produced at the meeting were not really good class, and the southerner, Tommy Dodd, defeated them all and paid a big dividend. The Challenge Stakes turned out to be the good thing for Grand Knight that it looked on paper. The imported horse went to the front when it was necessary, and finishing like a bulldog, won in brilliant style, amidst enthusiastic applause. HOT FAVOURITE’S CLOSE CALL Perle de Leon was backed down to a very short price for the Highweight Handicap, with which the day began. However, the good thing only just landed. Eonmark made the early running with Moutoa Lady in close attendance, Perle de Leon in the middle of a strnng-out field, and Sottana well back. They bunched along the back, and at the six furlongs Asleep ran to the front and Perle de Leon improved his position. Half a mile from home Asleep was out in front of Perle de Leon and Eonmark, with Ardfinnan going well, and Sottano moving up. Ardfinnan, Perle de Leon, Asleep, and Sottano were almost in line at the bottom of the straight. In the run home, Asleep and Sottano failed, and, after a great setto, Perle de Leon beat Ardfinnan by a head. Sottano was a length and a half away third, Asleep was fourth, and Kilorum fifth.

Star Stranger, of course, was at a short price in the St. Leger. He led all the way to the straight by a couple of lengths. At the distance, Morris, on Cat Call, endeavoured to drop on him, hut Reed called on the favourite, who went away, and won easily by four lengths. Tea Bell was withdrawn from the Plunket Nursery, for which Rascal and Seatown were heavily hacked. Beth bolted a mile before the start, and Battlement lost his rider just after the barrier rose. Magna Charta, who was a little troublesome at the post, got away well, and was prominent in the run to the straight. He was first io straighten up for home, but was very little ahead of Seatown and Bronstell. Rascal was right behind Bronstell and unable to get an opening immediately. When Rascal got through a great finish ensued. Seatown, Hynanna, and Rascal weie in line, close together, and Magna Charta, nearer the rails, was about on terms with them. Rascal, who had not had an absolutely smooth passage, was beaten a furlong from home. Seatown was the next to fail. Hynanna got his head in front of Magna Charta, who came again, however, and won By a nose. Sentown was only a neck away third. Rascal was a fair fourth, and the next were Bronstell and Itiosk. BALDOWA’S THOMPSON The only withdrawal from the Thompson was Noval, leaving a field of 2o to go to the post. From a good start Deluge was the first to show in front, while Siaosi and Tresham were prominent among the others, and then came Fool’s Paradise, Hipo, Baldowa, Lady Ridicule, The Thorn, and Royal Divorce. Five furlongs from home, Deluge still nacl charge from Siaoswith Baldowa. Lady Ridicule, Fool’s Paradise, Hipo, Royal Divorce, Good Sport, and Gaze. Deluge led into the straight from Siaosi, with Baldowa coming fast outside them, Star Area next, and Royal Divorce and Fool’s Paradise prominent among the others. Deluge maintained liis lead till a furlong from home, when he began to falter, and it was clear Siaosi and Baldowa. would get to him. Finally Gold Light got a run on' the rails, and, finishing with a wonderful run, gathered the leaders at every stride. Baldowa saw the journey out, and won by a head. The judge placed Siaosi in front of Gold Light, and Deluge was only a neck away. Set Sail, Royal Divorce, Fool’s Paradise, and Rapine all close up, were next.

Grand Knight, a short-priced favourite, won the Challenge Stakes after allowing anything that liked to go to the front to lead. Tukia, Motley, and Alyson made tile running, and the only one of them to stay on w-as Alyson, hut when kicked up Grand Kniglit ran past the' field and won liy a short length. Motley was two lengths away third. Tukia, Count Oavour and Vaward followed in that order.

