TWO FILLIES FAVORED

NZ Truth, Issue 1255, 19 December 1929, Page 13

TWO FILLIES FAVORED

Praise and Gesture To Contest Northern Foal Stakes (From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Representative). There is every reason to expect a, spirited contest for the Great Northern Foal Stakes at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, and at time of writing there is no pronounced favorite.

HOWEVER, : it is ■ probable that ■Praise will be the first choice on the day, for the Ltmond filly registered her victories m attractive style at Rlccarton, and the public always expect something choice from the Mason quarter. \ Still, Praise met nothing of great account down south, while Gesture. has" four wins on end. to her credit, and has always threatened- to stay on the extra furlong required m .the Ellerslie classic. ' This Chief Ruler filly ' came from number thirteen at the barrier m her last start at Woodville to defeat Princess Betty, which hopped out. smartly, from number one, and Gesture gave her rival that day no less than 71b.; to win at the right end. • / Thus it will be a matter of sii- • perior speed if Praise is to beat Gesture — it should not be owing to Gesture failing to plug on. Big things looked likely for Royal Ruler after his Welcome Stakes success at Ellerslie. Then he suffered a cold and was away from active work until recently, which leaves some doubt as to whether he can be caught at the top.of his form. He looked all right when sprinted at Waipa. races last Saturday, but some doubt will rankle m most minds re-

garding- him, arid the race alone willtell the tale. Cylinder was being- loudly proclaimed after a final impressive rush at Feildirig, after which he failed at Woodvilld, but Woodville form was evidently not his best, and if started it muat.be taken that, trainer Jefferd shares that view. Of Chrysology it is known he 'is a flyer m private, but so far he has yet to catch the eye of the judge as a winner. Still, Davis must have some hopes If he brings the son of Desert Gold north. "; There,, are nine others remaining iii at time of writing,., including Princess Betty and Tenterden, but still their form has not been good enough to have their prospects '. considered rosy. Summing up the. whole situation, it seems wise to 'concentrate on the two fillies, which , have ' won consistently, but,, m doing this,, punters will have to risk Royal Ruler not being caught at: his best, for at his best he is a classy colt. However, when they are reaching out for the judge it seems that the pan to be m the final fight will be Praise [and Gesture. ■ ■ ,