Piuthair was favourite for the Siherstream Handicap. Outfit was last away, and Anklet and Pantagruel led out of the barrier. Dubious, Salamis and Indian Sage were close behind them, and Piuthair was well back. Piuthair’s rider lost an iron, but allowing his mount to drift got clear, and coming round the field on the top bend was with Anklet, Phantasy and Salamis at the bottom of the straight, and in the run home came away, but eventually she had to be ridden out to beat Pantagruel by a neck. Phantasy was a length away in second place, and the next were Indian Sage, De Luxe, Kilmiss and Outfit. A SURPRISE AMONG THE SPRINTERS Civility and Shirley carried the big money in the Railway Handicap. Shirley got out well, and led on to the course proper from Orchid and Tommy Dodd, with Civility coming fast Dodd drew out from the field and Civility was the only one to throw out a serious challenge. Tommy Dodd hard ridden, held his lead and won by half a length. There was a gap of six lengths before the next arrived, and the first of them Orchid, who was just ahead of Shirley. Centrepiece, Kiilocra, Merry Jest, and First Acre followed.

Of the big field of nineteen which contested the Tinakori Handicap, Ballymoy 11. was the choice of the people. She was always in the picture, and as tho field straightened up for homo Benzora was her closest opponent. Gradually the pair drew out from the heavily-bunched field. For a while Renzora showed a trifle in front, but Ryan made a final effort on the favourite, and get her home by a nose. Three lengths away came Great Day, just ahead of Berinthia. The Bolter and Newbury King were prominent at the home bend, but both faded out. The totalisator investments amounted to £41,G81 10s as against £42.991 for the corresponding day of last year. DETAILS OF RACING FIRST HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP. Of 300 sovs; one mile and a half. 1— W. J. Craig’s b g Perle tie Leon, Polydamon—Perle d’Or, syra, 10.10 (L. G. Morris) 1 6—J. Phillips’s br g Ardfinnan, Panmure—Lady Rowley, syrs, 9.0 (J. T. Young) 2 2 H. P. F. Blundell’s ch g Sottann, Nassau—Cossack, syrs, 10.9 (A. H. Burt) .. 3 (Winner bred by H. S. Greene, Hastings.) Also started—4 Kilorum 9.8 (R. S. Bagbyb 3 Asleep 9.7 (J. Procter), 5 Eonmark 9.7 (H. Gordon), 8 Moutoa Lady 9.3 (IV. B. Porter), 7 Ivilminster 9.0 (P. Me* Brearty). Head; length and a half. 1.37£. N.Z. ST. LEGER STAKES, Of 1000 sovs; one mile and three-quar-ters. 1— A. B. Williams's b g Star Strangei, Martian—Star Lady, 3yrs, 8.7 <R. Reed) 1 2- _E. Trevor’s b f Catcall, Cat-mint-Cooing/ 3yrs, 8.7 (L. G. Morris) 2 Only starters. Four lengths. 3.6 J. PLUNKET NURSERY HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs; five furlongs. 8— H. Lowry’s b c Magna Charta, King- John—Landrail, 2yrs, 7.5 (W. H. Jones) I 4 —W. R. Kemball’s ch c Hynanna, Hymestra—Miss Nanna, 2yrs, 7.8 (R. Mackie) 2 2—J. Fredric’s ch g Seatown, Arciilestown—Seasprite, 2yrs, 9.6 (M. McCarten) 3 (Winner trained by F. Davis, Woodville.) Also started—6 Kiosk 8.9 (D. Watts), b Spode 8.7 (R. Reed), 7 Vertigern 7.11 (M. McDonald), 1 Rascal 7.10 (J. Barry), 4 Hymgreat 7.0 (bracketed with Hynanna), 11 Beth 7.2 (D. Ropiha), 10 Battlement 7.1 J (C. Eastwood), 3 Bronstell 7.0 (H. Wiggins), 9 Direction 9.3 i (T. Gillon). 11 Royal Game 7.0 (V. Carroll). Nose; neck. I.os. THE THOMPSON HANDICAP, Of 1000 sovs; ono mile. 6—Mrs R. B. Steven’s ch g Baldowa, Balboa—Redowa, Oyrs, 7.10 (A. Didham) 1 20—B. H. Russell’s Siaosi, Elysion— Civilisation, 4yrs, 7.4 (W. Brown) 2 13—W. T. Hazlett’s ch m Gold Light,'" 1 Hymettus—Simper, 6yrs, 9.10 (F.* Waddell) 3 (Winner trained by G. Hope, Invercargill.) Also started—2 Rapino 9.7 (R. Reed), 1 Royal Divorce 9.2 (B. Morris), 1 Fool’s Paradise 7.7 (E. Keesing) Ibvacketeu with Royal Divorce), 9 Lady Ridicule 8.13 (W. Ryan) 5 Listening Post 8.12 (F. E. Jones), 3 Deluge 8.7 (L. G. Morris), The Thorn 8.4 (M. McCarten) (bracketed with Deluge), 12 Degage 8.1 (C. McGovernh 10 Tresham 7.12 (D. Watts), 8 Hipo 7.10 (J. Barry), 16 Imperial Spark 7.9 (R. Mackie), 7 Los Ambus 7.8 (T. Green), 22 Gaze 7.7 (F. McHugh), 18 Set Sail 7.7. (L. J. Ellis), 11 Good Sport 7.6 (H. Wiggins); 15 Tiega 7.5 (E. Dunn), 4 Phoenix Park 7.2 (W. Jones), 9 Star Area 7.2 (J. Potter), 22 Opa 7.0 (N. Trillo), 21 Kaiti 7.0 (T. Tito), 14 Rivnlrv 7.0 (C. Eastwood), 17 Modern 7.0 (S. Wilson). Head. 1.38 J.

NORTH ISLAND CHALLENGE STAKES, Of 1000 sovs; seven furlongs. 1— V. Riddiford’s hr c Grand Knight, Grand Parade—Jeunessc, syrs, 10.1 (B. Morris) 1 3—W. A Fuller’s br f Alyson, Kilbroney—Rebokah, 2yrs, 7.2 (T. Green) 2 2 G. M. Currie’s 1> m Motley, Absurd—Pennon, dyrs, 9.8 (L. G. Morris) 3 (Winner trained by S. J. Reid, Trentham.) Also started—s Count Cnvour 10 (F. 7>. Porter), 4 Tulci 9.6 (M. McCarten), 6 Vnwnrd 8.3 (F. D. Jones). Length; two lengths. 1.26 J. SILVERSTR7OAM HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs; one mile. I—R : A. McKenzie's br f Puitliair, Kilbroney—Black Ada, 3yrs, 8.8 (T. Green) 1 B—F. W. Smith’s b j* Panlngruel, Panmuro—Adelieio, svrs, 7.10 (W. Tlngbv) : 2 111— T. F. Relling’s Phantasy, Killjoy —Conceit,. 3vvs, 7.‘V\ (S Wilson) 3 (Winner (rained bv T. Lloyd. WondviUo.) Also started—6 De Luxe 9 (F. Voiglit),

4 Indian Sage 8.12 (R. Reed), 5 Ivilloch 8.7 (R. Mackie), 11 Sarty 8.2 (D. Watts), 2 Othon 8.1 (M. McCarten), 3 Anklet 7.13 (J. Barry), 16 Dubious 7.11 (E. Keesing), 9 Salamis 7.10 (AY. Jones), 13 Outfit 7.1 (G. Gonlsbro). Neck; length. 1.41. RAILWAY HANDICAP, Of 500 sovs; six furlongs. 11—W. 11. Broad’s b g Tommy Dodo, Solferino—Kilberry, 4yrs, 7.12 (L. J. Ellis) 1 I—H. M. Speed’s b m Civility, Elysian—Civilisation, syrs, 8.7 (R. Reed) 2 3—H. B. Lorigan’s ch g Orchid, Absurd—Gladiole, aged. 8.13 (B. Morris) 3 (Winner trained by F. AY. Ellis, Invercargill.) Also started—9 Inferno 9.3 (M. McCarter), t Shirley 7.12 (F. AVaddell), 4 Merry Jest 7.9 (J. Barry), 10 Archeen 7.7 (E. Dunn), 6 Liclnius 7.7 (E. Keesing), 5 Kiilocra 7.6 (T. Green), 12 Santonio 7.6 (H. Wiggins), 8 Centrepiece 7.6 (C. Eastwood), 7 First Acre 7.4 (W. Jones). Half a length; six lengths. TINAKORI HANDICAP, Of 300 sovs; six furlongs. 1— Davies and Nicholson’s ch m Ballymoy 11., Sonning—Ballykill, 4yrs, 8.6 (AV. Ryan) 1 2C. J. Preston’s b h Benzora, Bisogne—Lady Ora, 4yrs, 8.11 (A. McCormac) 2 7—R. J. Harper’s b g Great Dav, Day Comet—Tiz, 3yrs, 7.12 (D. Watts) 3 (Winner trained by N. Cunningham, Ellerslie.) Also started—3 Receipt 8.12 (F. Voiglit), 4 Newbury King 8.9 (M. McCarten), 8 Star Shell 8.7 (L. G. Morris), 6 Serotina 8.2 (F. E. Jones), 17 Bonkleer 8.2 (R. Mackie), 5 Dobbin 8.2 (N, Goldfinch), 12 Tempean 8.1 (E. A. Keesing), 10 Bon March 7.12 (AV. Bagby), lo The Bolter 7.5 (N. Trillo), 15 Tannadice 7.3 (S. Wilson), 11 Berinthia 7.3 (H. Wiggins), 13 Gardenia 7 (C. Eastwood), 14 Thomond 7, (E. Taffe), 18 Black Mint 7 (A. Brown), 19 Motion 7 (D. Burgess), Mountain Jean 7 (T. Green) Nose; three lengths. 1.125. NOTES ON THE - RACING The ram that had fallen during the week had done the racing track good. There was no sting in it, and the going was almost perfect. With any but a good rider an the saddle Perle de Leon would have been well beaten in the opening event. Morris was very patient, made his Tun at the right , moment, and then only got in by a head. Sottano was a trifle unlucky. He was well back in the early stages, came round the whole field fast at the turn, and after hitting the front for a moment dropped back to finish a close third.

Though on the big Eonmark stripped well in the Highweight Handicap yesterday. He showed a lot of pace while his condition lasted, and it should not he’ long before he is in the limelight. Rascal did not get a smooth run in the Nursery, hut it is doubtful if he would have won in any case. For all that he was not very far away, and looked sure to improve a lot. Soatown needed the race he had in the Nursery. C. Eastwood’s first mount since his accident was Magna Charta, and he landed him a winner. Eastwood showed that he has not lost his form in the saddle. * Novar was scratched for the Thompson Handicap because the rider engaged was overweight. Rapine was in the middle of the field all the way in the Thompson, and he never had a chance of reaching the leaders. He drew a had marble at the barrier. First and second horses in the Thompson paid double figures. Royal Divorce had every chance and was not good enough on the day. Lady Ridicule was always prominent, but the long Trentham straight beat her. Alyson’s second in the Challenge Stakes was a good nerformanoe, an' l it looks as if the Rebekah filly wiTT come good. Piuthair’s was aV fine performance. She was next to fast five furlpngs from home, with the lenders at the entrance to the straight and then won, and her rider was minus an iron. Grand Knight won the Challenge Stakes like n champiorj., up to a mile only Reremoana will heat him as things stand at present. Southern horses (Baldowa and Tommy Dodd) won the two big handicaps. Bo+h pnid 'great prices. The drop in the totalisator was expected ; decreased turnovers are , in the fashion , '’ 4 « Receipt did a beautiful preliminary before the Tinakori Handicap, and was hacked for good money, but in the race she did not hold a winning :chnnce at any stage. tyvhid showed all his u«mal pace in the open sprint, but, could not keen going over the last furlong, and just struggled -into third place.

Killochra was just behind leaders nlr*the way yesterday, and he should not he long now providing he keeps sound. Bennanee bolted a mile and a half before the sfart of the Silverstream Handicap, and was withdrawn from the race. Ballvmoy 11. was on th* hig side when she won yesterday, and when hei rider took things a trifle easy in tlie straight it looked for a while as if she would he beaten, hut she fame again and just scraped home. There was nothing to spare, but she will be a better mare next time out.

Great Day ran a great race in the Silverstream Handicap and was a little bit unlucky. The best performance in the Thompson was that registered by Gold Light. Had sho got clear of the ruck a few strides sooner, she was a certain winner. . _ Scores of those who witnessed the Thompson consult-1 that Gold Light ran second. She did, hut there "as not much in it, and, after all, what judge does not slip occasionally. Pantagruel ran a fine race aB tlie way yesterday, and seems to have rediscovered the form lie lost a long time back.